First Licensed Sports Betting & Internet Gaming Site Launches in UAE

The United Arab Emirates has licensed its first internet gaming and sports wagering website, with Play971 authorised to operate under the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority’s framework. The platform states it is located, licensed and regulated in the UAE and is operated by Coin Technology Projects, a company incorporated in Abu Dhabi with its principal place of business at twofour54, Yas Creative Hub. Coin Technology Projects is listed by the authority under both the Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering categories, confirming the site’s regulatory status.. Participation is limited to users who are at least 21 years old and physically present within the UAE to register, deposit funds or play. The platform says access is blocked from sensitive geographic areas designated by the authority, and the use of virtual private networks or other methods to conceal location or identity is prohibited. Winnings will not be paid if these conditions are breached. Play971 outlines financial eligibility requirements at sign-up and provides responsible gaming measures, including player controls, safeguards against underage gaming and links to external support services such as Takalam. The authority defines internet gaming as commercial gaming conducted via the internet on websites or apps offering games and bets involving chance, skill, or a combination of both, such as bingo, casino games including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps and poker, eSports, fantasy games, peer-to-peer and skill-based games, and sports. Sports wagering covers betting on outcomes of sports events or the performance of athletes or teams across sports including horse racing, football, basketball, cricket and tennis. This is the 19th licence issued by the authority since its establishment in September 2023. Licences include The Game LLC, operator of the UAE Lottery, and a land-based gaming facilities licence awarded to Wynn Al Marjan, an integrated resort under development in Ras Al Khaimah.