UAE rolls the dice with first lottery licence, unveils new gaming rules

Regulators in the UAE made a historic move on Sunday by approving the nation’s first lottery licence and publicising comprehensive casino and gambling regulations.

This landmark decision positions the UAE to become the first Gulf state to legalise gaming, marking a significant shift in the region’s economic and entertainment landscape.

Commercial gaming

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has launched its official website, which had previously been password-protected.

The website outlines the future of gaming in the UAE, including the issuance of casino licences and plans for slot machines and poker tables.

The application form for a gaming licence allows applicants to choose from all seven emirates, indicating that gaming could potentially extend across the entire UAE, beyond just Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.

Additionally, the GCGRA website lists the “Responsible Gaming Minimum Requirements’.

GCGRA’s vision

Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, stated in a press release, “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”

According to the GCGRA, “Commercial Gaming refers to any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered – ie placed as a bet – for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items.”

The GCGRA will regulate lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities, which will include games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and craps.

Current licence status

As of now, only one licence has been approved: the lottery licence awarded to The Game, a commercial gaming operator specialising in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content. The announcement was made in a press release published on the GCGRA website.

Prospects for casinos

The licensing framework for gaming operators is now operational, suggesting that casinos could soon become a reality in the UAE.

However, no property has yet been publicly granted a gaming licence. Businesses with a gaming licence will be subject to audits every two years by the GCGRA to ensure compliance.

Socially responsible gaming

The GCGRA mandates that gaming operators implement a “Socially Responsible Gaming Programme” in accordance with its Responsible Gaming (RG) Framework.

This includes player education, responsible marketing, employee training, and evaluation plans to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives. Each licensed business must appoint a key person responsible for maintaining these efforts.

Additionally, operators must establish a “qualifying domestic entity” (QDE) in the UAE or have a relationship with one, defined as any UAE company with substantial business operations in the jurisdiction.

Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, reaffirmed “The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery games. It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity.”

“Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”

Laws for players

The GCGRA has established several rules for players:

• Playing with licensed operators only: Engaging with unlicensed operators, including lottery operators, is illegal and may result in severe penalties.
• Staying informed: Players should understand the games they play, including the odds and risks involved.
• Managing time and money: Players are encouraged to use tools provided by operators and the GCGRA to set limits on their gaming activities.
• Utilising available support: Support services are available for players facing difficulties with their gaming behaviour.
• Voluntary self-exclusion: Players can opt for self-exclusion programs to take breaks from gaming activities.

Player management

Operators will offer deposit limits on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, specifying the maximum amount a player can deposit within a given period.

“Cooling off periods” will also be implemented for online gaming, allowing players to restrict access to gaming platforms for a minimum of 72 hours if requested.

The UAE’s step towards legalised gaming reflects its broader economic and social strategy, aiming to enhance its position as a leading global destination.

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