Play 971 Becomes UAE’s First Licensed iGaming Platform

Regulator Adds Play 971 as First Online Licensee

Play 971 has gone live in the UAE as the first formally licensed online gaming site regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The authority added the operator to its list of approved internet gaming and sports wagering licensees on 28 November, marking the first digital gambling product within the new regulatory structure.

The site is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, which shares a business address with The Game LLC, the operator behind The UAE Lottery. Although the platform is available in select emirates, sources indicate the rollout may function as a limited test rather than a full public launch. According to people familiar with the project, a formal debut had been planned for early 2026.

Early Supplier List Points to Yolo Group and Sportradar

The platform’s game catalogue reveals a mix of suppliers. OneTouch titles appear prominently on the homepage, operating under the licensed entity Live Online Gaming Services, part of Yolo Group. Yolo’s Hub88 and Live88 brands also feature in the early build.

Despite not yet appearing on the regulator’s list of approved suppliers, Evolution provides the Speed Dragon Tiger title in the live casino section. Other licensed partners include Xpoint for geolocation services and Sportradar for sports data, while many of the remaining approved suppliers are still focused on land-based or lottery products.

• See also: UAE Lottery Celebrates First Anniversary

First Online Step in the UAE’s Expanding Gaming Framework

The launch represents the UAE’s initial move toward a broader regulated online market. Until now, The UAE Lottery remained the country’s sole legal gambling product. Wynn’s integrated resort on Al Marjan Island is scheduled to open in 2027, and online sports betting, racing and casino games form part of the wider modernisation of the sector.

Current regulations allow for one online operator per emirate, creating capacity – at least in theory – for up to seven licensees. Emiratis are barred from gambling, but the expat population, making up around 88% of residents, provides a sizable potential player base.

Momentum LLC, which secured the UAE Lottery licence last July ahead of Mahzooz and Emirates Draw, sits at the centre of the country’s gaming shift. The Lottery is run via its subsidiary The Game LLC, while Play 971 is linked to Coin Technology Projects.

Momentum’s portfolio spans game publishing, mixed-reality products, esports and commercial gaming, underpinned by a stated focus on AI-led development.

Leadership Changes at the GCGRA

The rollout coincides with a leadership transition at the GCGRA. Founding CEO Kevin Mullally stepped down earlier this month after overseeing the establishment of the regulatory framework, the launch of the UAE Lottery and the licensing of Wynn’s resort. Mullally said he was leaving to spend more time with his family. Chairman Jim Murren has taken over interim leadership.

In its first year, The UAE Lottery distributed more than AED147 million (about $40m) to over 100,000 players.