The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a historic step by licensing its first online gambling operator. While the country has previously focused on lottery providers, the arrival of a fully regulated iGaming brand signals a major expansion of the legal gaming landscape.
In short
- The UAE has officially licensed its first online gambling operator, Play971.
- Play971 holds a GCGRA license and is currently in a soft launch phase.
- The brand is operated by Momentum, parent company of the UAE Lottery’s The Game brand.
- Play971 references the UAE’s dialing code and independence year (1971).
- A full launch is planned next year, expanding the UAE’s regulated iGaming market.
iGaming Officially Arrives in the UAE
The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has confirmed that Play971 is now the UAE’s first licensed iGaming operator. The platform, which has been operational for several days, carries a GCGRA license and positions itself as a fully legal online gaming option.
On its official website, Play971 states:
“We are an official regulated iGaming website operating in the UAE and licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.”
The site also features a detailed Q&A section, addressing common questions and reassuring users of its regulatory compliance. Currently in a soft launch phase, Play971 is expected to roll out a full launch next year, following the UAE’s decision to issue a single online gaming license per emirate.
A Milestone for the UAE Gaming Market
Play971 operates under Momentum, the parent company behind The Game brand that manages the UAE lottery. Momentum has been a key player in the UAE’s entertainment sector, offering mobile games, virtual reality experiences, and esports events.
The brand name, Play971, references the country’s international dialing code and pays homage to 1971, the year the UAE gained independence.
This launch marks a turning point for a region historically known for restrictive real-money gaming laws. The UAE Lottery laid the groundwork, quickly gaining popularity among local players, and now Play971 expands the legal gaming horizon.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts continues its efforts to reshape entertainment in the region, aiming to complement digital gaming with traditional casino experiences in the UAE.
Source: igamingbusiness.com
