First iGaming Operators Reportedly Launch in the UAE

A Quiet Launch That Draws Attention

Local reports say both casinos now offer sports betting and online casino games. Users may bet on football, cricket, basketball, and tennis, while the casino pages include slots, table games, poker, and live dealer shows.

Momentum, the company linked to both brands, holds the only lottery license in the UAE. It runs a large weekly draw that grew quickly during the past few years. Now the company seems to be moving into online gaming — even though its license covers lottery work only.

Not Listed in Official Records

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority oversees gaming rules in the country. It has approved Momentum to run a lottery, but it does not list TrueWin or Dream Island as registered gaming companies. This gap could mean the launch is a test move — or simply a step that sits outside the current rulebook.

This matters because the UAE has taken a slow path toward any major gambling changes. Officials have said that clear rules would come before any new products. Two online casinos going live without new laws appears unusual — and may point to work happening behind closed doors.

At the same time, the country has expanded its list of approved gaming suppliers. Companies such as IGT, Aristocrat, Konami, Light & Wonder, and Sportradar now hold local licenses. Yolo Group also secured approval earlier this year. 

A Sector Preparing for Shifts

Talk of new rules returned last month when reports said the UAE may allow each emirate to issue one license for UAE Online Casinos and sports betting. The plan is not confirmed, yet many believe the country is preparing for a major shift — one that could open a controlled, nationwide digital market.

Momentum’s move adds weight to this idea. The launch of TrueWin and Dream Island may be early positioning before formal laws arrive. It may also be a sign that some companies expect rapid change and want to secure a place before others enter.

What to Watch Next

Several points may shape the coming months:

• Whether regulators share new public guidance

• Whether more operators attempt early launches

• How users react as the market grows without clear rules

The first major land-based casino — Wynn Al Marjan — remains on track for early 2027. That project marks the country’s largest gaming investment to date and could anchor a future mixed casino market.

For now, TrueWin and Dream Island operate in an unclear space — active, visible, and not officially listed. Their arrival adds pressure to a sector waiting for steady rules, while the next move sits with the regulators.