UAE Lottery expands retail sales to three Dubai fuel stops
The UAE Lottery has launched its first in-person ticket sales through its new Retail Express service, now available at three ADNOC petrol stations in Dubai. This is the first time tickets can be purchased offline, expanding beyond the lottery’s digital platform.
The three participating petrol stations are ADNOC 462 in Jebel Ali, ADNOC 529 in Al Quoz, and ADNOC 535 in Business Bay. Taking to its social media channels to announce the rollout, the company wrote, “Your favourite games, now closer to you! The UAE Lottery Retail Express is live at 3 ADNOC branches in Dubai. Drop by and meet our team, ready to help you enjoy the thrill in person!”
Your favorite games, now closer to you! 🙌
— The UAE Lottery (@theuaelottery) August 25, 2025
The UAE Lottery Retail Express is live at 3 ADNOC branches in Dubai. Drop by and meet our team, ready to help you enjoy the thrill in person!#TheUAELottery #RetailExpress pic.twitter.com/aF2iAGW6Fy
From online to retail sales
When the UAE Lottery first went live in November 2024, it was only available online. Since the beginning of retail sales, it has evolved into physical stores, offering tickets for purchase in person.
The lottery offers a Dh100 million (US$27.23 million) grand prize, along with a variety of other games. Prizes range from Dh50 ($13.61) to Dh1.25 million ($340,367). The Lucky Day Draw, its most popular game, is held every second Saturday night, with additional daily draws, eInstant games, interactive options, and 12 scratch cards available.
Since its first draw in December 2024, nearly 200 winners have claimed prizes, including seven residents who received a “guaranteed prize” of Dh100,000 ($27,229).
Roadmap for retail growth
In an exclusive interview with SiGMA World, Bishop Woosley, Director of Lottery Operations at The Game, which operates the UAE Lottery, has previously discussed the roadmap for introducing UAE Lottery ticket sales to retail outlets, including supermarkets and fuel stations.
He said, “We’re actively exploring all options to ensure we deliver an iconic, world-class and interactive gaming experience. Our next phase of growth is focused on expanding both availability and accessibility of The UAE Lottery, helping us reach new player segments and engage more players who may not be active online. Expanding into retail is a key part of that strategy. We do have plans to launch retail operations, including potential partnerships with retail outlets across the UAE. It’s also an important step in driving incremental revenue and brand visibility. While we’re still finalising our rollout strategy, we’ll be sharing more updates in due course. What’s clear is that retail will play a meaningful role in the next chapter of The UAE Lottery’s growth story.”
Speaking to Khaleej Times earlier this year, Woosley added, “We are trying to put in place a normal lottery environment where you walk up to the cash register, and there’s a bin of scratch-off tickets there. There (could be) a terminal where you can buy a Lucky Day ticket. There may also be other selling methods, like a ticket vending machine.”
New games and future app launch
The company has been steadily expanding its portfolio since its launch. Recent additions include scratch cards, interactive draws, and eInstant games such as Marble Run and Lucky Lagoon, developed in partnership with Random State and EQL Games.
While tickets can now be purchased both online and in person, the company has also confirmed plans to introduce a mobile app. However, no timeline has been specified.
“I don’t want to reveal too much, but there will be more games available in both the app as well as through the website and in retail when we launch it. We will also continuously update our online scratcher games and have fresh content for the players,” said Woosley.
He stressed that the UAE Lottery would continue adapting to player preferences: “Nothing is final in the lottery industry. You have to evolve with your players. So, nothing is off the table. We’ll continue to launch games that are exciting and that our players will enjoy. The most important thing is that when players win, they continue to play.”
Compliance and regulation
The UAE Lottery is operated under the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which oversees licensing, regulation, and supervision of commercial gaming in the country.
Woosley underlined the strict compliance measures in place: “We’ve gone through rigorous testing. Our platform, procedures, processes, and our games are tested by international laboratories to ensure that the price structure is what we say it is and that our platform is secure. Our ball machine is tested, and the balls in the machine are weighed. So, there is a very rigorous process that ensures safety. We will remain compliant with whatever it is that we’re required to do under those regulatory structures.”
Expanding international connections
The UAE has been gradually opening its regulated gaming market through a phased licensing process. Several international vendors, including Aristocrat, Scientific Games, Light & Wonder, IGT, Novomatic, Konami Gaming, Pollard Banknote, and others, have already been approved to operate in the country.
In April, EQL Games joined the UAE’s licensed vendors and later signed a multi-year agreement with The Game LLC to provide regulated lottery games on the platform.
In June, the UAE Lottery was accepted as a member of the World Lottery Association (WLA), giving it access to global best practices in responsible gaming, security, and innovation.
“Becoming a WLA member is a proud milestone for The UAE Lottery, which is committed to operational excellence, innovation in player experience, and advancing the regional regulated gaming sector,” said Woosley.
“We are focused on delivering a world-class lottery experience within the Gulf region, while remaining aligned with the values the WLA upholds.”
Responsible gaming focus
The UAE Lottery has underlined its focus on responsible gaming, working in line with international standards and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe and transparent environment for players. With the launch of retail sales, it is expected to attract more participants across the UAE while maintaining its emphasis on compliance, innovation, and community initiatives.
