The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body overseeing commercial gaming activities in the United Arab Emirates, announced today the award of the first authorized lottery license to The Game LLC. This milestone marks a significant step in establishing a well-regulated commercial gaming sector in the UAE, built on principles of transparency, accountability, consumer protection, and responsible gaming practices.

A New Era for UAE Gaming

The license, awarded to The Game LLC, a commercial gaming operator specializing in game development, lottery operations, and gaming-related content, signifies the launch of the ‘UAE Lottery’. Under this banner, The Game LLC will offer a diverse range of lottery games tailored to players’ varied interests and financial preferences. The selection of The Game LLC coincides with the GCGRA launching its official website, providing insights into its board and executive team.

Jim Murren, the Chairman of the GCGRA, heralded the event as pivotal: “The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”

Regulatory Framework and Consumer Protection

Kevin Mullally, CEO of the GCGRA, emphasized the authority’s commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight: “The GCGRA is steadfast in its commitment to global best practices in consumer protection and regulatory oversight. Our regulatory framework is designed to ensure the integrity, fairness, and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the UAE, which include lottery games. It also provides consumers with a comprehensive set of tools to monitor and manage their gaming activity. Additionally, we are leveraging new technologies to foster the creation of safe, entertaining games and drive consumer-focused innovation.”

The GCGRA has developed a comprehensive regulatory framework aimed at protecting consumers and the legitimate interests of all stakeholders. Engaging in, conducting, or facilitating commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and exposes offenders to severe penalties. Playing as a consumer via unlicensed operators is also illegal under the GCGRA framework.

The GCGRA’s website details comprehensive licensing procedures, including land-based gaming facilities, indicating potential plans for integrated resorts (IRs) in the UAE. The regulatory framework defines commercial gaming broadly, encompassing slots, table games, lottery, internet gaming, and sports wagering. This development is expected to alleviate skepticism within the investment community regarding the legalization of commercial gaming in the UAE.

Market Response and Future Prospects

The announcement of The Game LLC as the UAE Lottery operator coincides with the launch of the GCGRA’s official website, which provides a clear view of the board and executive team tasked with bringing lottery, land-based, and online gaming to the United Arab Emirates. The GCGRA, established in September 2023, now confirms its full board of directors and C-level executives across all key functions.

CBRE analysts have noted that the regulation of lotteries was anticipated, given the UAE’s history of grey market operations and existing customer acceptance. They suggest that opportunities for larger international lottery operators to establish partnerships in the UAE remain viable, consistent with practices in other global lottery jurisdictions. The GCGRA’s detailed and thorough licensing process is expected to be well-received by investors seeking transparency in this expanding market.

The GCGRA’s recent progress, including the awarding of the first lottery license, the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework, and the launch of its official website, marks a significant milestone in legitimizing and adding transparency to the UAE’s commercial gaming industry. With a focus on protecting consumers and ensuring the integrity of gaming activities, the UAE is positioned to become a highly attractive global gaming market.

Source:

Press Release – The GCGRA awards License for UAE Lottery, gcgra.gov.ae, July 28, 2024.

The post UAE Awards First Lottery License appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially approved its first gaming license and unveiled comprehensive new regulations governing the casino and gambling industries.

This landmark decision positions the UAE as the pioneer in legalising gaming within the Gulf region.

On Sunday, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) revealed its detailed regulatory framework, which had been under wraps until now.

The new guidelines establish a structured approach to managing various gaming activities, including the issuance of casino licenses, oversight of slot machines, and regulation of poker tables.

Jim Murren, Chairman of the GCGRA, underscored the significance of this development.

“The launch of the UAE Lottery is a pivotal event that not only establishes a disciplined regulatory framework for lottery activities but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering a secure and sophisticated commercial gaming environment in the UAE,” Murren stated.

The regulations encompass a broad spectrum of gaming activities, from lotteries and internet gaming to sports betting and land-based casinos. The GCGRA’s website now lists the types of games to be regulated, such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps.

As of now, only one license has been granted: The Game LLC has been approved to operate the UAE Lottery.

This company, specialising in lottery operations and game development, is the sole entity authorised to offer gaming services under the new rules.

Consequently, established lottery operators like Mahzooz and Big Ticket will need to cease their activities until they meet the new licensing requirements.

While the regulatory framework for casinos is now established, no casino properties have yet been licensed.

However, excitement is growing around major projects such as Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is anticipated to be the first to secure a gaming license by its expected 2027 opening.

