Riyadh, March 20, 2024, The Ministry of Commerce has issued a statement declaring that "lottery" schemes, wherein individuals are required to purchase goods or products to qualify for cash prizes, participate in prize draws, or receive money embedded within items offered for sale, are strictly prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The ministry has summoned both commercial enterprises and individuals involved in organizing such activities, emphasizing its commitment to enforcing regulatory protocols and referring violators to the Public Prosecution for legal action.
Citing the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and its Executive Regulations, the ministry underscores that soliciting purchases as a prerequisite for participation in commercial competitions is unlawful. The legislation explicitly prohibits any competition that contravenes Sharia law or customary practices observed within the Kingdom.
Furthermore, the ministry asserts its intent to closely monitor compliance among commercial establishments and advertisers licensed by the General Authority of Media Regulation. It underscores the importance of adherence to regulations governing commercial competitions outlined in the Anti-Commercial Fraud Law and its executive directives, which mandate obtaining appropriate licensing for the conduct or advertisement of such competitions.
