Play971 has become the first licensed and regulated online gambling platform in the United Arab Emirates, marking a historic milestone for the region’s iGaming industry. Operated by Momentum, a leading UAE entertainment group, the platform is currently in a soft launch field trial monitored by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Momentum, known for managing the UAE Lottery through its subsidiary The Game, brings extensive experience in mobile game development, VR, iGaming, and esports.
The GCGRA, established in 2023, is the federal agency responsible for overseeing all commercial gaming in the UAE. Since its inception, the authority has worked to implement regulated commercial gaming operations across land-based casinos, online platforms, and sports betting. The agency’s approach includes issuing one iGaming license per emirate, with each operator allowed a limited number of sub-brands. This controlled framework ensures responsible growth and regional compliance.
The Play971 brand name references the UAE’s international dialing code “971” and the year of independence, 1971, symbolizing national identity. While the platform is still undergoing field trials, a full launch is planned for 2026, contingent on successful evaluation.
Play971 builds on the UAE Lottery’s established presence, previously the only regulated online gambling option in the country, with jackpots up to 100 million dirham (€23.5m). The launch of Play971 represents a significant expansion of the UAE’s regulated digital entertainment sector, signaling both regulatory maturity and market potential for online gambling in the region.
As the UAE navigates this new landscape, Play971 sets a benchmark for regulated iGaming, combining innovation, oversight, and national pride in a growing market that is carefully embracing digital gaming opportunities.
