Exclusive: Play 971 becomes first licensed iGaming site in the UAE
Play 971 has launched in the UAE, becoming the first fully licensed and regulated iGaming site in the market.
Play 971 launched earlier this week, stating on its website that it is the maiden online gaming site to launch in the UAE with a licence from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
The regulator updated its site to add Play 971 to its internet gaming and sports wagering licensees on 28 November, with sources suggesting it is undergoing a trial rollout in a limited area. The site appeared to be available in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah, but not Dubai, on Wednesday.
The site is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC. That entity shares an address with The Game LLC, the business behind The UAE Lottery, which launched ticket sales a year ago today.
Whether the site going live marks its official launch is unclear. Sources close to the project suggested an official launch was planned in the first quarter of 2026.
Which suppliers are providing games for Play 971?
A number of the games featured on Play 971’s homepage are from the supplier OneTouch, which falls under the licensed entity of Live Online Gaming Services, a subsidiary of Yolo Group.
However, in the live casino section, the Speed Dragon Tiger is supplied by Evolution, which isn’t yet listed among the licensees.
Aside from OneTouch and two other Yolo Group B2B brands – Hub88 and Live88 – geolocation provider Xpoint and sports data specialist Sportradar, the vast majority of supplier licensees announced to date appear focused on land-based and lottery gaming.
Play 971 marks UAE’s first foray into iGaming
The Play 971 launch – whether as a trial or as an official rollout – marks a major step as the UAE expands its regulated gambling market, by adding online sports betting, racing and iCasino to the nascent market. To date, the UAE Lottery is the only legal product, with Wynn’s Al Marjan Island resort not due to open until early 2027.
Sources suggest regulations allow for one online licensee per emirate, meaning there could in theory be up to seven operators in the market. This of course would depend on all seven emirates supporting an online gaming offering.
While regulations state emiratis are not permitted to gamble, a population made up of roughly 88% expats provides an addressable market for operators. Rumours of an online launch have persisted throughout 2025, as far back as the second quarter of the year.
Building Momentum
Momentum LLC became a key player in the UAE last July, when it beat local incumbents Mahzooz and Emirates Draw to secure the UAE Lottery licence. That business is operated via its subsidiary TheGame LLC, while Play 971 is linked to Coin.
The rollout may be just one step in Momentum’s growth plans. Its website lists a game publishing arm, mixed reality gaming and esports alongside lottery operations and commercial gaming as areas of focus. This, it says, is underpinned by an embrace of AI.
Personnel changes at the GCGRA
Play 971 emerges in the wake of the GCGRA’s founding CEO Kevin Mullally stepping down from his role earlier this month. Mullally, who oversaw the establishment of the regulator’s core governance and regulatory structures, is departing to spend more time with his family. Chairman Jim Murren takes over in the interim.
As well as building the foundations for regulated gaming in the UAE, Mullally also oversaw the launch of the UAE Lottery and Wynn’s licensing.
In its first year, the UAE Lottery awarded prizes of over AED147 million ($40 million) to more than 100,000 players.
The GCGRA and Momentum have both been approached for comment.
This story was updated on 28 November to reflect the GCGRA adding Coin Technology Projects to its internet gaming and sports wagering licensees.