GCGRA Highlights Legal Risks, Financial Losses, and Cyber Threats Linked to Illegal Lotteries and Gambling.
Pavitra Shetty
Published on December 20, 2024, 13:06:32
Engaging in unlicensed lottery or gambling activities in the UAE carries significant risks, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has warned. These risks include fraud, financial loss, and lack of consumer protection. The UAE’s strict laws prohibit both operating and participating in unlicensed gambling activities, with violators facing severe penalties.
The UAE enforces stringent penalties for unauthorized gambling. Players can face fines of up to Dh50,000, while individuals running gambling operations may be fined at least Dh100,000 and jailed for up to 10 years.
The GCGRA identified six major risks associated with engaging in illegal gambling:
No consumer protection: Players have no legal recourse for unfair practices or non-payment.
Financial loss: Manipulated game outcomes and deceptive tactics by unlicensed operators can lead to significant financial losses.
Fraud and scams: Illegal operators often collect sensitive personal and financial data, which can be exploited for fraudulent activities.
Cybersecurity threats: Participants risk exposure to malware and phishing attacks through unverified platforms.
Reputational damage: Regulatory investigations can tarnish the reputations of those involved in illegal gambling.
Increased crime rates: Unlicensed gaming is often linked to organized crime, money laundering, and human trafficking.
The GCGRA urges residents to verify an operator’s licensing status on its official website before participating in any gambling activities. It also warns against sharing personal or financial information with unlicensed platforms.
Protect yourself by adhering to the law. Playing with licensed operators ensures fairness, security, and compliance with regulations. Unlicensed operators lack oversight, consumer protection measures, and financial accountability. Avoid these platforms to prevent adverse consequences.
Mullally also highlighted risks to advertisers, payment processors, and service providers that support illegal operators, warning that they too could face penalties and operational restrictions in the UAE.
Residents are encouraged to report unlicensed gambling operations to the GCGRA at enforcement@gcgra.gov.ae.
As of December 9, the GCGRA has licensed five companies:
Wynn Resorts for a gaming facility in Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island.
The Game LLC to operate The UAE Lottery.
Vendor licences awarded to Aristocrat Technologies Europe, Smartplay International Inc, and PayBy Technology Projects LLC.
The GCGRA clarified that no internet gaming or sports wagering licences have been issued as of yet. Conducting or facilitating commercial gaming without a valid licence remains illegal and is punishable under UAE law. This prohibition extends to operators, employees, and third-party service providers, as well as individuals participating in these activities, whether online or in physical venues.
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