UAE-based raffle draw operators Mahzooz and Emirates Draw have announced they are temporarily stopping their raffle draws starting Monday (January 1). According to Mahzooz, this was a “temporarily pause operations in compliance with gaming regulations.” “This industry-wide mandate aligns with regulators’ efforts to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the UAE,” Mahzooz said in a statement. Emirates Draw said the pause in draws will help it return with an “enhanced gaming experience soon”. Both Mahzooz and Emirates Draw did not say when games will resume. The move follows directives from the UAE’s newly launched Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), a federal body set up in September to oversee and regulate the gaming sector. Existing user accounts in Mahzooz or Emirates Draw will remain active, although buying tickets or credits will be paused. Those who won prizes or have credit balance can request for full payment or withdrawal of their account balance. Meanwhile, Oman-based O! Millionaire is gaining popularity as participants look at the raffle draw operator as another avenue to win prizes. O! Millionaire's grand prize is currently set at Dh92 million, which increases by Dh500,000 per week up to a maximum of Dh100 million until the jackpot is won. The weekly draws also include a guaranteed Dh100,000 prize to one winner. ICA/Expat Media
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