Inaugural $9.5m Emirates Loto Draw Rescheduled For April

The eagerly anticipated inaugural Emirates Loto draw has been rescheduled to take place on April 18 as a result of the current coronavirus crisis.

The draw, which boasts a AED35 million ($9.5m) jackpot every week, was due to take place on Saturday, but organisers pulled the plug in light of UAE government initiatives to mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

Officials have said the new date will be confirmed in collaboration with government health authorities.

“The health, safety, and well-being of Emirates Loto staff, players, retail partners, and the public at large is of our utmost priority,” said Paul Sebestyen, Emirates Loto CEO. “These are unprecedented and challenging times, and we encourage everyone to follow the government directives in order not to endanger their lives or others.”

“For those that have already purchased their collectables and opted to play – we will, of course, honour your participation in the rescheduled draw,” added Sebestyen. “But for now, please stay healthy, stay safe, and most importantly, stay home.”

According to the website, participants taking part in the new Loto must purchase a collectable for AED35, either online or at retail stores across the UAE – a delivery fee is charged when ordering online.

Each card allows people to register a unique six-digit number, each between one and 49, or this can be generated randomly for you – matching three numbers entitles you to a free game, four numbers will win you AED300, five numbers will win you up to AED10m and if all six numbers are matched, you walk away with the AED35m jackpot.

If more than one person matches five or six numbers, the prize money will be split accordingly.