The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE gambling regulator, has issued a key warning to stakeholders and players over engagement with unlicensed operators.
Central to the warning from the UAE regulator is around the increased threats that players expose themselves to when they play with unlicensed operators. These include financial loss, becoming the victims of cheating or fraud, having personal data stolen or misused, increasing the risk of malware, phishing, or other cybersecurity threats, and being implicated in a regulatory or criminal investigation and the subsequent reputational damage.
Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, commented: “The GCGRA is committed to ensuring a safe and legal gaming environment in the UAE.”
He urged consumers to “Stay vigilant and informed, to protect yourself from the risks associated with illegal gaming. Your adherence to the law not only safeguards your personal and financial security but also upholds the integrity of our community. If you choose to play, do so only with licensed operators.
“These unlicensed businesses have not had their technology or games independently evaluated for fairness or security. They are not required to act responsibly or incorporate basic consumer protection. They are not subject to advertising regulations and lack any oversight of their finances, including having reserves for prize payouts and complying with anti-money laundering laws.
“Consumers are strongly advised to avoid unlicensed operators to protect themselves from adverse consequences. Similarly, advertisers, payment processors, and other service providers that support these businesses risk sanctions and potential consequences affecting their ability to operate in the UAE.”
The GCGRA has granted just a single lottery license to The Game, LLC, which operates as The UAE Lottery.
Additionally, the Federal Law by Decree establishing the GCGRA, permits certain preexisting lottery activities to continue. Within this framework, only Big Ticket and Dubai Duty Free – airport lotteries that have been operating for approximately 30 years – are authorised to continue operations under the supervision of the GCGRA.
The warning comes at a pivotal phase regarding the future of the UAE’s gaming framework. The industry is awaiting clarity on what the framework will look like and who the key players in the market will be, as regulatory developments continue to unfold in 2025.
