Play971 Launches as UAE's First Regulated Online Sportsbook
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Key Takeaways:
- Play971 became the United Arab Emirates' inaugural authorized real-money online sportsbook and iGaming platform on December 15.
- The platform is licensed and regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) under both Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering categories.
- This marks a significant expansion of the UAE's commercial gaming framework into the digital space.
The United Arab Emirates has formally entered the regulated online betting space with the launch of Play971, the country’s first officially licensed online sportsbook and iGaming platform. Live since December 15, Play971 allows eligible users within the UAE to place real-money sports bets and access a selection of online casino games, bingo, different types of sports, and other skill-based offerings, marking a significant development in the nation’s commercial gaming framework.
Play971 operates under the supervision of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and is listed on the regulator’s official register for both sports wagering and internet gaming activities. The GCGRA defines internet gaming broadly, covering digital sports betting, casino games, esports, peer-to-peer formats, and additional interactive products. This regulatory clarity positions Play971 as the first compliant online operator in a market that has, until now, focused primarily on land-based initiatives such as the forthcoming Wynn Resorts development in Ras Al Khaimah.
The platform’s launch aligns with the UAE’s wider economic diversification strategy and follows the establishment of the GCGRA in 2023. By authorizing an online gaming operator, regulators have created a controlled entry point for digital wagering, supported by consumer protection measures and responsible gaming safeguards. Play971 highlights its UAE-based licensing on its website, reinforcing its adherence to local regulatory standards.
The move is being closely watched by international gaming and technology providers. A regulated online betting market in the UAE could generate demand for specialized services such as odds compilation, payment processing, compliance tools, and risk management systems. As the regulatory framework develops, the jurisdiction may become increasingly attractive to global suppliers seeking entry into the Middle East.
Elsewhere in the industry, sportsbook technology provider SOFTSWISS recently marked the fifth anniversary of its Sportsbook platform. The solution has expanded into a full-scale B2B product, now supporting more than 200 sports and esports disciplines, over 2,000 betting markets, and approximately 100,000 monthly live events. Recent enhancements include upgraded risk management features and the planned release of an API Tester tool.
Together, these developments reflect a broader shift toward regulated digital betting markets worldwide, supported by clearer regulatory structures and increasingly sophisticated technology platforms.
