UAE Lottery Launches Ticket Sales Ahead of Inaugural Draw

The UAE Lottery, the first licensed gambling operation in the United Arab Emirates, has officially launched ticket sales in anticipation of its debut draw on 14th December 2024.

Tickets for the AED100 million Lucky Day draw are now available, priced at AED50 (£10.80/€12.90/$13.60). Additionally, a range of scratchcards is on offer, with prices ranging from AED5 to AED50 and prizes spanning from AED50,000 to AED1 million.

Participation is restricted to individuals aged 18 and over, and tickets are exclusively available online to customers physically located in the UAE.

About the UAE Lottery

The lottery is operated by The Game, an Abu Dhabi-based subsidiary of gaming and entertainment company Momentum. The Game secured the UAE Lottery licence in July 2024 from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), outpacing competitors Emirates Draw and Mahzooz, which are now exploring other business avenues.

Smartplay International, a renowned provider for global lottery draws, obtained a UAE vendor licence in October and is believed to be powering the UAE Lottery’s draw system.

Leadership and Vision

The UAE Lottery is directed by Bishop Woosley, the former head of the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery. With over a decade of experience in the lottery industry, including a tenure as president of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, Woosley joined Momentum in August 2024 to lead the UAE Lottery’s operations.

Speaking about the launch, Woosley said:

"Our mission at The UAE Lottery is to inspire people to dream big, aligning with our slogan, ‘Dare to Imagine’.

“We aim to create exciting experiences while promoting responsible play. Following a rigorous GCGRA evaluation, our team remains committed to ensuring that all operations meet global standards, guaranteeing fairness and transparency from the draw process to the selection of winners.”

A Milestone for the UAE

The UAE Lottery marks a significant milestone for the region, introducing regulated gambling for the first time. With its focus on innovation, responsible play, and transparency, the lottery aims to set a new standard for gaming operations in the UAE.