Key Takeaways
- Coin Technology Projects LLC operates Play971, currently the UAE’s sole licensed online sports betting operator
- This initiative represents the first opportunity for UAE residents to place legal wagers on international football via a licensed service
- Full details of the UAE’s gambling regulations remain undisclosed publicly, though the GCGRA cites decree no. 30 of 2022
- Reports suggest the GCGRA could potentially authorize one B2C online gaming license for each of the UAE’s seven emirates
- The World Cup tournament commences June 12, with matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Ahead of the 2026 World Cup tournament starting June 12, Play971 has unveiled the UAE’s inaugural licensed sports betting campaign.
Coin Technology Projects LLC, a Momentum subsidiary, operates the platform. The company possesses both an Internet Gaming License and a Sports Wagering License granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, positioning it as the UAE’s exclusive dual-license holder.
Play971 revealed the campaign by highlighting how football enthusiasm is set to sweep across the globe. The company characterized this development as a pivotal moment for sports entertainment within the UAE, enabling supporters to engage more deeply with matches through a domestically licensed service.
Public Access to UAE Gambling Legislation Remains Limited
Although the campaign has commenced, comprehensive details regarding the UAE’s commercial gambling legal structure have yet to be publicly disclosed. While the GCGRA makes reference to decree no. 30 of 2022, the complete legislative text remains unavailable to the public.
This situation generates some ambiguity surrounding the regulatory landscape, despite licensed betting promotions now appearing openly throughout the nation.
Momentum previously introduced two online wagering platforms in late 2024 — TrueWin and Dream Island. Both services provided betting opportunities on sports such as football, tennis, cricket, and basketball, alongside casino-format games including poker, roulette, and slot machines.
Understanding the UAE’s Licensing Framework
According to an October 2025 analysis from Vixio Gambling Compliance, the GCGRA may authorize one B2C online gaming license for each emirate. Given the UAE comprises seven emirates, this structure could potentially accommodate up to seven licensed operators across the federation.
Currently, just one license has been awarded within each operational category. Wynn Resorts secured a Land-Based Gaming Facilities License for its $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island property in Ras Al Khaimah. The Game LLC holds the Lottery License and manages the UAE Lottery operations.
At present, Play971 remains the exclusive holder of online sports betting authorization.
The campaign’s launch strategically positions Play971 ahead of the world’s most-watched football competition. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off this Friday, June 12.
For those residing in the UAE, this marks their first chance to legally wager on international football competitions through a domestically established and operated platform.
While the UAE’s regulated gaming sector remains in its formative phase, the introduction of licensed sports betting before the World Cup represents a significant milestone for the industry throughout the region.
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