Other potential entrants include Atlantis Dubai and MGM Dubai, both of which are exploring opportunities in the UAE’s emerging gaming market.

Wynn Resorts, in partnership with RAK Hospitality, is poised to play a significant role in this new sector.

Wynn CEO Craig Billings has hinted at future developments, including additional hotels and a new “Marjan Strip” concept around Wynn Al Marjan Island.

According to analysts at CBRE, the UAE’s casino sector could eventually generate up to US$8.5 billion in revenue, driven by the country’s robust tourism infrastructure and luxury market.

CBRE’s John Decree said that “the UAE represents one of the most compelling opportunities in global gaming”.

To ensure responsible gaming, the GCGRA has implemented several regulations, including mandatory cooling-off periods for online gaming, deposit-limit tools, and self-exclusion programs.

The authority also stresses the importance of engaging only with licensed operators and staying informed about gaming risks.

The post UAE Releases Gambling Regulations, Grants First Lottery License appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Maryland Lottery and Gaming published information about the financial performance of the state’s six casinos in February 2024. According to the regulator, revenue remained more or less stable.

The authority said that the six casinos have reported a total gaming revenue of $159.22 million for February. This figure represents a modest 1.4% year-on-year increase from February 2023, when the casinos declared revenue of $157 million.

However, fiscal year to date revenue, representing the period from July through February experienced a slight decline. Whereas Maryland’s casinos reported revenue of $1.37 billion for the previous year to date period, they now reported revenue of $1.28 billion.

In February 2024, The Free State’s casino contributed $67.79 million to the state, representing an increase of 1.3% year-on-year. Contributions to the Education Trust Fund stood at $48.9 million, an increase of 0.5% from February 2023. The casinos also contributed money to the local horse racing industry, as well as to small, minority- and women-owned businesses. 

The Casinos’ Performances Varied

Maryland Lottery and Gaming also published data about the performance of its six commercial casinos.

MGM National Harbor, a Prince George’s County-based property, reported revenue of $66.83 million in February. This represents an increase of $1,234,645 (1.9%) from February 2023. The casino sports 2,276 slots and 207 gaming tables.

Live! Casino & Hotel, meanwhile, posted revenue of $59.34 million, representing an increase of 6.5% from February 2023. The venue is located in Anne Arundel County and has some 3,860 slot machines and 179 table games.

The Horseshoe Casino in Baltimore City, on the other hand, reported February revenue of $14.95 million, highlighting a year-on-year decline of 8.2%. The casino has 1,371 slots and 115 table games.

Hollywood Casino Perryville, a property boasting 689 slot machines and 23 table games, reported revenue of $7.4 million for February, marking a year-on-year increase of 1.4%.

The Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County disclosed revenue of $6.35 million, a decrease of 7% year-on-year. For reference, the casino has 859 slots and 19 gaming tables.

Finally, the Rocky Gap Casino in Allegany Country reported revenue of $4.34 million in February. This translates into a decline of 18.6%. The casino has 620 slot machines and 16 table games.

The post Maryland Lottery and Gaming Posts Casino Financials for February appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Despite the subpar performance and decreasing revenues reported by D.C. Lottery’s existing mobile sports betting application, GambetDC, the Lottery may continue its collaboration with Intralot, the Greek company that currently powers the mobile betting app. The collaboration between the duo dates back to 2019. At the time, D.C. Lottery signed a five-year partnership with Intralot.

This summer, the contract between the two is expected to end. While critics of GambetDC have repeatedly flagged different concerns related to technical glitches, uncompetitive odds and continuous underperformance, Intralot may retain its partnership with the D.C. Lottery, at least for a short period of time.

Customer dissatisfaction has been growing over the last few years, yet a new report suggests that the D.C. Lottery may prolong its partnership with the Greek betting software developer. Frank Suarez, the head of the Lottery, who was recently cited by Washington City Paper, spoke in front of the Office of Lottery and Gaming on the topic last week.

At the time, he revealed that D.C. Lottery is considering renewing its collaboration with Intralot. This is possible under a policy within the contract that allows renewal of up to five years after the initial contract’s expiration date, which is set for July. “The length of the extension is not clear yet,” explained Suarez.

The Prolonged Collaboration Is a Temporary Solution

Before the expiry of the contract, the D.C. Lottery also hinted at plans to improve GambetDC. This can be achieved by engaging with a third-party company that will improve the sports betting app. The recently announced plan ultimately seeks to strengthen GambetDC, allowing the city to benefit from increased revenues.

