UAE Issue First Every Lottery License & Launch Gaming Regulator Website

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a leap forward by approving the nation’s first lottery licence and at the same time unveiling a comprehensive set of regulations governing casino and gambling activities.

The development in the UAE’s gaming landscape is the launch of the official website of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Previously operating under a password-protected platform, has now emerged as the the country’s gaming regulator.

The GCGRA’s vision, as articulated by its chairman Jim Murren, is to create a “disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities” and nurture a “secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.” This commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight is a testament to the UAE’s strategic approach to the gaming industry.

The GCGRA has provided a clear definition of “Commercial Gaming,” encompassing any game of chance or a combination of chance and skill where money or cash equivalents are wagered for the purpose of winning a monetary or other valuable prize. This broad definition paves the way for the regulation of lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based gaming facilities, including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and craps.

In a ground-breaking move, the GCGRA has granted the UAE’s first lottery licence to The Game, a commercial gaming operator specializing in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content.

The establishment of the licensing framework for gaming operators suggests that casinos could soon become a reality in the UAE. While no property has yet been publicly granted a gaming licence, the regulatory environment is now in place, allowing for the potential expansion of casino operations across the seven emirates.

A key component of the GCGRA’s regulations is the mandate for gaming operators to implement a “Socially Responsible Gaming Programme” in accordance with the Responsible Gaming (RG) Framework. This includes player education, responsible marketing, employee training, and evaluation plans to measure the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Businesses with a gaming licence will be subject to audits every two years by the GCGRA to ensure compliance with the regulatory requirements. 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.

To further safeguard player interests, the GCGRA mandates that gaming operators offer deposit limits on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, as well as implement “cooling off periods” for online gaming, allowing players to restrict access to gaming platforms for a minimum of 72 hours upon request.