UAE Makes History: First Licensed Online Sports Betting & Casino Platform, Play971, Launches
In a landmark move for its digital economy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially launched its first fully licensed online sports betting and iGaming platform, signaling a transformative era in the nation’s regulatory approach to commercial gaming. This historic development introduces a legal, regulated framework for online wagering in a region traditionally known for strict gambling prohibitions.
The pioneering platform, Play971, has been granted official authorization by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal body established in 2023 to oversee all commercial gaming activities. This license makes Play971 the first and only internet-based platform in the UAE legally permitted to offer real-money sports betting and online casino games.
Play971: The UAE’s Premier Licensed Gaming Destination
Operated by Abu Dhabi-incorporated Coin Technology Projects LLC, Play971 is regulated within the UAE and adheres strictly to GCGRA standards. The platform’s launch provides a legal avenue for a wide array of digital entertainment previously inaccessible under UAE law.
According to the GCGRA’s framework, Play971’s license covers two main categories:
Internet Gaming: This includes popular online casino games such as slots, virtual table games (like blackjack and roulette), e-sports betting, bingo, and skill-based games.
Sports Wagering: Users can legally bet on outcomes from major global sports, including football, cricket, horse racing, tennis, and more.
Eligibility, Security, and Responsible Gaming
Access to Play971 is tightly controlled to ensure compliance and consumer protection. Only individuals aged 21 and above who are physically located within the UAE can register, deposit funds, play, and withdraw winnings. The platform employs robust geolocation technology, and the use of VPNs to mask location is strictly prohibited, with violations potentially leading to forfeited winnings.
Emphasizing a commitment to safety, Play971 incorporates responsible gaming tools. Players can set personal limits on their activity and have access to resources and support services for managing gameplay, aligning with the GCGRA’s focus on consumer protection.
A Rapidly Evolving Regulatory Landscape
The licensing of Play971 represents a significant step in the GCGRA’s mission, marking its 19th license issued since its inception. It follows other regulated activities like the UAE Lottery and the landmark license for the Wynn Al Marjan integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah. This progression highlights the UAE’s structured approach to building a diverse, regulated gaming sector.
Critically, the GCGRA maintains that all commercial gaming without a license remains illegal. This applies to both operators and individuals, with serious penalties for violations, underscoring the importance of using only licensed platforms like Play971.
Market Significance and Future Outlook
The launch of Play971 is widely viewed as a watershed moment for the UAE gaming industry. It reflects a strategic balance between embracing digital innovation, capturing a share of the global digital economy, and implementing world-class consumer safeguards. The move is particularly significant for the UAE’s large expatriate population familiar with regulated markets.
Industry analysts expect the UAE’s gaming market to expand rapidly following this precedent. The future likely holds more licensed operators, an enhanced variety of online casino and sports betting products, and continued digital innovation under the GCGRA’s oversight.
In summary, the debut of Play971 is more than a new platform launch; it is the foundation of the UAE’s new regulated online gaming ecosystem. It marks a definitive shift towards a responsible, legal, and modern framework that aligns with global standards while catering to regional demand.