D.C. Lottery’s plan to improve the sports betting app may create a new opportunity for operators such as FanDuel, BetMGM or Caesars, for example, to operate the mobile betting app in Washington D.C. Yet, the plan doesn’t sound like the best resolution in the context of the problematic relationship between the Lottery and Intralot, as well as the underperformance of the mobile sports betting application in the city.

Still, according to Suarez, the possibility of engaging with a “top performing, nationally recognized” sports betting operator for GambetDC isn’t a permanent solution. He revealed that this action seeks to offset the dissatisfactory performance of the betting app, while the D.C. Lottery would consider whether to prolong its collaboration with Intralot and for how long. With that in mind, even if the Lottery anticipates ending its business relationship with the software provider, it will need time to prepare the application process for a new supplier.

The post DC Lottery May Extend Betting Partnership with Intralot appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a provider of high-quality land-based, lottery, and iGaming testing and assessment services, announced that it has been approved as an Independent Test Lab in North Carolina.

Having been greenlit by the NC State Lottery Commission, GLI now has authorization to evaluate gambling equipment, software and processes for compliance with state law and commission rules.

This approval further expands the company’s presence in the US, cementing it as a leading test lab. For reference, GLI is an authorized test lab for 65 lotteries and for 707 markets across the world. The company excels in a variety of compliance-related services, including regulatory compliance, technical compliance, end-to-end testing and full lifecycle compliance.

GLI’s latest approval was praised by the company’s vice president of global lottery solutions, Angela Wong. She expressed her team’s excitement saying that GLI is thrilled to be approved to test and certify for the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.

Our testing and consultation services are unmatched because we combine innovation with compliance and a global reach and presence that gives our clients a world of insight.

Angela Wong, VP of global lottery solutions, GLI

GLI Continues to Expand Its Influence and Team

In other news, GLI recently secured accreditation for its testing laboratories in India and Canada. This followed accreditation to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA).

Back then, GLI said that this accreditation attests to its ongoing commitment to the highest possible quality testing services. For reference, all of the testing specialist’s labs are currently operating under the latest requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

In other news, GLI recently reinforced its team with two major promotions. The company promoted the experienced Ginnie Hollis and Samantha Powell as vice presidents of engineering. Hollis is based in GLI’s office in Colorado, USA, and will take care of the company’s digital operations. In the meantime, Powell, who is based in GLI’s office in Adelaide, Australia, was tasked with supporting the testing provider’s land-based-related operations.

The promotion of Hollis and Powell followed the appointment of Richard Howarth as chief business officer for the APAC region.

The post NC State Lottery Commission Approves GLI as Independent Test Lab appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The leading supplier of technology and solutions, powering gaming and lottery operators across the globe, International Game Technology (IGT), announced a partnership extension with the Virginia Lottery. Announced Monday, the new collaboration extends the partnership between the duo for three years through October 2033.

IGT confirmed that the deal was signed between the Lottery and its subsidiary, IGT Global Solutions Corporation. Besides the three-year extension, the newly inked deal delivers options for further collaboration between the duo via three extensions for one year each.

Per the new agreement, the Virginia Lottery will benefit from enhanced solutions supplied by IGT. It will upgrade its lottery central system, communications network and at the same time, introduce new point-of-sale terminals, promising engaging experiences. The launch of the aforementioned features is expected around October 2025, IGT explained in a statement.

Under the newly extended and enhanced contract, the Lottery will benefit from Aurora, IGT’s newest central retail system. Some 5,500 retail terminals will be replaced with the Retailer Pro S2, allowing the Lottery to benefit from high-speed terminals that are also capable of dealing with large volumes of data.

The contract extension represents an important milestone for the Virginia Lottery and IGT. This is because the duo has been collaborating for more than two decades. Back in 2020, the Lottery selected IGT as the prime provider for instant tickets, while back in 2000, it first gained access to IGT’s leading technology.

Extended Contract to Bring New Experiences

Jay Gendron, IGT’s chief operating officer, global lottery, spoke about the long-term business relationship between the company and the lottery. “The upgraded technology being deployed for the Virginia Lottery as part of our latest extension will offer increased flexibility for the Lottery to easily manage its back-end operations,” he added. Finally, Gendron said that the introduction of IGT’s progressive jackpot feature promises to deliver exceptional experiences for players in Virginia.

