Emirates Loto pauses operations 3 months after launch

The recently launched Emirates Loto has paused its operations to undergo upgrades to its platform, just three months after its first official draw in April this year.

The Loto is expected to return for Q4 2020, when it says it will be back “with a fun and exciting player experience”.

Emirates Loto was the first fatwa-approved digital lottery to be launched in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), staging its inaugural draw in April this year with the operator’s first jackpot winner taking home AED350,000 (£77,611/€87,958/$95,303).

It is described as a collectable product, with each ticket (either physical or digital) featuring a famous local landmark. Upon purchase of the ticket, customers have the chance to opt in to the accompanying free prize draw.

The lottery expected to run a live weekly draw, with the first originally scheduled for 28 March. However, the draw was postponed until April to comply with government initiatives brought in to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus (covid-19).

In addition to offering players the chance to win large prizes, Emirates Loto is committed to raising money for UAE government initiatives supporting social and community projects.

Until operations resume, the Loto’s website and mobile application will be unavailable to customers. Any players who had bought tickets for future draws prior to the pause in operations are eligible to have the ticket price refunded.