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.

With tickets available through the lottery's official website since Tuesday, the UAE Lottery promises a grand prize of 100 million dirham (US$27.2 million) for its inaugural draw on December 14.

Unlike previous small-scale lotteries operating in legal grey areas, this new national lottery is fully sanctioned by the government and open to all residents, regardless of nationality. This inclusivity is particularly noteworthy given the Islamic prohibition on gambling, which traditionally describes games of chance as forbidden.

The launch reflects the UAE's broader economic diversification strategy as it prepares for a post-oil future. The government recently established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in September 2023, awarding the lottery contract to Abu Dhabi-based The Game LLC in July.

This development coincides with Wynn Resorts' plans to construct a $5.1 billion integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in 2027. If casino gambling is legalized, the UAE's considerable wealth could potentially position it to surpass Singapore's gambling revenues.

While gambling beyond the lottery remains illegal in the UAE, this initiative represents a significant shift in the region's gaming landscape, where only Morocco, Egypt, and Lebanon currently operate limited, foreigner-only casino facilities.

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