The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued its first-ever lottery license to The Game LLC, a notable development in the country’s gaming sector. According to the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), this move is a critical step in establishing a well-regulated gaming environment in the UAE, grounded in principles of transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and responsible gaming practices.

Operating under the brand name UAE Lottery, The Game LLC will offer various lottery options and other gaming services to consumers. Industry experts view this licensing as a significant move towards further legalization of gambling in the UAE. Analysts from Bloomberg Intelligence estimate that the legalization of the gambling industry and the development of gaming resorts could attract millions of foreign tourists, contributing an amount equivalent to 1.3% of the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Additionally, Wynn Resorts, a publicly traded American company, has received permission to construct a $3.9 billion integrated resort with a casino in Ras Al Khaimah, marking the first of its kind in the Middle East.