“Since first partnering with the Virginia Lottery in 2000, IGT has helped us responsibly modernize our lottery offerings and drive sales growth for our business.“

Tony R. Russell, interim director of the Virginia Lottery

Tony R. Russell, the Virginia Lottery’s interim director, also praised the collaboration between the Lottery and IGT which spans more than two decades. He explained that this strategic long-term partnership enabled the Lottery to grow its operations while ensuring responsible offering. Finally, Russell predicted that the improvements under the new contract will not only deliver new experiences for players across the state but also help raise revenue for public education via Virginia’s K-12 program.

The post Virginia Lottery Extends and Enhances Partnership with IGT appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The leading provider of technology, powering lotteries across the globe, International Game Technology (IGT), announced an important partnership extension. On Wednesday, the company confirmed it agreed to extend its contract for the provision of its lottery system for the UK National Lottery.

The announcement comes ahead of the switch of the Lottery license from Camelot to Allwyn, scheduled for the start of next month. As a result, IGT will continue to power the National Lottery with its leading technology and solutions, paving the way for the successful transformation under the management of Allwyn.

Camelot was the operator of the Lottery for the last three decades since its first draw in 1994. However, ahead of the expiry of Camelot’s license, the UK gambling regulator, the Gambling Commission, selected Allwyn as a holder of the fourth Lottery license. This prompted IGT to launch a lawsuit against the regulator, pursuing damages. In an unexpected turn of events, last week, IGT discontinued its National Lottery-related appeal, effectively abandoning the damages it previously pursued from the regulator.

The extended collaboration with the Lottery isn’t a surprise, considering that IGT has a growing portfolio of lottery partners across the globe. In fact, the company currently serves as the main provider of technology for 25 lotteries across the United States and eight out of the top 10 largest lotteries around the world.

The Partnership Extension Brings Excitement for IGT

Jay Gendron, IGT’s COO of global lottery, revealed that the company is excited to extend its support for the National Lottery in the UK. Moreover, he spoke about the importance of collaborating with Allwyn, as well as other suppliers in the sector.

“We are pleased to continue to support the operation of The National Lottery, working alongside a range of other suppliers and Allwyn.“

Jay Gendron, COO of global lottery at IGT

This week, John Tanner, the executive director for the 4th National Lottery Competition, predicted that the transfer of the Lottery license is expected to boost the funding toward Good Causes. For more than three decades, the Lottery has been actively raising money for Good Causes with the sum now surpassing £47 billion ($59.4 billion).

The post IGT Confirms Partnership Extension with the UK National Lottery appeared first on Keno Wizard.

Blondel Cluff, held the role of a chair of the National Lottery Community Fund for two years until her early resignation dating back to last summer. As a result, Paul Sweeney was appointed to the role of interim chair on August 1, 2023, for a 1-year contract or until a permanent chair is appointed, whichever is sooner.

Now, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) initiated the search for a new National Lottery Community Fund chair earlier this week. Details regarding the job position were released publicly by the DCMS. January 10 marked the opening date for applications with the deadline for submission of applications set for February 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM. The first interviews are expected to start on April 17, 2024, but the DCMS confirmed that the aforementioned timelines may be subject to change.

The search for a permanent chair of the National Lottery Community Fund comes after recently it launched its new strategy, “It starts with community,” setting a number of objectives through 2030. Under the new strategy, the Fund anticipates distributing some £4 billion ($5.1 billion) of funding by 2030. This funding will provide vital support for different community projects. Throughout 2023, the Fund made nearly 14,000 grants, representing one grand for every 7 minutes.

The Vacant Role Represents an Incredible Opportunity

The new chair of the Fund is expected to have a deep understanding of the charity and community sectors. According to the criteria for the role, the successful candidate must have “a track record of strategic leadership in civil society, public service, or business,” along with pristine interpersonal and communication skills. Additionally, the preferred candidate for the chair role should demonstrate commitment to the Fund’s mission, among other relevant requirements.

“This is an incredible opportunity to Chair a high-profile UK public body that places social connections and community activities at the heart of creating healthier, happier lives and a flourishing society,“

reads the description of the role released by the DCMS

The remuneration listed for the Fund’s chair position is £40,000 annually in exchange for two working days per week. The term of the contract is listed as four years which is not uncommon considering that the former chair was appointed in February 2021 for a contract that was expected to run through February 2025.

Earlier this week, Brigid Simmonds, the chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, confirmed her plans to exit the organization. Simmonds confirmed she will step down effective from April 20, 2024. The vacant role will be filled by Michael Dugher, who will step in as the new chair of the BGC, effective from April 21, 2023.

