Will the UAE Have a Sole National Lottery OperatorInsights from Mahzooz and Emirates Draw

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the UAE has been receiving applications for the national lottery license, with both Mahzooz and Emirates Draw competing for the coveted spot. Mahzooz, managed by Ewings, and Emirates Draw, both prominent in the UAEs lottery and gaming scene, have each made strong cases for their candidacy.

 Mahzooz has emphasized its track record over the past three years, including creating 66 millionaires and awarding over Dh500 million in prizes.

 Theyve highlighted their existing customer base, infrastructure, and team of international experts as key strengths. Emirates Draw, on the other hand, has distributed over Dh168 million in prizes to more than 800,000 winners in less than three years.

 Theyve emphasized their diverse game portfolio, robust IT infrastructure, and internationally recognized machines, which they believe make them an ideal candidate. 

Both companies temporarily paused operations as of January 1, 2024, in compliance with directives from the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority. 

However, other firms like Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free continue to operate normally. The GCGRA is expected to announce the winning bid for the national lottery license within the first quarter of 2024.

 This move towards a single national lottery operator is part of the UAEs broader effort to regulate and streamline the gaming and lottery sector, aiming to ensure a responsible and ethical gaming environment. 

The eventual winner of the license will likely have to demonstrate not only financial viability and robust infrastructure but also a commitment to ethical business practices and a focus on the human aspect of gaming