{"id":119464,"date":"2025-12-02T13:19:22","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:19:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/?p=119464"},"modified":"2025-12-02T23:51:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T22:51:53","slug":"play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/","title":{"rendered":"Play 971: The UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino Goes Live"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UAE quietly licenses its first online casino operator, a major shift in a country that still bans gambling<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play 971 appears on the national regulator\u2019s register, marking a tightly monitored entry into iGaming<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>This move aligns the UAE\u2019s broader economic strategy and its growing ambitions in the Gulf gaming sector<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For years, players looking for trustworthy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/uae\/\">online casinos in the UAE<\/a> had no choice but to use offshore sites. That changed this week. After a long period of speculation and behind-the-scenes regulatory preparation, the UAE has taken its first concrete step into locally licensed online gaming. Play 971 is now listed on the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) register, making it the country\u2019s first licensed online casino and sportsbook operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This significance is hard to overstate. Gambling remains prohibited under federal law and remains culturally sensitive across the region. The UAE\u2019s gradual, highly controlled approach to gaming reform is reflected in the quiet rollout of Play 971, characterized by small steps, firm oversight, and alignment with long-term economic planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We monitored the rollout, reviewed industry reports, and confirmed the licence with the GCGRA. Here\u2019s what UAE players need to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play 971 is operated by <strong>Coin Technology Projects LLC<\/strong>, linked to <strong>The Game LLC<\/strong>, the company behind the national lottery. Both sit under the Momentum Group, now one of the most active entities in the country related to entertainment and gaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The platform quietly went live earlier this week in <strong>a limited rollout<\/strong>. Our testing showed access in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah, but not yet in Dubai. Industry sources say the staggered release is intentional, with a wider launch expected in Q1 2026 as supplier approvals and compliance steps continue.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kc-attention-block kc-attention-block--is-info\">\n\t<p><strong>A small but symbolic detail:<\/strong><br \/>\nThe name \u201cPlay 971\u201d references both +971, the UAE\u2019s international dialling code, and 1971, the year the country was founded. It positions the platform not as an offshore alternative, but as the country\u2019s first \u201cnational\u201d digital gaming brand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-games-and-providers-does-play-971-casino-use\">What Games and Providers Does Play 971 Casino Use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On the homepage, we spotted games from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>OneTouch<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hub88<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Live88<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Xpoint<\/strong> (geolocation)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sportradar<\/strong> (sports data)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, we also found Evolution\u2019s Speed Dragon Tiger in the live casino section, despite Evolution not appearing yet on the list of officially licensed suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, Play 971 focuses on a mix of slots, crash games, live dealers, and sports betting. As more suppliers get licensed, the catalogue will likely expand significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box\">\n\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__top\">\n\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__icon\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__content\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p><em>&#8220;Finding Evolution\u2019s games live before the supplier appears on the registry is a classic sign of a controlled field test. The regulator clearly wants to validate integrations quietly before opening Play 971 to a wider audience.