UAE Lottery taps EQL Games in landmark digital gaming deal
Image: Getty Images/ For illustrative purposes
The Game, operators of the UAE Lottery — the first and only federally licensed lottery in the Gulf region — has announced a multi-year strategic partnership with US-based
The partnership, regulated under the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), signals a pivotal moment for the UAE's emerging lottery industry.
As part of the agreement, EQL Games will supply games from its expansive iLottery Marketplace, representing over 20 global studios, along with its own in-house developments via EQL Labs.
'This is one of the most exciting lottery markets in the world, and we are honored to be a part of it,' said Brad Cummings, founder and CEO of EQL Games. 'Our iLottery Marketplace will offer a wide range of engaging content, starting with two compelling new titles.'
The UAE Lottery's platform has debuted its first games through the partnership — Marble Run and Lucky Lagoon, developed by Random State, an EQL Games studio partner. Both titles feature dynamic gameplay and prize tiers reaching up to Dhs1.25m.
UAE Lottery-EQL Games tie-up: Games on offer
Marble Run pits five racing marbles against each other in a high-speed track filled with multipliers and obstacles, offering winnings up to Dhs1m based on finish placement and ticket value. Lucky Lagoon, an underwater-themed game, rewards players who match fish pairs hidden in eggs and uncover treasure chests, with top prizes scaling to Dhs1.25m across 23 tiers.
'When looking for a provider that could deliver the diversity of lottery content we needed — and on a short timeline — EQL Games was an easy choice,' said Bishop Woosley, director of Lottery Operations at The Game. 'The launch of Marble Run and Lucky Lagoon marks just the beginning of what we believe will be a transformative era for lottery gaming in the UAE.'
Under the agreement, EQL Games will also source additional third-party content on request, enabling the UAE Lottery to continuously refresh its offerings.
Both companies emphasised their shared commitment to responsible gaming and elevating the player experience.
As the
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
35 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
Abu Dhabi's luxury property market soars in 2025: Here's why
Image credit: Getty Images Abu Dhabi's luxury and branded real estate market is witnessing unprecedented growth in 2025, with branded residence launches quadrupling compared to the previous year, according to Metropolitan Capital Real Estate (MCRE), a real estate agency in Abu Dhabi. Read- The surge is being driven by increasing demand from high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), international investors, and long-term residents. The market has already recorded Dhs6.3bn in luxury property transactions—valued at Dhs7m and above—within the first four months of the year, representing a 5 per cent year-on-year increase. Over half of these transactions were in the Dhs10m-plus segment, underscoring rising investor confidence in Abu Dhabi's premium real estate offerings. 'Abu Dhabi has firmly positioned itself as a premier destination for luxury and lifestyle-led investments,' said Evgeny Ratskevich, CEO of MCRE. 'We've seen buyers who initially intended to purchase a single property expanding their portfolios. At the same time, long-term residents are increasingly choosing to buy rather than rent, reflecting growing confidence in the local market.' Rise of branded residences One of the strongest growth drivers in 2025 has been the rise of branded residences. Developers are actively launching lifestyle-focused communities across key areas including Saadiyat Island, Al Reem Island, and Mariah Island. The number of branded projects is expected to exceed 25 this year, a significant jump from just a handful launched in 2024. Notable developments include Jacob & Co Beachfront Residences, Brabus Residences by Cosmo, Waldorf Astoria Residences, Elie Saab Waterfront, SHA Wellness Residences, Mandarin Oriental Residences, and Nobu Residences. The latter recently set a new benchmark with a record-breaking Dhs137m penthouse sale—the highest residential transaction in Abu Dhabi's history. In parallel, the secondary luxury market has also seen explosive growth. Transaction volume in this segment increased 158 per cent year-on-year, with nearly Dhs3bn in resale activity by April. Super-luxury properties (priced above Dhs10m) accounted for more than Dhs2.6bn, making up 60 per cent of total secondary market sales. Super-luxury resale market In just four months, transactions in the super-luxury resale market have reached 22 per cent of the full-year total for 2024, highlighting growing investor interest in ready-to-move-in, high-end properties. MCRE has cemented its position as a market leader in Abu Dhabi's luxury sector, securing an 11.5 per cent share of the market for properties priced at Dhs7m and above. The firm facilitated over Dhs700m in sales in this category, including Dhs530m in the ultra-luxury bracket (Dhs10m and up), capturing 11 per cent of that niche segment. According to Ratskevich, branded residence prices now average Dhs2,500 to Dhs4,000 per square meter, depending on location. This is significantly lower than comparable offerings in Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah, making Abu Dhabi increasingly attractive to international investors. Shift in investor demographics Investor demographics have also shifted notably since 2024. While Russian and CIS buyers were dominant early last year, interest from those regions declined in Q2. In their place, buyers from the UK, US, UAE, and other GCC countries are stepping up. Nearly half of all purchasers are end-users, with the remainder being investors looking to capitalize on what they view as bargain prices for high-end properties. Key locations continue to drive market activity, with Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Reem Island, and Al Hidayriyyat leading the charge. Al Hidayriyyat, in particular, has already surpassed 20 per cent of its total 2024 sales volume, positioning it as a fast-growing hotspot. To meet rising demand, MCRE has launched a dedicated luxury office—Metropolitan Capital Elite—on Saadiyat Island. The new division will cater exclusively to HNWIs, end-users, and institutional investors seeking access to premium and branded assets, offering tailored advisory services.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Gold prices steady in early trade after rising Dh4.5 per gram day before
Gold prices were steady on Wednesday morning after jumping Dh4.5 per gram on Tuesday. The 24K was selling at Dh402.75 per gram at the opening of the markets in Dubai on Wednesday, up Dh4.5 per gram since Tuesday morning. Among the other variants of the precious metal, 22K, 21K and 18K were trading at Dh372.75, Dh357.5 and Dh306.25 per gram, respectively. Spot gold was 0.6 per cent at Dh3,342.52 per ounce. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Aaron Hill, chief analyst at FP Markets, said geopolitical theatrics — particularly US President Donald Trump's hardline stance and potential flashpoint with world leaders — remain as ongoing drivers of volatility risks. 'In tandem, the softer labour market sentiment and easing inflation expectations lower immediate odds of Federal Reserve rate cut and sustain the bullish medium-term scenario for gold. The strength of the metal will depend upon whether such supportive fundamentals trump near-term risk swings over global trade news,' he said. 'A break above $3,328 on a sustained basis would reaffirm bullish pressure, while failure to hold above $3,293 risks unleashing further technical selling pressure. As such, gold is still positioned precariously — its next move resting on a delicate balancing act of central bank expectations, political posturing, as well as new information flow,' said Hill.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Arabian Business
Royal Development Holding announces its maiden project on Al Reem Island
Royal Development Holding, a recently formed boutique real estate development company of Emirates Stallions Group, is launching its inaugural project – an AED 1.6 billion (US$440 million) branded residence development on Abu Dhabi's Al Reem Island alongside the UAE-based SAAS Properties. The project is part of the prestigious Autograph Collection by Marriott. No other details of the project, like the number of units, specifications, prices, or amenities, were mentioned. Royal Development Holding launches branded residences Tariq Nazzal, General Manager of Royal Development Holding, commented: 'We're proud to tie up with the leading name in the luxury real estate sector, SAAS Properties, for the development of Abu Dhabi's first Autograph Collection Residence. 'This collaboration reflects the legacy of trust our brand carries in delivering high-end properties, including branded residences. Our new venture with Marriott is just the beginning of a series of luxury developments that will showcase our innovation, creativity, and craftsmanship in evolving spaces and elevating lives.' Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chief Executive Officer of SAAS Properties, added: 'This marks our second partnership with Marriott. With a well-established presence in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Al Reem Island, we are excited to further strengthen our contribution to one of the capital's most dynamic and sought-after destinations. We aim to enrich the Capital's evolving skyline and deliver a distinctive lifestyle offering that embodies our signature approach to luxury and design excellence.' Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East and Luxury, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, said: 'Our Autograph Collection Residences are known for their creative vision, heartfelt design and authenticity – and this property is no exception. With a unique spirit, it is reflective of the original, careful craftsmanship of each handpicked residential property within the growing Autograph Collection portfolio.'
