The UAE's new General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has issued the country's first UAE lottery licence, awarding it to The Game LLC on 28 July 2024. The company will operate under the UAE Lottery brand name, offering a range of games designed to suit different interests and budgets — a milestone that signals the formal start of a regulated commercial gaming sector in the region.
GCGRA Awards UAE's First Lottery Licence
The GCGRA, established in September 2023, issued the licence on a Sunday, describing it as a critical step in building a properly regulated online commercial gaming industry in the UAE. The Game LLC is now authorised to run lottery services across the country under strict oversight from the authority.
GCGRA Chairman Jim Murren said: "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."
GCGRA CEO Kevin Mullally added that the regulatory programme was designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of all commercial gaming activities in the country, including lottery games. "The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight," he said.
Consumer Protection at the Core of UAE Gaming Regulation
Central to the GCGRA's approach is consumer protection. The authority aims to adopt world-leading practices in regulatory oversight and provide players with tools to monitor and manage their own gaming activity responsibly. It is also investing in new technologies to develop games that are both secure and entertaining — driving consumer-focused innovation in the UAE gaming sector.
This licensing comes after the UAE Lottery paused its prize draws earlier in 2024 while the GCGRA worked to establish a solid legal framework. The authority has made clear that participation in unlicensed commercial gaming activities is illegal and subject to strict enforcement action.
Scope of Commercial Gaming in the UAE
The GCGRA is the sole organisation legally authorised to regulate, license, and oversee all commercial gaming in the UAE. Its jurisdiction covers:
- Lotteries - Online gaming - Sports betting - Land-based integrated resorts and casino facilities
Under the GCGRA's definition, "commercial gaming" encompasses any game of chance — or combination of chance and skill — in which money is accepted for the purpose of betting on an outcome.
A Model for the Broader Region
The UAE Lottery is expected to serve as the benchmark for how other games of chance will be conducted and regulated across the Gulf, offering a safe and transparent environment for all participants. With The Game LLC now licenced under the GCGRA framework, the UAE moves into a new era of accountable, growth-oriented commercial gaming.
