The UAE has officially launched its first licensed platform offering regulated sports wagering and iGaming services, marking a major milestone in the country’s evolving digital gaming and entertainment landscape.
Licensed Sports Wagering and iGaming Platform Officially Launches in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has reached a landmark moment in the evolution of its commercial gaming industry with the approval of the nation’s first licensed online platform offering both internet gaming and sports wagering services. The licence was issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body responsible for overseeing all regulated gaming activities across the country.
The newly authorised platform, Play971, operates as a fully regulated online gaming and sports betting website within the UAE. According to information published on its website, Play971 is owned and operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company registered in Abu Dhabi. The company’s principal office is located at Twofour54, Yas Creative Hub, a hub known for supporting creative and digital enterprises. Coin Technology Projects LLC is officially listed by the GCGRA as a licensed operator under both the “Internet Gaming” and “Sports Wagering” categories, making it the first entity in the UAE to receive approval for these combined activities.
The GCGRA defines internet gaming as a form of commercial gaming conducted through digital platforms such as websites or mobile applications. These platforms allow users to participate in games involving chance, skill or a combination of both. Examples include traditional casino-style offerings like slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat and poker, as well as bingo, esports, fantasy sports, peer-to-peer games and other skill-based competitions. Sports wagering, on the other hand, refers to placing bets on the outcomes of sporting events or on the performance of athletes or teams. Licensed sports betting in the UAE covers a broad range of disciplines, including football, cricket, basketball, tennis and horse racing.
Play971 has outlined a strict set of eligibility requirements for users. Individuals must be at least 21 years of age and must be physically located within the UAE in order to register, deposit funds or place wagers. The platform restricts access from certain “sensitive geographic areas” within the country, as determined by the regulator. It also prohibits the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) or other technologies intended to disguise a user’s location or identity. Any breach of these conditions may result in suspended access or forfeiture of winnings.
In line with the UAE’s emphasis on consumer protection, Play971 has also implemented a range of financial eligibility checks and responsible gaming measures. The operator states that its goal is to ensure gaming remains a form of entertainment rather than a source of harm. Responsible gaming tools include spending limits, self-exclusion options, safeguards to prevent underage gaming and access to external support services such as Takalam. These measures reflect the GCGRA’s broader commitment to promoting safe and responsible participation in regulated gaming activities.
The licensing of Play971 represents the 19th licence issued by the GCGRA since the authority was established in September 2023. While most licences granted to date have been awarded to gaming-related vendors and service providers, a small number have gone to high-profile operators. These include The Game LLC, which operates the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, the developer of the country’s first land-based integrated gaming resort, currently under construction in Ras Al Khaimah.
Under the regulatory framework established by the GCGRA, only licensed individuals and businesses are permitted to conduct commercial gaming activities in the UAE. Any gaming activity carried out without the appropriate licence is considered illegal. Penalties may apply not only to operators but also to individuals who participate in unlicensed gaming activities. This approach underscores the regulator’s intent to create a tightly controlled, transparent and compliant gaming environment.
The GCGRA’s mandate covers all forms of commercial gaming nationwide, including lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated resorts. The launch of the first licensed online gaming and sports betting platform signals a significant step forward in the UAE’s long-term strategy to develop a regulated and responsible commercial gaming sector, while balancing economic opportunities with strong consumer safeguards and regulatory oversight.
