The United Arab Emirates has launched its first federally licensed national lottery, marking a significant milestone as the only country in the Arabian Peninsula to offer fully legal lottery gaming.

Tickets for the UAE Lottery began selling on Tuesday, featuring a grand prize of 100 million dirham (US$27.2 million). The first draw is scheduled for December 14, with tickets available through the official lottery website.

Unlike previous small-scale lotteries operating in legal grey areas, this new national lottery is fully sanctioned by the government and open to all UAE residents, regardless of nationality. This inclusive approach represents a notable shift in a region where gambling is traditionally forbidden under Islamic law.

The launch follows the UAE's establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in September 2023. The lottery contract was awarded to Abu Dhabi-based The Game LLC in July, potentially serving as a test case for future gaming expansion.

This development aligns with the UAE's economic diversification efforts and comes as Wynn Resorts plans a $5.1 billion integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027. If casino gambling is legalized, industry experts suggest the UAE could potentially surpass Singapore in gaming revenues, given the region's considerable wealth.

While gambling beyond the lottery remains illegal in the UAE, this initiative signals a possible shift in the country's approach to gaming entertainment, balancing traditional values with economic development goals.

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