UAE launches licensed online gambling sites allowing residents to place bets

The UAE has launched several online gaming websites licensed by the country’s official regulator, marking a significant step towards allowing residents and visitors to take part in online betting and gambling.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority has awarded a licence to Play 971, enabling users aged over 21 to place bets, according to The National. While the launch has not been formally announced, the website went live on Monday.

The New Arab was able to access the site using a VPN, as it is only available from within the UAE.

Play 971 is operated by Abu Dhabi-based Coin Technology Projects LLC, a company that describes itself as offering “immersive experiences in gaming and all things sports”.

The platform allows users to place bets on sporting events, including the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, horse racing and cricket, as well as to play casino games such as blackjack and roulette.

The site includes several responsible gambling tools, allowing users to set deposit limits and time-outs amid concerns about gambling addiction. A self-exclusion feature is also available, enabling users to block access to betting and financial deposits for a minimum of six months.

Emirati citizens may be required to meet additional conditions set by their home emirate before registering. The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, each with a degree of regulatory autonomy.

According to gambling industry publication iGaming Business, Play 971 was granted its licence before going live on 28 November and may have been operating under a trial rollout in parts of the UAE prior to Monday.

The platform is the latest gambling site operated by Coin Technology Projects to launch in the country. The company has also quietly rolled out two other platforms, TrueWin and Dream Island, according to Arabian Gulf Business Insight.

Coin Technology Projects is reportedly linked to Momentum Corporate Services, which operates the UAE lottery, licensed to begin operations in 2024.

The launch comes as the UAE moves ahead with plans to open its first casino at Wynn Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The 70-storey development, run by US-based casino operator Wynn Resorts, is scheduled to open in 2027. The company has already invested $835 million in the project, with a further $525 million planned, according to Semafor.

Market researchers say gambling is expanding across the region. Cognitive Market Research estimates that while the Middle East and Africa currently account for about two percent of global gambling revenue, the market is expected to grow by 3.7 percent annually between 2024 and 2031, with the Gulf region forecast to grow by 4.5 percent.

Outside the Gulf, an investigation by The New Arab’s Arabic language sister outlet Al Araby Al Jadeed has documented a surge in online gambling among young people in Algeria, driven by aggressive campaigns by betting companies.

The investigation found that football is frequently used as an entry point to draw users into gambling, contributing to a sharp rise in participation.