UAE Launches Play971, Its First Licensed Online Sports Betting Platform

Play971 Marks a New Era of Regulated iGaming in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates has taken a historic step into regulated digital gaming with the launch of Play971 , its first officially licensed online sports betting and iGaming platform. Supervised by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) , the initiative signals a major policy shift for a country traditionally known for stringent restrictions on gambling rooted in cultural and religious norms.

Play971 and Regulatory Oversight
Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC , an Abu Dhabi–based firm headquartered at the Twofour54 Yas Creative Hub . The platform functions under a federal licence issued by the GCGRA, the apex authority responsible for regulating all commercial gaming activities in the UAE. Authorities have stressed that Play971 operates entirely within national jurisdiction, ensuring strong regulatory supervision, transparency, and consumer safeguards.

Services Offered on the Platform
The platform provides eligible users with legal access to online sports betting and digital casino-style games involving real money. Sports wagering options include major international competitions such as football and tennis, while iGaming offerings span both chance-based and skill-based formats. Participation is governed by strict identity verification, age restrictions, and responsible gaming protocols , making compliance a core feature of the system. At present, access is limited to selected emirates, notably Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah .

Gradual Rollout and Policy Evolution
Officials have described the launch as a phased and controlled rollout , not a sudden liberalisation. Play971 is being used as a pilot to evaluate regulatory robustness, operational integrity, and consumer protection mechanisms. Subject to successful implementation, wider access across the UAE is expected from early 2026 , once licensing and compliance frameworks are fully refined.

Towards a Regulated Gaming Ecosystem
The debut of Play971 follows earlier regulatory developments such as the licensing of the UAE Lottery and approvals for international gaming vendors. Together, these steps reflect the UAE’s strategy to build a secure, transparent, and carefully regulated commercial gaming ecosystem aligned with global standards.

Exam-Focused Points

• Play971 is the UAE’s first licensed online sports betting and iGaming platform.

• It is regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) .

• Operations currently cover Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah .

• Only licensed operators can legally offer sports betting in the UAE.