Emirates Draw shifts focus after UAE Lottery licence decision

Emirates Draw Shifts Focus to New Gaming Verticals Following UAE Lottery Decision

In light of being overlooked for the UAE Lottery license, Emirates Draw is now exploring other gaming opportunities within the sector. “We remain interested in applying for the second lottery licence and other gaming opportunities,” the operator stated in a recent announcement shared with iGB. Additionally, the company plans to transition its weekly draws to utilize an AI-powered random number generator (RNG), enhancing transparency and fairness.

UAE Lottery License: A Competitive Landscape

The announcement from Emirates Draw follows the decision by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to award the coveted UAE Lottery license to The Game LLC, leaving other contenders, including Mahzooz, to rethink their strategies. Mahzooz’s operator, Ewings, swiftly declared its intent to expand into alternative gaming verticals, while Emirates Draw took a moment to carefully assess its next steps.

Both companies paused their UAE operations starting January 1 at the request of the GCGRA, complying with regulatory timelines. In its response, Emirates Draw expressed respect for the UAE government’s commitment to establishing a regulated gaming environment that prioritizes consumer protection, fairness, and transparency. “In almost three years, we have awarded over $50 million in prizes to nearly one million players, while also supporting community initiatives and environmental causes. This dedication to making a meaningful difference fuels our passion every day,” the statement emphasized.

Innovating with AI-Powered RNG Draws

In a strategic pivot, Emirates Draw is moving beyond traditional lottery operations. The operator is actively pursuing additional licenses to diversify its offerings. “This expansion will solidify Emirates Draw’s reputation as a leading global gaming entity,” the company highlighted. On August 2, Emirates Draw announced its commitment to maintaining robust global operations, transitioning its weekly live draws to an “AI-powered random number generator” that promises the same level of fairness and transparency that players expect.

Alongside its lottery initiatives, Emirates Draw plans to continue running popular raffles in collaboration with established partners such as Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free. The Mega7 prize has also seen an increase, now reaching AED100,000, further incentivizing participation.

The Potential for a Second Chance Draw?

While discussions about a secondary lottery license have surfaced, current reports indicate that the GCGRA is only offering a single license at this time. Insights from sources familiar with the process suggest that there may be options for sublicensing; however, no official confirmation has been released. Conversations with the GCGRA have not indicated support for multiple licensees or sublicensing, leading to speculation that applicants may need to explore other verticals if unsuccessful in securing a lottery license or consider selling UAE Lottery products.

The GCGRA’s guidelines cover various gaming sectors, including sports wagering, internet gaming, and lottery retailer licenses, underscoring the diverse opportunities within the UAE’s regulatory framework. Notably, the application fee for the lottery license was set at AED1 million (approximately £213,365/€250,708/$272,294). Both Emirates Draw and Mahzooz, along with raffle operators like Big Ticket, submitted applications for this competitive process.

The landscape of the UAE Lottery has drawn interest from international operators, indicating a vibrant and evolving market. iGB has reached out to these companies for further clarification regarding their interest in the UAE Lottery.

As Emirates Draw and its competitors adapt to the changing regulatory environment, the focus on innovative technology and new gaming avenues may redefine the gambling experience in the UAE, making it a dynamic market to watch.