Play971 Approved as First Licensed Online Sportsbook in UAE
Play971 Launches as First Licensed Online Sportsbook in the UAE – Federal Regulator Expands Controlled iGaming Market
Key Takeaways
- Play971 has been approved as the first licensed online sportsbook and iGaming platform in the United Arab Emirates.
- The operator, Coin Technology Projects LLC, received both Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering licences from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
- Play971 is currently the only online gambling brand listed by the UAE regulator.
- The approval represents the 19th licence issued by the GCGRA since its establishment in September 2023.
- All licensed operators must comply with strict responsible gambling, player protection, and anti-money laundering requirements.
First Federally Licensed Online Sportsbook in the UAE
Play971 has been formally approved as the first licensed online sportsbook and iGaming platform in the United Arab Emirates. The brand is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a company that is part of the Abu Dhabi based Momentum Group.
The operator received two separate licences from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, known as the GCGRA. These licences cover both Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering. With this approval, Play971 is currently the only brand listed by the federal regulator as authorised to provide online gambling services in the country.
The launch comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the platform already offering a range of sports betting markets to customers located in the UAE.
Scope of the GCGRA Licensing Framework
The GCGRA was established in September 2023 and oversees commercial gaming activities under a federal regulatory structure. Since its formation, the authority has issued 19 licences. Most of these approvals have related to land based projects rather than online operations.
Under the regulatory framework, an Internet Gaming licence allows the offering of games of chance, skill, or a combination of both via websites and mobile applications. This category includes online slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, bingo, fantasy games, peer to peer gaming, and esports products.
A Sports Wagering licence permits operators to accept bets on the outcome or performance of sporting events. Covered sports include football, horse racing, cricket, basketball, and tennis. Such betting activities can only be legally offered through operators that hold a GCGRA licence.
Current licence recipients also include The Game, identified as the UAE national lottery, and the integrated resort development of Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
Platform Offering and Market Positioning
Play971 is accessible through mobile and desktop browsers. The sportsbook offers betting markets on major international sports and leagues, as well as regional competitions including UAE football and horse racing.
In addition to sports betting, the platform provides online casino games, proprietary Play971 titles, and live dealer products. According to the information released, live dealer games are streamed from a GCGRA licensed studio located in Abu Dhabi.
Momentum Group has stated that its focus is on developing locally relevant gaming products while maintaining strict responsible gambling controls. The company positions Play971 as a locally rooted platform operating under federal oversight.
Compliance, Player Protection, and Age Restrictions
All GCGRA licensees are subject to detailed regulatory requirements. The authority mandates strict authorisation of key management, both corporate and individual. This includes extensive due diligence on directors and executive officers within a gaming entity’s ownership structure.
Licensed betting brands are restricted to customers aged 21 and over. Operators must comply with rules covering responsible gambling measures, player protection standards, privacy safeguards, and anti money laundering controls.
The GCGRA has also indicated that it will apply strict monitoring to unlicensed operators targeting UAE consumers from overseas. The regulator has signalled that consumer protection will be a priority as the market develops.
Pending Tax Structure for the Regulated Market
While the licensing framework is in place, the UAE has not yet confirmed the tax structure that will apply to its regulated gaming market. Industry proposals referenced in connection with the framework point to a tiered Gross Gaming Revenue model.
Under these proposals, mass market operators could face a 25 percent tax rate, while premium gaming operators could be subject to an 8 percent levy. No final decision has been publicly confirmed.
The clarification of taxation will be a relevant factor for operators assessing long term participation in the UAE market, as well as for users monitoring pricing structures and product availability.
Implications for UAE Sports Bettors and Online Casino Users
With Play971 now live, customers in the UAE can place sports bets and access online casino products through a federally licensed domestic operator. For users, this marks the first instance of a locally regulated online sportsbook operating under formal oversight.
The regulatory model places online gambling within a structured federal system, with defined licensing categories and compliance obligations. For comparison platform users evaluating providers in the region, the GCGRA licence status now serves as a key indicator of legal authorisation within the UAE.
The timing of the launch ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is notable, as international football tournaments traditionally drive higher betting activity. However, all activity must take place within the boundaries set by the regulator.
Our Assessment
The approval of Play971 as the first licensed online sportsbook and iGaming platform in the UAE represents a formal expansion of the country’s regulated commercial gaming framework into the online segment. The issuance of both Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering licences establishes a clear legal pathway for digital betting services under federal supervision. With compliance requirements, age restrictions, and oversight mechanisms defined by the GCGRA, the launch introduces a controlled online gambling option for users within the UAE while further developing the country’s broader commercial gaming market.
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