Hello, and welcome to the blog! We get this question a lot: “Are there any legal lotteries in the UAE?”
With so much news and different prize draws out there, it can be very confusing. So, let’s clear things up and give you the simple, honest answers you need.
Is gambling legal in the UAE?
Let’s be very direct: No, all forms of gambling are strictly illegal in the UAE. This is based on the country’s laws, which are guided by Islamic principles.
So, how do you see all these prize draws giving away millions of dirhams? Are they legal? The answer is yes, but they operate in a very specific way. They are not considered “gambling” but are regulated “prize draws” or “raffles.”
Recently, the UAE government created a new authority called the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to make sure all such draws are official, safe, and fair for everyone. This is great news because it protects you, the player!
The official & legal prize draws in the UAE
As of 2025, only a few operators are officially licensed and legally allowed to offer prize draws. If you want to participate, these are the names you can trust.
1. The UAE Lottery 🇦🇪 (The newest official draw)
This is the big new player in town! “The UAE Lottery” is operated by a company called The Game LLC and is the first draw to get a full license from the new GCGRA regulator.
- What Can You Play? They have two main types of games:
- Lucky Day: This is their main draw with a massive jackpot prize that can go up to AED 100 million! A ticket costs AED 50.
- Scratch Cards: They also offer many digital scratch card games with smaller, instant prizes. These are fun, fast, and can pay up to AED 1 million.
- How to Play: You can create an account and buy tickets safely on their official website.
2. Big ticket Abu Dhabi 🎟️
Big Ticket is one of the oldest and most famous prize draws in the UAE, running for many years out of Abu Dhabi. It’s a name many people know and trust.
- What Can You Win? Big Ticket is famous for its monthly “Big Ticket Millionaire” draw, where the grand prize is often AED 10 million, 15 million, or even more! They also give away luxury cars like a Maserati or Range Rover in separate draws.
- How to Play: You can buy tickets online through their official website or in person at Abu Dhabi International Airport and other select locations.
3. Dubai Duty Free (DDF) ✈️
If you have ever traveled through Dubai International Airport, you have definitely seen the luxury cars and motorbikes on display. This is the famous Dubai Duty Free draw, one of the longest-running in the world!
- What Can You Win? DDF has two main draws:
- Millennium Millionaire: This draw gives you the chance to win $1 Million USD! They sell a limited number of tickets, which gives you a better chance of winning.
- Finest Surprise (Car & Motorbike): This is the draw for the luxury vehicles you see at the airport. You can win a stunning car (like a Bentley or McLaren) or a powerful motorbike.
- How to Play: You can buy tickets at Dubai Duty Free in the airport or, even easier, on their official website.
What happened to mahzooz and Emirates Draw?
You might be wondering about these two popular names. At the beginning of 2024, both Mahzooz and Emirates Draw announced they were pausing their operations to align with the new government regulations.
While they may return in the future once they get a new license, for now, they are not active. Always check official news sources for the latest updates!
✔️ How to participate safely
- Always Use Official Websites: Only buy your tickets from the official websites of The UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, or Dubai Duty Free.
- Beware of Scams: Never click on links in WhatsApp messages or emails from people claiming you’ve won a prize you didn’t enter. Scammers often use the names of these famous draws to trick people.
- Check Your Eligibility: These draws are open to people inside and outside the UAE, but it’s always good to check the terms and conditions.
Conclusion: Play safe & dream big!
So, to answer the question: yes, there are legal lotteries (or more accurately, prize draws) in the UAE! Your safe and legal options are The UAE Lottery, Big Ticket, and Dubai Duty Free.
By sticking to these official operators, you can have fun, dream big, and be confident that you are participating in a fair and regulated draw.
Good luck, and we hope to see you in the winner’s circle! 🥳