The UAE Lottery earns a key global benchmark as player numbers and prize payouts grow
“Dubai: The UAE Lottery operator has achieved an important international responsible gaming certification, representing a significant step in the governance and management of the country’s only licensed lottery as participation continues to rise.”
The Game LLC, a World Lottery Association member and operator of The UAE Lottery, has achieved Level 2 certification under the WLA Responsible Gaming Framework, with support from DigitalRG.
As the only licensed lottery operator in the UAE to reach this certification level, the company is advancing from basic commitments to a structured, accountable responsible gaming program integrated across its operations.
A spokesperson for The UAE Lottery said:
“This certification marks a significant step forward in how The UAE Lottery is operated, with responsible play fully embedded as the program continues to grow. Following our membership in the World Lottery Association, we focused on strengthening our alignment with international best practices, culminating in the achievement of WLA Responsible Gaming Level 2 certification. As the UAE’s first and only federally licensed lottery under the GCGRA, this certification underscores our commitment to robust player safeguards and continuous improvement. Our goal is simple: to keep the experience exciting while ensuring players have the guidance and support they need.”
Building trust as participation grows
Since its launch, The UAE Lottery has attracted over 800,000 players nationwide and paid out more than Dh165 million in prizes. Weekly draws have become a regular fixture, driving ongoing engagement and repeat participation. With this growth comes greater scrutiny, and achieving Level 2 certification is widely recognized across the lottery sector as a benchmark for responsible player engagement.
The framework is designed to bolster consumer confidence, especially in rapidly growing lottery markets. For players, it provides clearer safeguards, enhanced education, and well-defined support mechanisms, all while preserving the entertainment value of the game.
What the certification covered
The Level 2 assessment was conducted by an independent panel following a thorough self-assessment and gap analysis. Evaluators examined how The Game LLC plans to enhance its responsible gaming program and how these plans are translated into operational priorities.
The submission addressed multiple areas aligned with WLA principles, including responsible gaming research, employee training, retailer programs, game design, remote sales channels, player education, treatment referral pathways, stakeholder engagement, and reporting and measurement.
Regulated framework in the UAE
The UAE Lottery operates under the oversight of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, the country’s federal commercial gaming regulator. The Game LLC was awarded the UAE’s first national lottery licence in July 2024, with the lottery officially launching in November of the same year.
Achieving Level 2 certification places the operator among a select group globally that have advanced beyond entry-level responsible gaming standards, at a time when both player participation and prize pools are expanding in the UAE market.
