In a historic move, regulators in the UAE approved the nation’s first lottery license and publicizing comprehensive casino and gambling regulations. This landmark decision positions the UAE to become the first Gulf state to legalize gaming. 

The newly established General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) will oversee the industry, with plans to license casinos, slot machines, and poker tables across all seven emirates.

While the first lottery license has been granted to The Game, a local gaming operator, the framework for casino licenses is now in place, suggesting that brick-and-mortar gambling establishments could soon become a reality.

Strict regulations ensure responsible gambling. Operators must implement deposit limits, cooling-off periods, and player education programs. The GCGRA will also conduct regular audits to maintain industry standards.

The GCGRA has established several key rules for players:

Players must engage only with licensed operators, as dealing with unlicensed entities, including lottery operators, is illegal and can lead to severe penalties.

Players are encouraged to use tools provided by operators and the GCGRA to manage their gaming activities and set limits on time and money spent. Support services are also available for those struggling with their gaming behavior.

Operators will implement deposit limits daily, weekly, and monthly, defining the maximum amount a player can deposit within a given timeframe. 

Additionally, “cooling off periods” will be available for online gaming, allowing players to restrict access to gaming platforms for at least 72 hours upon request.