The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step in expanding its regulated gaming market with the recent launch of Play 971, the first fully licensed iGaming site in the country. The platform, which went live in late November 2025, has been licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This marks a historic milestone for the region, introducing online sports betting, racing, and casino gaming to the UAE.

Play 971’s launch, however, is currently in a field trial phase. The platform’s operations are under close observation by the GCGRA, which is monitoring its rollout within a limited area. As of now, the site appears to be available in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah, though it has not yet been launched in Dubai. Sources suggest that the platform could officially roll out across the UAE in the first quarter of 2026, pending the success of its trial phase.

Play 971: A New Era for UAE’s iGaming Market

Play 971 operates under the umbrella of Coin Technology Projects LLC, a company that shares its address with The Game LLC, the operator behind the UAE Lottery. The Lottery, which began operations a year ago, is the only legal gambling platform currently active in the UAE. Play 971’s introduction marks a departure from the limited gambling options available thus far, as it expands the UAE’s gaming ecosystem by adding online sports betting and iCasino.

The UAE’s gambling regulations are designed to allow one online license per emirate, suggesting the potential for up to seven operators in the market if each emirate supports an online gambling operator. However, there is a key restriction: Emiratis, who make up a small portion of the population, are not permitted to gamble, leaving the expat population as the primary market for these online platforms.

In its current form, Play 971 features games from several suppliers, with OneTouch being the most prominent. OneTouch’s games are licensed under Live Online Gaming Services, a subsidiary of the Yolo Group. The live casino section on Play 971 also includes games from Evolution, though the latter’s involvement is not yet listed among the platform’s licensed suppliers. Other notable partners include geolocation provider Xpoint and sports data specialist Sportradar.

Momentum LLC: The Driving Force Behind Play 971

Play 971’s launch is the latest chapter in Momentum LLC’s efforts to expand the UAE’s regulated gaming sector. Momentum, which secured the UAE Lottery license in July 2024, operates both the lottery and Play 971 through its subsidiary The Game LLC. The company’s ambitions go beyond traditional gaming, with its website listing areas such as mixed reality gaming, esports, and AI-enhanced gaming experiences.

As iGaming Business reports, Momentum’s gaming plans are part of a broader strategy to diversify its operations, which also include mobile game publishing. The company’s increasing focus on the gaming sector positions it as a key player in shaping the future of regulated gaming in the UAE.

The UAE’s regulatory framework, led by the GCGRA, continues to evolve rapidly. Since its establishment in 2023, the GCGRA has worked to create the infrastructure for both land-based and online commercial gaming, including integrated resorts and sports wagering. Despite Play 971’s success, the rollout of more operators remains slow, with each emirate able to issue only one iGaming license.

Additionally, the future of the UAE’s gaming landscape is tied to the success of major projects, including the construction of the Wynn Resorts complex in Ras Al Khaimah. The resort, scheduled for completion by 2027, will include a physical casino and is expected to further boost the UAE’s gaming industry.

With these developments in motion, Play 971’s trial phase is crucial in determining the future direction of online gaming in the UAE. The success of the platform will likely pave the way for other operators to enter the market, provided the GCGRA approves their licensing.

Play 971’s introduction to the market comes at a time of transition within the GCGRA, with CEO Kevin Mullally stepping down in early November 2025. Mullally, who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the UAE’s regulatory framework, is being replaced by Jim Murren, the GCGRA’s chairman. Murren, a former MGM Resorts International CEO, will now oversee the regulatory body’s operations on an interim basis.