Play971 launches as UAE’s first licensed iGaming platform

• Play971 starts a controlled trial phase in late November 2025 under a licence issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.
• The platform offers sports betting, casino games and racing, with access restricted to expatriate residents.
• Operations are run by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a company linked to the UAE Lottery operator.

The United Arab Emirates has initiated its first regulated online gaming trial, with Play971 going live in late November 2025 under a licence issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

The launch marks a new stage in the country’s move toward a structured, federally regulated iGaming environment. The regulator has yet to confirm the launch in a public communication.

Controlled rollout under GCGRA oversight

Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, which is associated with The Game LLC, the company responsible for running the UAE Lottery. The lottery launched a year earlier and became the inaugural regulated gaming product in the country.

During this field trial, access to Play971 is limited to expatriates. UAE citizens remain barred from participating under existing domestic laws. Initial availability covers selected emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Ras Al-Khaimah. Approval for Dubai has not yet been confirmed.

The GCGRA supervises the trial and applies a regulatory framework that mirrors its wider federal gaming rules. These include strict deposit limits from the outset, the availability of self-exclusion tools and operator audits scheduled every two years.

The regulator also requires comprehensive anti-money laundering safeguards and enforces mandatory age verification to block players under 21.

Product offering and licensed suppliers

Play971 provides sports betting, casino games and horse racing. Games are supplied by various licensed providers. OneTouch delivers slot content, while Evolution supplies live dealer tables.

Xpoint provides geolocation services tailored to emirate-specific restrictions. Sportradar supports real-time sports data, allowing Play971 to offer regulated betting markets that meet GCGRA standards.

Vendor licensing in the UAE continues to develop. IGT secured approval earlier in 2025 as a recognised supplier. Aristocrat later received licensing for casino technology systems. These approvals form part of the regulator’s wider approach to preparing a controlled market supported by established international suppliers.

Industry context and expansion plans

Momentum LLC, which holds the UAE Lottery licence through its group structure, oversees operations for both the lottery and Play971. The company has indicated plans to expand into esports betting and mixed-reality gaming in future phases, aligning with the UAE’s gradual opening of regulated entertainment products.

The GCGRA, formed in 2023, is responsible for licensing lotteries, online gaming, sports wagering and land-based casinos. Wynn Resorts is currently constructing a resort in Ras Al-Khaimah, expected to open in 2027. It holds the only land-based casino approval granted so far.

Licences are issued on an emirate-specific basis, requiring operators to submit individual applications for each jurisdiction they wish to serve. The regulator reviews financial stability, technology standards and compliance infrastructure as part of its assessment.

Recent GCGRA leadership shift

Kevin Mullally stepped down as CEO of the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in early November 2025. He cited family reasons for leaving. Mullally returned to the United States to join his family. He joined the authority in 2023 during its setup, and his work built the core rules for gaming integrity and player safety.​

In a LinkedIn post, Mullally said: 

“Serving in this position has been one of the greatest professional honours of my career, and I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional team with whom I have had the privilege to work. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service have been essential to everything we have achieved.”​

Jim Murren, GCGRA Chairman, became interim CEO right away. The board noted no breaks in operations or licensing. Murren praised Mullally’s role in the regulator’s setup.

What’s next

The Play971 trial represents a controlled test of the UAE’s emerging online gaming framework. Its progress will offer insight into how operators adapt to per-emirate rules, how regulators refine supervision tools and how the broader market may develop.

A successful trial is likely to influence future licensing decisions and inform cooperation on gaming standards across the region.