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-60x60.jpg\" class=\"attachment-comment-author-image size-comment-author-image\" alt=\"Abby Richards\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-60x60.jpg 60w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 60px) 100vw, 60px\" \/>\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-data\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/author\/abby\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAbby Richards\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-position\">\n\t\t\t\tExpert in iGaming Across International Markets\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-this-matters-for-uae-players\">Why This Matters for UAE Players<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the first time ever, UAE players have an online platform that\u2019s:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>locally licensed<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regulated at the federal level<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>linked to the same company running the official UAE Lottery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>operating within a controlled, legal framework<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/international\/\">offshore casinos<\/a>, which operate with no local oversight, this marks a major shift in how online gaming may look in the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box\">\n\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__top\">\n\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__icon\"><\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__content\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p>&#8220;<em>But it\u2019s important to keep expectations realistic: Play 971 is still in a limited rollout, and most UAE players will continue relying on offshore platforms for the time being. We\u2019re tracking updates daily, and as soon as anything changes, we\u2019ll update our guides.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author\">\n\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-60x60.jpg\" class=\"attachment-comment-author-image size-comment-author-image\" alt=\"Abby Richards\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-60x60.jpg 60w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/abby-richards-2025-team-photo-36x36.jpg 36w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 60px) 100vw, 60px\" \/>\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-data\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-name\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/author\/abby\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\tAbby Richards\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"kc-expert-opinion-box__author-position\">\n\t\t\t\tExpert in iGaming Across International Markets\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-one-license-per-emirate-a-controlled-market-model\">One License Per Emirate: A Controlled Market Model<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on industry analyses and early regulatory drafts, the GCGRA is expected to adopt a structure that allows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>one iGaming licence per emirate<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>with each operator allowed a limited number of sub-brands.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If implemented, the UAE could eventually host <strong>up to seven licensed operators<\/strong>, but only if every emirate opts in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This controlled model places the UAE closer to Singapore\u2019s tightly regulated casino system than the open-market approach seen in Malta or Cura\u00e7ao.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-about-truewin-and-dream-island-our-findings\">What About TrueWin and Dream Island? Our Findings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before Play 971 secured its federal licence, two Momentum-linked platforms, TrueWin and Dream Island were already operating within the UAE:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>TrueWin<\/strong>, offering casino games and sports betting, is operated by Momentum Group companies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dream Island<\/strong>, active since 2020, will <strong>permanently close on 10 December 2025<\/strong>, now redirecting users to TrueWin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Neither platform has ever appeared on the GCGRA licence register. Both existed in a regulatory grey zone, with access varying depending on region and ISP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Play 971 is the first, and so far the only, Momentum-linked platform with a confirmed federal licence, clearly marking a shift from unregulated predecessors toward a compliant, monitored model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-momentum-group-the-company-behind-the-uae-lottery-and-play-971-casino\">Momentum Group: The Company Behind the UAE Lottery and Play 971 Casino<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Momentum <strong>holds several roles<\/strong> across the UAE gaming ecosystem:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>operates the UAE Lottery (via The Game LLC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>now operates Play 971 (via Coin Technology Projects LLC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>previously supported Dream Island and TrueWin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>works in mobile gaming, VR, esports, and mixed-reality entertainment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The company <strong>has been expanding<\/strong> rapidly