The first lottery authorized by the Islamic authorities of the Persian Gulf, Emirates Loto held its first draw on Saturday, April 18 and featured two renowned figures from the region, the Lebanese presenter Wissam Breidy and the actress and model Indian Aishwarya Ajit.
To participate in the draw, players will need to register their collectable on the website and choose six numbers (between 1-49). The lucky player/players with six matching numbers stand to win the bumper prize of Dhs35m (€8.8m), divided equally between all those with six matching numbers.
If no one matches the six numbers drawn in any given week, then the prize of will increase by Dhs5m (€1.25m) every week until it reaches Dhs50m (€12.5m) where it will remain at until it is claimed.
It is reportedly the region’s first fatwa-approved, fully digital collectable scheme with optional entry to a weekly live draw.
A statement on the lottery’s website states: “As per the Islamic Fatwa and Sharia principles, there needs to be an exchange of value. Entering the weekly draw is optional. You can buy the collectable for collection purposes only and decline the option to enter the free entry to the draw.”
Emirates Loto says that its aim is “to donate millions of dirhams for the public good in line with UAE government initiatives to give back to the community and the country as a whole.”
The start of operations of Emirates Loto has been possible thanks to the advice of Paul Sebestyen, CEO/President and founder of SAI, a company that offers various services around the world for renowned lotteries and suppliers.
“We realise these are difficult times for all, but we genuinely hope and believe that our new venture will bring much-needed relief, happiness and more importantly funds for the public good,” said Paul Sebestyen, Emirates Loto CEO.
Commenting on the decision to choose United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the base to launch this draw Sebestyen added, “The UAE, with its spirit and drive for innovation and entrepreneurship, was the most obvious choice to set up this initiative.”
Soure: GMB
