The first lottery, licensed and fully operating in the UAE was declared Sunday in what signals the beginning of the regulation of commercial games. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) said that is why its regulatory system covers consumers as all commercial games, including lotteries, are fair and transparent.
The operation by unauthorized business and participation in commercial gaming is unlawful in the UAE for the operators and players. Below is all the information available on the first UAE lottery operator, which falls under commercial gaming business; and consequences of undertaking the business of gaming by playing lotteries, violating the laws of the country.
The Game operator
The Game LLC is a company that operates in the gaming industry as a developer and service provider of lotteries as well as gaming content. Trading under UAE Lottery the company will be involved in management of “a wide choice lotteries and other games intended to meet players’ different needs and budgets”. As to the particular types of games that it will likely feature has not been disclosed as of now.
Located in Abu Dhabi, this business merges “advanced technology and socially appropriate gaming solutions,” as stated in the company’s website. There is nothing more than that is knowable about it.
What is commercial gaming?
There is provision made on the definition of commercial gaming in the GCGRA as it states that commercial gaming is described as “any game of chance — or both chance and skill — that involves risking money, including cash or items with monetary value, to win more money or some valuable items. ”
The definition also applies to the agreements made within such games to the effect that the loser has to pay money of any other valuable item to the winner.
“Commercial games include gaming machines, internet gaming, electronic skill-based games, lottery games, event wagering (including bets placed on certain events such as sporting events, or horse racing), along with any other form of commercial gaming regulated and licensed by the GCGRA,” the gaming controller declares on its website.
“It is imperative to note that games integrating elements of skill alongside or in place of chance are still encompassed within the definition of commercial gaming. The integration of skill-based elements does not negate the classification of the activity as commercial gaming.”
Is commercial gaming without ‘license unlawful?’
As per the provision of GCGRA, it becomes unlawful to establish, conduct, or even promote any commercial gaming related activities in the absence of a licence. It will lead to legal actions which include; “criminal penalties.”
The Hermeneutics of engaging in games and other offers arranged by illegal operators in the virtual space or any other form is prohibited and under severe penalty.
The risks
For consumers, getting involved in the unlicensed activities means that they can be apprehended by the law. Also, there is a “huge probability of fraud and monetary losses which cannot be reclaimed through the courts. ”
To the companies, carrying out the business without obtaining a licence attracts “severe penalties, including fines and closure, business reputation”.
What is meant by General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority?
It is a government-recognized and established independent organization under the UAE federal government whose main functions are to license, regulate and supervise all commercial gaming related activities and related facilities in the UAE currently. Established in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA comprises specialist professionals engaged in the areas of the commercial gaming regulation, anti-money laundering/counter-terrorism financing, information technology, policing, responsible gambling and other relevant fields.
What is responsible gaming?
This ranges in all operational domains of gaming, including the game layout, marketing approaches, and players’ support services discovered by the GCGRA, responsible gaming protects the customers and mitigates any demerit effects of gaming to individuals and society. The authority suggested that commercial gaming isn’t a source of income or profit-making business but a form of entertainment and leisure.
Gaming, in what circumstances is it a problem?
This occurs when an activity that is considered enjoyable becomes one with negative implications that could have an impact on the individual’s well-being, his/her pocket, and social life.
The identified markers include
- a) the inability to cease playing despite a wish to do so;
- b) spending most time in game-related sites;
- c) betting amounts that cannot be afforded;
- d) borrowing cash to play or to clear outstanding stakes.