since winning the lottery licence in July 2024. Their job listing earlier this year for a commercial director of an online casino and sportsbook was the first clue that something larger was in development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, with a federally regulated online casino live, their long-term strategy is becoming clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-uae-is-moving-toward-a-regulated-gaming-framework\">The UAE Is Moving Toward a Regulated Gaming Framework<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The launch fits into a broader regulatory arc:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In <strong>2023<\/strong>, the UAE established the GCGRA to oversee lotteries, commercial gaming, and future land-based casinos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In <strong>2024<\/strong>, Momentum\u2019s UAE Lottery became the first legal gaming product in the region.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since then, supplier licences have been issued to Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, IGT, Konami, Sportradar, and others.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wynn\u2019s US$5.1 billion integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah remains on track for a <strong>2027<\/strong> opening, expected to include the country\u2019s first licensed land-based casino.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a clear, if gradual, move toward structured, modern gaming regulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"939\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-939x626.jpg\" alt=\"the wynn and mgm casino buildings in Macau\" class=\"wp-image-119488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-939x626.jpg 939w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-196x131.jpg 196w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-140x93.jpg 140w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-24x16.jpg 24w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-453x302.jpg 453w, https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wynn-casino-macau-building-112x75.jpg 112w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 939px) 100vw, 939px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Wynn and MGM casino buildings in Macau, viewed at dusk from a distance. Photo: Mantas Hesthaven \/ Pexels.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leadership-changes-at-the-gcgra\">Leadership Changes at the GCGRA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The timing is notable: Play 971 emerged just weeks after the GCGRA\u2019s founding CEO <strong>Kevin Mullally stepped down<\/strong>. His tenure oversaw:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the national lottery launch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>supplier licensing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the establishment of the UAE\u2019s regulatory framework<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>approval of Wynn\u2019s land-based casino<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Chairman <strong>Jim Murren<\/strong> (formerly of MGM Resorts) is serving as interim CEO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The regulator continues to operate normally despite the leadership shift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-this-means-for-players-right-now\">What This Means for Players Right Now<strong> <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even with Play 971\u2019s launch, <strong>offshore casinos still make up 99 percent<\/strong> of available options. That\u2019s why our UAE recommendations remain focused on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>payout speed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>VPN performance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>responsible gaming tools<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Play 971\u2019s rollout is promising, but it will take time before UAE players can rely on locally licensed operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll keep monitoring the situation and update our pages the moment anything changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-verdict-from-kryptocasinos-com\">Verdict from Kryptocasinos.com<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After checking the GCGRA register, speaking with industry contacts, and testing the platform across several emirates, one thing is obvious: Play 971 marks the UAE\u2019s <strong>first real step into regulated online gaming<\/strong>. It\u2019s cautious, tightly managed, and still in its early days, but it\u2019s a clear shift from the offshore-only landscape that has defined the market for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, offshore casinos remain the main places UAE players actually use. Play 971 doesn\u2019t change that yet, but it does show where the country is heading \u2013 slowly, and on its own terms.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gambling-disclaimer\">\n\t<p>\n\t\tWe have imposed strict editorial guidelines on ourselves and explain our testing methods openly and comprehensively. We also communicate transparently how our work is financed. This site may contain tracking links, but this does not influence our objective view in any way.