For the first time, players in the United Arab Emirates can legally place bets online, thanks to the launch of Play 971, the country’s first officially licensed iGaming platform. Backed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the site quietly went live in late November and is currently available in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
While still in a testing phase, Play 971 marks a major shift for the region, introducing online casino games, sports betting, and virtual racing under regulated conditions. It’s a cautious rollout, with the GCGRA closely monitoring performance before approving any nationwide expansion. If all goes well, players across the UAE could see wider access by early 2026.
What This Means for the Average Player
Until now, legal gambling in the UAE has been extremely limited, with only the state-run lottery offering a sanctioned option. For expats—who make up the majority of the population and are allowed to gamble—this meant turning to offshore sites, often with little to no local protection.
Now, platforms like Play 971 change that. With local licensing in place, users get a safer, regulated environment to enjoy games from known providers like OneTouch and Evolution. The site also uses tools like geolocation verification and sports data from Sportradar, offering a professional setup aimed at international standards.
For mobile-first players, this could be a game-changer. The site already leans into mobile gaming, and its backing company, Momentum LLC, is exploring next-gen options like esports and AI-powered experiences. That means the UAE market won’t just catch up—it might leap forward.
Room for Growth: One License per Emirate
Under current regulations, each emirate can license one online operator. That leaves space for up to six more sites in the future, depending on how the trial phase unfolds. Dubai, for example, has yet to approve any platform, keeping a close eye on what happens in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah.
This structure may slow down the number of new operators entering the market, but it also ensures tight control and gradual growth. For players, that means fewer, more reliable choices—at least for now.
Behind the Scenes: Who’s Running the Show?
Play 971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, which shares ties with The Game LLC, the group behind the UAE Lottery. Both are subsidiaries of Momentum LLC, a company that’s quickly becoming the face of regulated gaming in the country.
Momentum’s focus goes beyond just lottery and casino—it’s eyeing everything from mixed reality games to esports tournaments. That vision could place the UAE as a future hub for cutting-edge gambling tech, provided the infrastructure and regulations evolve alongside.
What’s Next?
With high-profile projects like Wynn Resorts Ras Al Khaimah on the horizon—and former MGM boss Jim Murren now stepping in as acting head of the GCGRA—things are moving fast. Murren replaces outgoing CEO Kevin Mullally, who helped lay the groundwork for the current system.
As Play 971’s test run continues, its performance will likely determine how soon the rest of the country can join in. For online casino fans living in the UAE, the wait may finally be coming to an end.
