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A new phase of regulated online gaming has begun in the United Arab Emirates as Play 971 entered the market earlier this week. The appearance of the platform on the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority register confirms that the country has formally moved into licensed internet gaming. Although early access appears limited, the development signals the start of a broader regulatory rollout that industry observers have anticipated throughout the year.
Good to Know
- Play 971 is the first iGaming operator officially licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
- Access currently appears limited to Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah during the early phase.
- The site is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, an entity linked to The Game LLC, which runs The UAE Lottery.
Play 971 announced that it is the maiden licensed online gaming platform in the UAE. The regulator updated its online register on 28 November, placing Play 971 under internet gaming and sports wagering licensees. Industry sources said the platform may still be in a controlled test stage, as access was visible in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah but not in Dubai during midweek checks.
Coin Technology Projects LLC operates the platform and uses the same address as The Game LLC, the company behind The UAE Lottery. People familiar with the project suggested that the full public launch is currently targeted for the first quarter of 2026, with the present rollout serving as limited pre-launch availability.
Several titles on the site come from OneTouch, part of Live Online Gaming Services under Yolo Group. In the live casino area, Speed Dragon Tiger is supplied by Evolution, which does not yet appear on the regulator licence list. Confirmed suppliers include OneTouch, Hub88, Live88, geolocation provider Xpoint, and sports data group Sportradar. Most other licensees approved so far focus on land-based or lottery operations rather than digital casino content.
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The arrival of Play 971 marks the first licensed online gaming option in the country. Until now, The UAE Lottery was the only regulated product available. The upcoming Wynn project on Al Marjan Island is not expected to open until early 2027, leaving online access as the earliest regulated channel for casino-style entertainment, sports wagering, and racing.
Current rules appear to allow one online licensee per emirate. With seven emirates in total, the market could theoretically support up to seven operators, depending on each emirate’s willingness to adopt online gambling. Emiratis remain prohibited from gambling; however, the expat population makes up roughly 88 percent of the country, creating a large addressable market for licensed operators.
Rumours of a pending online launch circulated throughout 2025, beginning as early as the second quarter. Momentum LLC cemented its position in July when it beat Mahzooz and Emirates Draw for the UAE Lottery licence, operated through its subsidiary The Game LLC. Play 971 is linked to Coin Technology Projects LLC, which aligns with Momentum’s broader business portfolio.
Momentum highlights several areas of focus across its ecosystem, including mixed reality projects, esports development, game publishing, and commercial gaming. Its roadmap emphasises AI-driven solutions, suggesting that the Play 971 rollout may be only the first stage of a much larger digital expansion plan.
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FAQ
Is Play 971 fully live across the UAE?
No. Current access appears limited to Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with a wider rollout expected in early 2026.
Who is responsible for operating Play 971?
The operator is Coin Technology Projects LLC, an entity linked to The Game LLC.
Which game suppliers support the platform?
Suppliers include OneTouch, Hub88, Live88, Xpoint, and Sportradar. Evolution appears on the site but is not yet listed as a licensee.
Why is Play 971 considered a major step for the UAE?
It is the first regulated online gaming platform, expanding the market beyond The UAE Lottery.
How many online operators could the UAE eventually have?
Regulations allow for one licensee per emirate, meaning up to seven operators if all emirates participate.
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