\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"kc-tabs kc-tabs--is-horizontal kc-tabs--has-color-black\">\n\t<div class=\"kc-tabs__nav\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"kc-tabs__nav-item kc-tabs__nav-item--is-active\" data-tab=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSources\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"anchor\" id=\"sources\" title=\"Sources\"><\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"kc-tabs__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"kc-tabs__content-item kc-tabs__content-item--is-active\" data-tab=\"0\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h4\">\n\t\t\t\tSources\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\n<ol class=\"kc-sources-list\">\n\t\t<li class=\"kc-sources-list__item\" id=\"source-1\">\n\t\tiGaming Business. \"Exclusive: Play 971 becomes first licensed iGaming site in the UAE\". Accessed on 02.12.2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/igamingbusiness.com\/gaming\/online-casino\/play-971-first-licensed-igaming-site-uae\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/igamingbusiness.com\/gaming\/online-casino\/play-971-first-licensed-igaming-site-uae\/<\/a>.\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"kc-sources-list__item\" id=\"source-2\">\n\t\tiGamingExpress. \"UAE Moves Forward With Plan To Grant One Online Gaming License Per Emirate\". Accessed on 02.12.2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/igamingexpress.com\/uae-moves-forward-with-plan-to-grant-one-online-gaming-license-per-emirate\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/igamingexpress.com\/uae-moves-forward-with-plan-to-grant-one-online-gaming-license-per-emirate\/<\/a>.\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"kc-sources-list__item\" id=\"source-3\">\n\t\tAGBI. \"UAE lottery operator launches online casino and betting brands\". Accessed on 02.12.2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agbi.com\/gaming\/2025\/11\/uae-lottery-operator-launches-online-casino-and-betting-brands\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.agbi.com\/gaming\/2025\/11\/uae-lottery-operator-launches-online-casino-and-betting-brands\/<\/a>.\t<\/li>\n\t\t<li class=\"kc-sources-list__item\" id=\"source-4\">\n\t\tGCGRA. \"Press Release - GCGRA Announces Leadership Transition\". Accessed on 02.12.2025. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gcgra.gov.ae\/en\/news\/press-releases\/november-2025-press-release-gcgra-announces-leadership-transition\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.gcgra.gov.ae\/en\/news\/press-releases\/november-2025-press-release-gcgra-announces-leadership-transition\/<\/a>.\t<\/li>\n\t<\/ol>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For years, players looking for trustworthy online casinos in the UAE had no choice but to use offshore sites. That changed this week. After a long period of speculation and behind-the-scenes regulatory preparation, the UAE has taken its first concrete step into locally licensed online gaming. Play 971 is now listed on the General Commercial&#8230; <\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-excerpt\"><a class=\"button button-blue\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\">Read more<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":119484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[241],"tags":[],"news_crypto_coin":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-119464","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news"},"acf":{"faqs":null,"sort_number":2,"sort_number_no_override":false},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.0 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Play 971 Becomes UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Kryptocasinos.com EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Kryptocasinos.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-12-02T12:19:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-02T22:51:53+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Abby Richards\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Abby Richards\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Abby Richards\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/49f6584243aa68415c2aeec709b0cb52\"},\"headline\":\"Play 971: The UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino Goes Live\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-02T13:19:22+01:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-02T23:51:53+01:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\"},\"wordCount\":1084,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"News\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"description\":\"\",\"isAccessibleForFree\":true,\"articleBody\":\"\\n\\nUAE quietly licenses its first online casino operator, a major shift in a country that still bans gambling.\\n\\n\\n\\nPlay 971 appears on the national regulator\u2019s register, marking a tightly monitored entry into iGaming.\\n\\n\\n\\nThis move aligns the UAE\u2019s broader economic strategy and its growing ambitions in the Gulf gaming sector.