UAE Raffles and Prize Draws Put On Hold From January 1
Players who hope to hit the jackpot on any of the UAE’s raffles and draws will have to put their dreams on hold as operators have been instructed to pause business from Monday.
Previously, residents have been able to win anything from a few dirhams to Dh200 million with companies such as Mahzooz, Emirates Draw, Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free.
“In compliance with applicable commercial gaming regulations, Mahzooz will temporarily pause operations from January 1st, 2024,” the operator said.
“The pause is a result of an industry-wide mandate consistent with the regulators’ new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the United Arab Emirates.”
In September, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority was established in the UAE.
There is no set date for when the raffles will begin operating again.
Paul Chader, Head of Commercial at Emirates Draw, said they were “very pleased” at the introduction of the GCGRA.
“We look forward to working with them in establishing a well-regulated gaming environment in the UAE,” he said.
“To that effect we are temporarily pausing our activities in the UAE as of January 1, 2024, assuring all our customers that we will be showing a duty of care towards the protection of all their prize awards outstanding.”
Article No 355 of UAE law considers all forms of gambling a criminal offence. It includes lotteries and punishments that could result in imprisonment, fines, or both.
Some exceptions to the lottery laws in the UAE have meant that some companies authorised under the Ministry of Economy have been permitted to conduct raffles and prize draws.
