UAE Authorities Withhold Emirates Draw's X Account Amid Legal Compliance Issues

Lottery operator Emirates Draw has had its X account withheld in the UAE due to a legal demand. X usually withholds accounts in response to legal requirements, such as court orders.

Additionally, the Emirates Draw website is not accessible within the UAE. According to X, some accounts are withheld in response to a “valid and properly scoped request from an authorised entity.”

This action comes just days after authorities granted an Abu Dhabi-based company the licence to operate the UAE’s first authorised lottery.

The Game LLC is currently the only authorised lottery in the UAE and will operate under the name 'UAE Lottery'. The specific types of games it will offer have not yet been disclosed.

Other Gaming Opportunities

Meanwhile, it is learned that Emirates Draw is keen to apply for "other gaming opportunities" following the UAE's announcement of the country's first licensed lottery operator.

The company stated: "We respect and commend the UAE government's dedication to establishing regulated gaming industry standards that protect consumers and ensure fairness and transparency."

"In almost three years, we have awarded over $50 million in prizes to nearly one million players while supporting community initiatives and environmental causes. This commitment to making a meaningful difference fuels our passion every day," said Emirates Draw

Unlawful Gaming

In its announcement, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) stated that “engaging in, operating, or facilitating” commercial gaming activities without a valid licence is unlawful and will result in legal action, including “criminal penalties.”

Participation in activities offered by unlicensed operators, whether online or at physical venues, is illegal and may subject individuals to “severe penalties.”

Raffle draw operators like Emirates Draw and Mahzooz paused their UAE operations from January 1, 2024, in compliance with GCGRA directives. In the same month, Mahzooz announced that there would be only one national lottery operator in the UAE.

Ewings, the operator of Mahzooz, expressed its disappointment at not receiving the licence but stated it respects the “selection process and the government's commitment to setting standards within the industry.”

“Although we have not been awarded the UAE's first authorised lottery, we are planning exciting new ventures and look forward to sharing more details soon.”

Established in September last year, the GCGRA is an independent executive entity within the UAE federal government that regulates, licences, and supervises all commercial gaming activities and facilities in the country.

Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA has a team of experts in commercial gaming regulation, financial crime prevention, gaming technology, law enforcement, responsible gaming, and other related domains. 

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