In 2024, the UAE’s gaming landscape saw significant shifts, with the spotlight firmly on the UAE Lottery, according to a report released by the Dubai Casinos platform.
The report notes that one of the year’s most remarkable trends was the shift in public interest from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to the UAE Lottery.
GCGRA is the federal regulatory body established in UAE to oversee and regulate the commercial gaming and gambling industry. Formed in 2023, GCGRA aims to create a world-class regulatory framework that ensures the integrity, innovation, and responsible operation of gaming activities across the UAE.
Search interest in the GCGRA dropped by 58.5 percent, while searches for the UAE Lottery surged by an astounding 3,100 percent following the granting of the first gaming license to The Game LLC.
This unprecedented increase made the UAE Lottery the biggest winner of 2024, capturing the public’s attention and reshaping the market’s focus.
While physical casinos, such as Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and MGM Dubai, continued to garner steady interest throughout the year, the UAE Lottery’s explosive growth demonstrated a clear shift towards regulated gaming sectors.
Public curiosity about traditional casinos remained moderate, though interest peaked in October following Wynn Resorts’ licensing. The ongoing licensing processes and construction projects signal further momentum for physical casinos in the years ahead.
Additionally, online gambling saw notable growth, increasing by 61 percent in 2024. Though not yet regulated, digital gaming platforms and online casino searches grew steadily, suggesting a continued shift towards virtual experiences. As the GCGRA begins to oversee online gambling, further developments are expected in 2025.
