United Arab Emirates: Big Ticket draw will suspend operations from April 1 – News

Popular draw Big Ticket will “temporarily pause operations” starting today, April 1, “in accordance with UAE gaming regulatory requirements,” the Abu Dhabi-based draw announced on Monday.

The planned live draw for the 262 series, however, will take place on Wednesday, April 3, during which “all of its prizes” will be awarded, including a “guaranteed grand prize” of Dh10 million. There will also be Dream Car giveaways for Maserati Ghibli and Range Rover Evoque (which was supposed to be held on May 3).

The Big Ticket draw takes place every three months at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

According to its website, Big Ticket gave away a total of Dh246,297,071 in prizes last year. The latest winner was Mohammad Shereef, an Indian expatriate living in Dubai, who said he would share the Dh15 million jackpot with 19 of his friends.

‘Industry-wide mandate’

Big Ticket is the third major sweepstakes operator to cease operations. Since January 1 this year, Dubai-based Mahzooz and Emirates Draw suspended operations in the UAE and no details were given on when games would resume.

Both operators said the pause was in line with directives from the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), a federal body established in September last year tasked with creating a “socially responsible” gaming environment. GCGRA is also responsible for coordinating regulatory activities, managing licenses and “releasing the economic potential of commercial gaming in a responsible manner.”

Regulatory protocols

Addressing its customers, Big Ticket said: “During this hiatus, we extend our sincere gratitude to you for your unwavering support. (We) remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity across all of our awards.”

“As we comply with regulatory protocols, we will communicate updates through official channels in due course. We anticipate a soon return to operations,” he added.

Guaranteed prizes

Big Ticket also assured that “all previously won prizes are safely protected and guaranteed.”

While customers will not be able to access their accounts during the pause, they “will retain full access to their Big Ticket accounts once trading resumes.”

The sweepstakes operator did not provide details on when business is expected to resume. For queries or assistance, you can contact Big Ticket customer service by calling +971022019244 or emailing help@bigticket.ae.