Dubai, UAE – January 3, 2024 – In a surprising turn of events, Emirates Draw, a prominent raffle operator in the UAE, has decided to temporarily halt its operations in compliance with the latest directives from the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This move, effective January 1, 2024, follows closely on the heels of a similar decision by Mahzooz, marking a significant development in the UAE’s gaming landscape.
The announcement came on New Year’s Eve through a late-night statement from Emirates Draw, revealing their intention to pause activities to implement “exciting upgrades” aligned with the regulatory guidelines. This comes just after the operator had unveiled a staggering Dh200 million jackpot, the largest prize money ever offered in a UAE raffle.
Regulatory Compliance Drives Temporary Pause
Emirates Draw emphasized its commitment to adhering to the new directives from the regulatory authority, indicating a shared industry-wide mandate. The move appears to be a strategic decision to enhance the overall gaming experience for participants.
The operator outlined the specifics of the pause in an updated FAQ on its website, stating, “We will be pausing the sale of tickets in the UAE after December 31, 2023, until further notice from the regulator.” This pause, however, applies exclusively to new registrations from within the UAE, in accordance with regulatory directives affecting their ability to accept new entries.
Assurance for Prize Winners
Addressing concerns about the impact on prize winners, Emirates Draw provided reassurance. Responding to inquiries, the company affirmed that all past winners, regardless of the prize amount, would be able to withdraw their winnings in full.
“Absolutely. Every prize, whether small or big can be withdrawn and paid in full,” stated the company. It further clarified that customers could request the withdrawal of any remaining account balance, with no minimum amount, even after the pause date of December 31, 2023. Customers were assured that their accounts would remain active during the operational pause, and any balances would be secure until the resumption of operations or until they decided to make a withdrawal.
Emirates Draw’s Impactful Journey
Since its launch in 2021, Emirates Draw has emerged as a significant player in the UAE’s gaming scene. The operator has celebrated seven millionaires and awarded over Dh166 million in prizes to more than 800,000 winners. Notably, the company has also contributed to environmental causes by planting over 17,000 coral fragments to restore marine life in the UAE.
The decision to temporarily suspend operations aligns with the broader changes in regulations governing gaming activities, initiated with the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in the UAE.
In conclusion, Emirates Draw’s hiatus presents a unique opportunity for the operator to revamp its offerings and elevate the gaming experience for its participants. As the industry undergoes regulatory shifts, players can anticipate a more robust and exciting return when operations resume.
