Play971.ae Poised to Become the First Licensed Online Casino in the UAE

The publication reported the launch of the Play971.ae brand, which, according to the editors, is set to become the first licensed online casino in the country.

As of Wednesday, during preparation of the article, the operator’s website was accessible in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, but not in Dubai. The footer of the site states that it operates under an official GCGRA license — the UAE’s gambling regulator.

However, according to the information on the project’s website, the brand operates under the same company as yesterday’s so-called “pioneers” — Coin Technology Projects LLC. The platforms of both brands also appear to be identical, judging by the design.

Interestingly, even iGB notes that aside from a legal address, this company has no connection to Momentum, the operator of the UAE’s only licensed lottery (The UAE Lottery).

Another noteworthy detail: the Play971.ae website features games from providers that have not yet obtained the necessary GCGRA approval — for example, live titles from Evolution.

Nevertheless, iGamingBusiness claims to have insider information suggesting that these companies are indeed connected. According to their sources, these are test launches of upcoming online casinos, with an official full release expected in Q1 2026.

What This Could Mean for the UAE Market

If Play971.ae truly becomes the first fully regulated online casino, the UAE gambling market could enter a completely new phase.
A licensed operator would signal that the GCGRA is preparing to gradually open the online gaming segment under strict regulatory oversight. This could lead to:

• Controlled market expansion. The UAE may follow the model of Singapore or certain US states, where regulators allow a limited number of licensed operators to ensure compliance and protect consumers.

• A shift away from offshore brands. With a legal alternative available, players who currently use unregulated platforms may migrate to locally licensed sites that offer safer payments and verified games.

• New opportunities for tech and entertainment sectors. Local platforms could boost demand for compliance services, payment solutions, and iGaming technology providers within the UAE.

• Stricter enforcement. Once the first legal casino goes live, the government may tighten measures against offshore platforms targeting UAE residents.

For now, the situation remains unclear — but if the insider reports are accurate, the UAE could soon become one of the most closely watched emerging iGaming markets worldwide.

We’ll soon find out which part of this turns out to be true — and luckily, we won’t have to wait long.