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nFor years, players looking for trustworthy online casinos in the UAE had no choice but to use offshore sites. That changed this week. After a long period of speculation and behind-the-scenes regulatory preparation, the UAE has taken its first concrete step into locally licensed online gaming. Play 971 is now listed on the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) register, making it the country\u2019s first licensed online casino and sportsbook operator.\\n\\n\\n\\nThis significance is hard to overstate. Gambling remains prohibited under federal law and remains culturally sensitive across the region. The UAE\u2019s gradual, highly controlled approach to gaming reform is reflected in the quiet rollout of Play 971, characterized by small steps, firm oversight, and alignment with long-term economic planning.\\n\\n\\n\\nWe monitored the rollout, reviewed industry reports, and confirmed the licence with the GCGRA. Here\u2019s what UAE players need to know.\\n\\n\\n\\nPlay 971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, linked to The Game LLC, the company behind the national lottery. Both sit under the Momentum Group, now one of the most active entities in the country related to entertainment and gaming.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe platform quietly went live earlier this week in a limited rollout. Our testing showed access in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah, but not yet in Dubai. Industry sources say the staggered release is intentional, with a wider launch expected in Q1 2026 as supplier approvals and compliance steps continue.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat Games and Providers Does Play 971 Casino Use?\\n\\n\\n\\nOn the homepage, we spotted games from:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nOneTouch\\n\\n\\n\\nHub88\\n\\n\\n\\nLive88\\n\\n\\n\\nXpoint (geolocation)\\n\\n\\n\\nSportradar (sports data)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nInterestingly, we also found Evolution\u2019s Speed Dragon Tiger in the live casino section, despite Evolution not appearing yet on the list of officially licensed suppliers.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor now, Play 971 focuses on a mix of slots, crash games, live dealers, and sports betting. As more suppliers get licensed, the catalogue will likely expand significantly.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nWhy This Matters for UAE Players\\n\\n\\n\\nFor the first time ever, UAE players have an online platform that\u2019s:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nlocally licensed\\n\\n\\n\\nregulated at the federal level\\n\\n\\n\\nlinked to the same company running the official UAE Lottery\\n\\n\\n\\noperating within a controlled, legal framework\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nCompared to offshore casinos, which operate with no local oversight, this marks a major shift in how online gaming may look in the long term.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nOne License Per Emirate: A Controlled Market Model\\n\\n\\n\\nBased on industry analyses and early regulatory drafts, the GCGRA is expected to adopt a structure that allows:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\none iGaming licence per emirate,\\n\\n\\n\\nwith each operator allowed a limited number of sub-brands.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIf implemented, the UAE could eventually host up to seven licensed operators, but only if every emirate opts in.\\n\\n\\n\\nThis controlled model places the UAE closer to Singapore\u2019s tightly regulated casino system than the open-market approach seen in Malta or Cura\u00e7ao.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat About TrueWin and Dream Island? Our Findings\\n\\n\\n\\nBefore Play 971 secured its federal licence, two Momentum-linked platforms, TrueWin and Dream Island were already operating within the UAE:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nTrueWin, offering casino games and sports betting, is operated by Momentum Group companies.\\n\\n\\n\\nDream Island, active since 2020, will permanently close on 10 December 2025, now redirecting users to TrueWin.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nNeither platform has ever appeared on the GCGRA licence register. Both existed in a regulatory grey zone, with access varying depending on region and ISP.\\n\\n\\n\\nPlay 971 is the first, and so far the only, Momentum-linked platform with a confirmed federal licence, clearly marking a shift from unregulated predecessors toward a compliant, monitored model.\\n\\n\\n\\nMomentum Group: The Company Behind the UAE Lottery and Play 971 Casino\\n\\n\\n\\nMomentum holds several roles across the UAE gaming ecosystem:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\noperates the UAE Lottery (via The Game LLC)\\n\\n\\n\\nnow operates Play 971 (via Coin Technology Projects LLC)\\n\\n\\n\\npreviously supported Dream Island and TrueWin\\n\\n\\n\\nworks in mobile gaming, VR, esports, and mixed-reality entertainment\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThe company has been expanding rapidly since winning the lottery licence in July 2024. Their job listing earlier this year for a commercial director of an online casino and sportsbook was the first clue that something larger was in development.