UAE GCGRA suspended all lottery providers in UAE for unspecified duration

The United Arab Emirates' newly established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has immediately asserted its influence in the region. Effective January 1, the authority has directed all gaming operators, including prominent lottery providers like Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, to halt their operations. The duration of this suspension remains unspecified.

Emirates Draw, in a New Year’s Eve post on Facebook, expressed compliance with the GCGRA's guidelines: "To elevate your gaming experience and align with the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority's (GCGRA) latest directives, we've momentarily ceased our activities from January 1st, 2024. Our goal is to contribute to a well-regulated gaming landscape in the UAE. Exciting updates are on the horizon!"

Similarly, Mahzooz updated its FAQs to reflect this industry-wide change, attributing the pause to the Regulatory Authority's new mandate for a more regulated gaming environment in the UAE.

The duration of this interruption is yet to be disclosed by either company. While Mahzooz has suspended its operations for all players, Emirates Draw's pause is limited to customers in the UAE. Paul Chader, the head of commercial at Emirates Draw, voiced his approval of the GCGRA to the local press, noting that the suspension presently affects only UAE-based players, in accordance with regulatory requirements. The differing approaches of these two companies highlight the current regulatory ambiguity regarding permissible activities.

The GCGRA, formed only in the latter part of the previous year, is actively reshaping the gaming sector. Its mission is to foster a socially responsible

gaming environment, ensuring adherence to local regulations and the highest standards. Historically, gambling has been largely prohibited in the UAE, but lottery companies have operated under specific exceptions granted by the Ministry of Economy. This recent development signals a potential shift, suggesting the likelihood of a new licensing framework being introduced in the near future.