The UAE has officially entered the regulated online gaming and sports wagering space with the launch of Play 971, the country’s first licensed digital gaming and betting platform. The move marks a significant shift in the Emirates’ approach to commercial gaming, expanding beyond the UAE Lottery to include online casino games, sports wagering, and racing.
Operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based company, Play 971 is the UAE’s first government-regulated platform offering legal online betting services under the oversight of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
What Games Are Available on Play 971?
Play 971 offers two main categories of regulated commercial gaming:
1. Internet Gaming
Users can access a wide range of online casino-style games, including:
- Slots
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Craps
- Poker
- Bingo
- Fantasy sports
- eSports
- Skill-based and peer-to-peer games
Live online casino games are also available, with titles such as Speed Dragon Tiger supplied by Evolution. Gaming services are supported by industry providers including OneTouch, Xpoint (geolocation services), and Sportradar (sports data and integrity solutions).
2. Sports Wagering
Players can place bets on a variety of international and regional sporting events, including:
- Football (soccer)
- Basketball
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Horse racing
Major competitions currently available for betting include the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, international cricket tournaments, and prominent horse racing events. Additional sports and competitions are expected to be added over time.
Who Can Use Play 971?
To register and play on the platform, users must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be physically located within the UAE
- Not be in restricted or sensitive geographic areas as defined by the GCGRA
- Comply with emirate-specific requirements, where applicable
The use of VPNs or location-masking tools is strictly prohibited, and winnings may be forfeited if these rules are violated. While the platform applies financial eligibility criteria, specific thresholds have not been publicly disclosed.
Responsible Gaming Measures
Play 971 includes built-in responsible gaming tools to help users manage their activity. These include:
- Deposit limits
- Time-out options
- Self-exclusion, with a minimum exclusion period of six months, during which users cannot place bets or deposit funds
A New Era for Regulated Gaming in the UAE
The launch of Play 971 represents a major milestone in the UAE’s regulated gaming framework, signalling a carefully controlled expansion into online betting and gaming. Authorities have emphasised that the platform operates under strict regulatory oversight, with a focus on consumer protection, responsible play, and compliance with national laws.
As the platform evolves, additional games, sports, and features are expected to be introduced, further shaping the UAE’s emerging regulated gaming ecosystem.