\\n\\n\\n\\nNow, with a federally regulated online casino live, their long-term strategy is becoming clear.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe UAE Is Moving Toward a Regulated Gaming Framework\\n\\n\\n\\nThe launch fits into a broader regulatory arc:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nIn 2023, the UAE established the GCGRA to oversee lotteries, commercial gaming, and future land-based casinos.\\n\\n\\n\\nIn 2024, Momentum\u2019s UAE Lottery became the first legal gaming product in the region.\\n\\n\\n\\nSince then, supplier licences have been issued to Aristocrat, Light &amp; Wonder, IGT, Konami, Sportradar, and others.\\n\\n\\n\\nWynn\u2019s US$5.1 billion integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah remains on track for a 2027 opening, expected to include the country\u2019s first licensed land-based casino.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nThis is a clear, if gradual, move toward structured, modern gaming regulation.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe Wynn and MGM casino buildings in Macau, viewed at dusk from a distance. Photo: Mantas Hesthaven \/ Pexels.\\n\\n\\n\\nLeadership Changes at the GCGRA\\n\\n\\n\\nThe timing is notable: Play 971 emerged just weeks after the GCGRA\u2019s founding CEO Kevin Mullally stepped down. His tenure oversaw:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nthe national lottery launch\\n\\n\\n\\nsupplier licensing\\n\\n\\n\\nthe establishment of the UAE\u2019s regulatory framework\\n\\n\\n\\napproval of Wynn\u2019s land-based casino\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nChairman Jim Murren (formerly of MGM Resorts) is serving as interim CEO.\\n\\n\\n\\nThe regulator continues to operate normally despite the leadership shift.\\n\\n\\n\\nWhat This Means for Players Right Now \\n\\n\\n\\nEven with Play 971\u2019s launch, offshore casinos still make up 99 percent of available options. That\u2019s why our UAE recommendations remain focused on:\\n\\n\\n\\n\\ntrust\\n\\n\\n\\npayout speed\\n\\n\\n\\nVPN performance\\n\\n\\n\\nsafety\\n\\n\\n\\nresponsible gaming tools\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nPlay 971\u2019s rollout is promising, but it will take time before UAE players can rely on locally licensed operators.\\n\\n\\n\\nWe\u2019ll keep monitoring the situation and update our pages the moment anything changes.\\n\\n\\n\\nVerdict from Kryptocasinos.com\\n\\n\\n\\nAfter checking the GCGRA register, speaking with industry contacts, and testing the platform across several emirates, one thing is obvious: Play 971 marks the UAE\u2019s first real step into regulated online gaming. It\u2019s cautious, tightly managed, and still in its early days, but it\u2019s a clear shift from the offshore-only landscape that has defined the market for years.\\n\\n\\n\\nFor now, offshore casinos remain the main places UAE players actually use. Play 971 doesn\u2019t change that yet, but it does show where the country is heading \u2013 slowly, and on its own terms.\\n\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\",\"name\":\"Play 971 Becomes UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-12-02T13:19:22+01:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-02T23:51:53+01:00\",\"description\":\"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1707,\"caption\":\"dubai\u2019s skyline with the burj khalifa at sunset\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"News\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Play 971: The UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino Goes Live\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\",\"description\":\"\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg\",\"width\":109,\"height\":34,\"caption\":\"Kryptocasinos.com\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/\"],\"description\":\"Discover top-rated crypto casinos for %%currentyear%% with fast Bitcoin payouts, trustworthy security, and fair bonuses. See which casinos truly deliver.\",\"address\":{\"@type\":\"PostalAddress\",\"streetAddress\":\"557 Fuk Wing St\",\"addressLocality\":\"Cheung Sha Wan\",\"addressRegion\":\"HK\",\"postalCode\":\"999077\",\"addressCountry\":\"CN\"},\"contactPoint\":{\"@type\":\"ContactPoint\",\"email\":\"contact@kryptocasinos.com\"},\"foundingDate\":\"2021-03-27\",\"email\":\"hello@kryptocasinos.com\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"11\",\"maxValue\":\"50\"},\"publishingPrinciples\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/editorial-guidelines\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/49f6584243aa68415c2aeec709b0cb52\",\"name\":\"Abby Richards\",\"description\":\"Before joining Kryptocasinos.com, I've worked with some of the biggest brands in the iGaming industry. 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In my free time, you\u2019ll find me creating avant-garde fractal art or experimenting in the kitchen as I craft new dishes.