UAE Opens Door to Legal Online Betting with Launch of Play971

The United Arab Emirates has taken a historic step by permitting legal online betting through licensed platforms, signaling a significant shift in the nation’s long-standing stance on gambling. For the first time, residents and visitors can place real-money bets online within a federal regulatory framework designed to control access and protect consumers.

At the center of this change is Play971, the UAE’s first approved internet gaming and sports betting website. The platform received authorization from the country’s federal regulator, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, and began operations earlier this week. According to The New Arab, the launch occurred without a formal public announcement, indicating a deliberate and cautious rollout rather than a high-profile debut.

Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based company. The site allows users aged 21 and older to bet on global sports events, including football, cricket, and horse racing, as well as participate in casino games like blackjack and roulette. Access is restricted to those physically located inside the UAE, with VPNs blocked to enforce the location requirement.

With regulatory approval, Play971 holds licenses in both internet gaming and sports betting, making it the UAE’s first legal online platform for real-money gambling. Industry insiders suggest the website may have conducted a limited trial before its public launch, consistent with the regulator’s gradual approach to introducing new gaming services.

The UAE’s new system incorporates strict safeguards to protect players. Users must verify their identity with their Emirates ID and can only use personal bank accounts in their own name to make transactions. Local residents may also be subject to additional rules depending on their emirate, reflecting the UAE’s approach of allowing regional authorities some oversight.

Responsible gaming measures are a core part of the framework. Play971 provides tools for players to limit their deposits, take mandatory breaks, or suspend their accounts for extended periods. The platform also directs users to mental health and counseling resources, underscoring the government’s concern over potential gambling-related issues even as it opens the market.

This development forms part of a broader shift in the UAE’s approach to commercial gaming. In 2024, the country introduced its first regulated national lottery and is preparing to launch its first casino resort with an integrated hotel at Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Wynn Resorts is leading the project, which is scheduled to open in 2027.

Market analysts view the introduction of legal online betting as further evidence that the UAE aims to regulate and monitor gambling activities rather than prohibit them outright. Gambling remains illegal outside the licensed system, but the careful introduction of platforms like Play971 illustrates the country’s effort to create a transparent and regulated gaming industry while minimizing illegal activity and ensuring customer safety.

By fLEXI tEAM