The post DCMS Starts Search for National Lottery Community Fund Chair appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In a move to address the escalating property tax concerns of older constituents, Utah Representative Kera Birkeland is championing a proposed constitutional amendment that would legalize the state’s first-ever lottery. 

Rep. Birkeland’s Lottery Proposal Could Boost Utah’s Finances by $200M

Rep. Birkeland contends that legalizing the lottery could inject up to $200 million into Utah’s coffers, money currently flowing across state lines as residents travel to neighboring states like Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona to purchase lottery tickets. The proposal aims to redirect these funds to alleviate the financial strain on seniors facing rising property taxes, reported KSL.

The lawmaker’s initiative sparks a broader conversation about the intersection of gambling practices, fiscal policies, and the unique challenges posed by Utah’s comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling. Utah and Hawaii are the only states where any game of chance is strictly prohibited.

Birkeland argues that the prohibition on gambling has deprived the state of a significant revenue stream. She emphasizes the real-world impact on seniors, sharing stories of constituents forced to sell their homes due to soaring property tax bills.

While the full details of the bill are yet to be unveiled, Birkeland is considering including a stipulation that mandates tax revenue from lottery sales be dedicated to offsetting the tax burden on older adults with fixed incomes. 

The proposal faces a significant hurdle, as a constitutional amendment requires the support of two-thirds of lawmakers in both chambers and approval by a majority of voters in the upcoming general election.

Gov. Cox Challenges Lotteries, Deems Them Harmful

Gov. Spencer Cox, despite not possessing the authority to veto constitutional amendments, conveyed his opposition in a recent news conference, asserting that he believes lotteries and gambling, in general, function as taxes on individuals who struggle with mathematics, causing more harm than good.

Despite the challenges and opposition, Birkeland is determined to push the bill forward, emphasizing the need to address the primary concern of her constituents regarding property taxes. 

Birkeland recognizes the challenging nature of the endeavor but maintains her determination, asserting that she has introduced several bills attempting to limit property taxes and decrease government spending, yet none of them has gained traction.

The proposal reignites the ongoing debate on gambling laws in Utah, with past endeavors facing significant resistance. Birkeland’s initiative signals a potential shift in the state’s stance on gambling, setting the stage for a contentious legislative session.

The post Utah Lawmaker Proposes State Lottery to Tackle Senior Property Tax Woes appeared first on Keno Wizard.

The San Francisco Bay Area man purchased the ticket in a local liquor store only to find out that the ticket was worth $20 million. This happened during his launch break as a skycap at the local airport and playing the $30 “Set For Life” game.

$20M to Realize a Lifelong Dream

Commenting on his win, Hickman said that the adrenaline was amazing, and described it as the biggest rush of his life. The California State Lottery congratulated the lucky soul and officials expressed their hopes that the win would completely transform Hickman’s life.

One of the first things Hickman said he would do was to purchase a home for his wife and added that this was his biggest and lifelong dream. He has been a regular at Set For Life but always played it as a bit of habit, rather than truly hoping to win big, although he already won $1,000 from it previously.

The winning comes at the right juncture for the man who is going to finally realize this distant dream now turned into a tangible reality. L&M Liquor in Hayward, the store that sold the winning ticket, will also get a $100,000 bonus, as is customary in such cases.

Meanwhile, this is not the only big scratch winnings to have been won recently. Millions have been won playing all sorts of other scratch card games over the past days, including a $5 million jackpot won by one Teresa Martinez who scooped a 100x scratch ticket at a Morgan Hill gas station.

Jackpots Everywhere around California

Her winnings were announced at the same time as Hickman, with apparently a number of lucky souls winning at the same time. Another person, German Medina Zapata, won $5 million on a Premier 7’s scratch ticket, California lottery officials confirmed. The ticket was born at K&H Liquors in San Francisco.

Last but not least, the statement also announced a $1 million win by one The-Ah Lin who had purchased a Cloud 9 Scratchers in a Seafood City in Hayward and won. To round it all up, a pair of people, Eric Holtzman and Matoux De La Croix, won a $5 million jackpot playing Premier 7’s scratcher. The ticket was bought at a liquor store in San Francisco.

Earlier this month, a woman won $3 million in Colorado by purchasing a digital lottery copy of a ticket, the biggest in the history of the service that provided the ticket.

The post Airport Worker Hits It Big with $20M Lunch Break Lottery Win appeared first on Keno Wizard.