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/abby-richards-575b67378\/\"],\"birthDate\":\"1989-05-16\",\"knowsLanguage\":[\"English\",\"Spanish\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/author\/abby\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Play 971 Becomes UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino","description":"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/","og_type":"article","og_title":"Kryptocasinos.com EN","og_description":"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/","og_site_name":"Kryptocasinos.com","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/","article_published_time":"2025-12-02T12:19:22+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-02T22:51:53+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Abby Richards","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Abby Richards","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/"},"author":{"name":"Abby Richards","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/49f6584243aa68415c2aeec709b0cb52"},"headline":"Play 971: The UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino Goes Live","datePublished":"2025-12-02T13:19:22+01:00","dateModified":"2025-12-02T23:51:53+01:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/"},"wordCount":1084,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg","articleSection":["News"],"inLanguage":"en-US","description":"","isAccessibleForFree":true,"articleBody":"\n\nUAE quietly licenses its first online casino operator, a major shift in a country that still bans gambling.\n\n\n\nPlay 971 appears on the national regulator\u2019s register, marking a tightly monitored entry into iGaming.\n\n\n\nThis move aligns the UAE\u2019s broader economic strategy and its growing ambitions in the Gulf gaming sector.\n\n\n\n\nFor years, players looking for trustworthy online casinos in the UAE had no choice but to use offshore sites. That changed this week. After a long period of speculation and behind-the-scenes regulatory preparation, the UAE has taken its first concrete step into locally licensed online gaming. Play 971 is now listed on the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) register, making it the country\u2019s first licensed online casino and sportsbook operator.\n\n\n\nThis significance is hard to overstate. Gambling remains prohibited under federal law and remains culturally sensitive across the region. The UAE\u2019s gradual, highly controlled approach to gaming reform is reflected in the quiet rollout of Play 971, characterized by small steps, firm oversight, and alignment with long-term economic planning.\n\n\n\nWe monitored the rollout, reviewed industry reports, and confirmed the licence with the GCGRA. Here\u2019s what UAE players need to know.\n\n\n\nPlay 971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, linked to The Game LLC, the company behind the national lottery. Both sit under the Momentum Group, now one of the most active entities in the country related to entertainment and gaming.\n\n\n\nThe platform quietly went live earlier this week in a limited rollout. Our testing showed access in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah, but not yet in Dubai. Industry sources say the staggered release is intentional, with a wider launch expected in Q1 2026 as supplier approvals and compliance steps continue.\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat Games and Providers Does Play 971 Casino Use?\n\n\n\nOn the homepage, we spotted games from:\n\n\n\n\nOneTouch\n\n\n\nHub88\n\n\n\nLive88\n\n\n\nXpoint (geolocation)\n\n\n\nSportradar (sports data)\n\n\n\n\nInterestingly, we also found Evolution\u2019s Speed Dragon Tiger in the live casino section, despite Evolution not appearing yet on the list of officially licensed suppliers.\n\n\n\nFor now, Play 971 focuses on a mix of slots, crash games, live dealers, and sports betting. As more suppliers get licensed, the catalogue will likely expand significantly.\n\n\n\n\n\nWhy This Matters for UAE Players\n\n\n\nFor the first time ever, UAE players have an online platform that\u2019s:\n\n\n\n\nlocally licensed\n\n\n\nregulated at the federal level\n\n\n\nlinked to the same company running the official UAE Lottery\n\n\n\noperating within a controlled, legal framework\n\n\n\n\nCompared to offshore casinos, which operate with no local oversight, this marks a major shift in how online gaming may look in the long term.\n\n\n\n\n\nOne License Per Emirate: A Controlled Market Model\n\n\n\nBased on industry analyses and early regulatory drafts, the GCGRA is expected to adopt a structure that allows:\n\n\n\n\none iGaming licence per emirate,\n\n\n\nwith each operator allowed a limited number of sub-brands.\n\n\n\n\nIf implemented, the UAE could eventually host up to seven licensed operators, but only if every emirate opts in.\n\n\n\nThis controlled model places the UAE closer to Singapore\u2019s tightly regulated casino system than the open-market approach seen in Malta or Cura\u00e7ao.\n\n\n\nWhat About TrueWin and Dream Island? Our Findings\n\n\n\nBefore Play 971 secured its federal licence, two Momentum-linked platforms, TrueWin and Dream Island were already operating within the UAE:\n\n\n\n\nTrueWin, offering casino games and sports betting, is operated by Momentum Group companies.