Emirates Draw turns to new verticals after UAE Lottery licence decision

Emirates Draw is turning its attention to other gaming verticals after it was overlooked for the UAE Lottery.

“We remain interested in applying for the second lottery licence and other gaming opportunities,” Emirates Draw said in a statement shared with iGB. It will also shift its weekly draws to an AI-powered random number generator (RNG).

UAE lottery leaders miss out on licence

Mahzooz operator Ewings, the UAE’s other leading lottery business, was quick to respond to the GCGRA decision awarding the UAE Lottery licence to The Game LLC. It said on Monday (29 July) that it would pivot into other gaming verticals. 

Emirates Draw, on the other hand, took a few days to respond. Like Mahzooz, it paused UAE operations from 1 January upon request from the GCGRA and submitted its application by the regulator’s deadline. 

“We respect and commend the UAE government’s dedication to establishing regulated gaming industry standards that protect consumers and ensure fairness and transparency,” it said. 

“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 commitment to making a meaningful difference fuels our passion every day.”

Emirates Draw launching AI-powered RNG draws
While it alluded to applying for a second lottery licence, Emirates Draw will also apply for licences covering other gaming opportunities. This would “expand our impact and further solidify Emirates Draw’s reputation as a leading global gaming entity”, it said. 

Earlier today (2 August) the operator announced it was committed to continuing its global operations. It is transitioning its weekly live draws to an “AI-powered random number generator”, which will ensure “the same level of fairness and transparency our players expect”. 

Emirates Draw will continue to run raffles, operated by companies such as Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free, with its Mega7 prize updated to AED100,000. 

Second chance draw?
While Emirates Draw alluded to a secondary lottery licence, all reports and announcements from the UAE to date suggest only one is available.

A source close to the process did previously suggest to iGB that there may be scope for sublicensing. Others say there has been no mention of multiple licensees or sublicensing in numerous conversations with UAE gambling regulator the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), however. 

It may be the case that applicants can apply to operate in other verticals if they were unsuccessful in the lottery process, or sell UAE Lottery products. The GCGRA’s intake form covers sports wagering, internet gaming and lottery retailer licences. 

iGB understands there was an AED1m (£213,365/€250,708/$272,294) fee to apply for a lottery licence. Emirates Draw and Mahzooz both applied, as did raffle operator Big Ticket.

Two international lottery operators were credited with an interest in running the UAE Lottery. iGB has contacted each company for clarity.