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The United Arab Emirates has issued its first official license for an online sports wagering and internet gaming platform, marking a major regulatory milestone for the country’s emerging commercial gaming sector.
The approval was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which has authorized Play971 as the first licensed operator offering both internet gaming and sports wagering services in the UAE, <a href="https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/first-licensed-sports-wagering-igaming-website" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">according</a> to local reports.
Play971 Becomes First Dual-Licensed Operator
Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Abu Dhabi and headquartered at Twofour54, Yas Creative Hub. The company is now officially listed on the GCGRA register under both licensed categories, confirming its authorization to operate within the country’s regulatory framework.
The launch positions Play971 as the UAE’s first fully licensed online platform covering casino-style games and regulated sports betting.
Strict Eligibility and Location Requirements
Under the platform’s terms, users must be at least 21 years old and physically present within the UAE to register, fund an account, or participate in gaming activities. Play971 also states that access is restricted in certain “sensitive geographic areas”, as defined by the regulator. The use of VPNs or other methods to conceal location or identity is prohibited, and any breach of these conditions may result in forfeiture of winnings.
How the Regulator Defines Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering
According to the GCGRA, internet gaming refers to commercial gaming conducted online through digital devices, covering activities that involve chance, skill, or a combination of both. These include casino-style games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker, bingo, as well as esports, fantasy sports, peer-to-peer, and skill-based games. Sports wagering, as defined by the regulator, involves placing bets on the outcomes of sporting events or the performance of athletes and teams. Licensed sportsbooks may offer wagering across a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, cricket, tennis, and horse racing.
What the GCGRA Regulates
The GCGRA oversees all forms of commercial gaming in the UAE, including lotteries, online gaming, sports wagering, and land-based integrated gaming resorts.
Under its framework, only licensed entities are permitted to conduct gaming activities, while unlicensed operations — and participation in them — are illegal and subject to penalties. The authority’s mandate is designed to establish clear rules, consumer protections, and compliance standards as the UAE gradually opens its regulated gaming market.
Wynn Resorts Set an Earlier Precedent for Licensed Gaming
The licensing of Play971 follows earlier regulatory milestones in the UAE’s gaming sector. Last year, Wynn Resorts was awarded the country’s first commercial gaming license by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) for its Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah. The integrated resort, currently under development, is set to become the first hotel with a casino in the UAE and is expected to open to the public in 2027, underscoring the country’s gradual and tightly regulated approach to commercial gaming.
For the UAE, a country known for its strict regulatory framework and conservative approach to social policy, these developments represent a notable shift. The licensing of both online gaming platforms and integrated casino resorts highlights a carefully controlled yet innovative expansion of the commercial gaming sector. Together, these moves signal a new phase for the industry in a traditionally conservative region, balancing modernization with regulatory oversight.

UAE Approves First Licensed Sports Wagering and iGaming Platform

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