\n\n\n\nDream Island, active since 2020, will permanently close on 10 December 2025, now redirecting users to TrueWin.\n\n\n\n\nNeither platform has ever appeared on the GCGRA licence register. Both existed in a regulatory grey zone, with access varying depending on region and ISP.\n\n\n\nPlay 971 is the first, and so far the only, Momentum-linked platform with a confirmed federal licence, clearly marking a shift from unregulated predecessors toward a compliant, monitored model.\n\n\n\nMomentum Group: The Company Behind the UAE Lottery and Play 971 Casino\n\n\n\nMomentum holds several roles across the UAE gaming ecosystem:\n\n\n\n\noperates the UAE Lottery (via The Game LLC)\n\n\n\nnow operates Play 971 (via Coin Technology Projects LLC)\n\n\n\npreviously supported Dream Island and TrueWin\n\n\n\nworks in mobile gaming, VR, esports, and mixed-reality entertainment\n\n\n\n\nThe company has been expanding rapidly since winning the lottery licence in July 2024. Their job listing earlier this year for a commercial director of an online casino and sportsbook was the first clue that something larger was in development.\n\n\n\nNow, with a federally regulated online casino live, their long-term strategy is becoming clear.\n\n\n\nThe UAE Is Moving Toward a Regulated Gaming Framework\n\n\n\nThe launch fits into a broader regulatory arc:\n\n\n\n\nIn 2023, the UAE established the GCGRA to oversee lotteries, commercial gaming, and future land-based casinos.\n\n\n\nIn 2024, Momentum\u2019s UAE Lottery became the first legal gaming product in the region.\n\n\n\nSince then, supplier licences have been issued to Aristocrat, Light &amp; Wonder, IGT, Konami, Sportradar, and others.\n\n\n\nWynn\u2019s US$5.1 billion integrated resort in Ras Al-Khaimah remains on track for a 2027 opening, expected to include the country\u2019s first licensed land-based casino.\n\n\n\n\nThis is a clear, if gradual, move toward structured, modern gaming regulation.\n\n\n\nThe Wynn and MGM casino buildings in Macau, viewed at dusk from a distance. Photo: Mantas Hesthaven \/ Pexels.\n\n\n\nLeadership Changes at the GCGRA\n\n\n\nThe timing is notable: Play 971 emerged just weeks after the GCGRA\u2019s founding CEO Kevin Mullally stepped down. His tenure oversaw:\n\n\n\n\nthe national lottery launch\n\n\n\nsupplier licensing\n\n\n\nthe establishment of the UAE\u2019s regulatory framework\n\n\n\napproval of Wynn\u2019s land-based casino\n\n\n\n\nChairman Jim Murren (formerly of MGM Resorts) is serving as interim CEO.\n\n\n\nThe regulator continues to operate normally despite the leadership shift.\n\n\n\nWhat This Means for Players Right Now \n\n\n\nEven with Play 971\u2019s launch, offshore casinos still make up 99 percent of available options. That\u2019s why our UAE recommendations remain focused on:\n\n\n\n\ntrust\n\n\n\npayout speed\n\n\n\nVPN performance\n\n\n\nsafety\n\n\n\nresponsible gaming tools\n\n\n\n\nPlay 971\u2019s rollout is promising, but it will take time before UAE players can rely on locally licensed operators.\n\n\n\nWe\u2019ll keep monitoring the situation and update our pages the moment anything changes.\n\n\n\nVerdict from Kryptocasinos.com\n\n\n\nAfter checking the GCGRA register, speaking with industry contacts, and testing the platform across several emirates, one thing is obvious: Play 971 marks the UAE\u2019s first real step into regulated online gaming. It\u2019s cautious, tightly managed, and still in its early days, but it\u2019s a clear shift from the offshore-only landscape that has defined the market for years.\n\n\n\nFor now, offshore casinos remain the main places UAE players actually use. Play 971 doesn\u2019t change that yet, but it does show where the country is heading \u2013 slowly, and on its own terms.\n"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/","name":"Play 971 Becomes UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2025-12-02T13:19:22+01:00","dateModified":"2025-12-02T23:51:53+01:00","description":"Play 971 launches as the UAE\u2019s first licensed online casino, replacing grey-zone platforms and signalling the country\u2019s move toward regulated gaming.","inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/dubai-skyline-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"dubai\u2019s skyline with the burj khalifa at sunset"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/play-971-uae-first-licensed-online-casino\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"News","item":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/news\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Play 971: The UAE\u2019s First Licensed Online Casino Goes Live"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/","name":"Kryptocasinos.com","description":"","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Kryptocasinos.com","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/kryptocasinos-com-logo.svg","width":109,"height":34,"caption":"Kryptocasinos.com"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.kryptocasinos.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/kryptocasinoscomm\/"],"description":"Discover top-rated crypto casinos for %%currentyear%% with fast Bitcoin payouts, trustworthy security, and fair bonuses. 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