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The launch of Play971 is regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the federal entity responsible for overseeing all commercial gaming activities within the UAE.
Regulated Framework for Online Gaming
The introduction of Play971 represents a pivotal development in the UAE’s approach to online gaming. The platform provides a regulated environment for real-money gaming and sports betting, which was previously prohibited under UAE law. Play971 offers casino-style games and sports betting options within a controlled framework.
Under GCGRA oversight, both players and operators must adhere to strict responsible gaming standards. This includes robust identity verification systems to ensure that only eligible participants within the UAE can access the services. The platform is currently available in select emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, with plans for broader accessibility expected by early 2026 as the regulatory framework continues to develop.
The initial rollout of Play971 serves as a pilot program for future operators in the region. Regulators are actively refining licensing categories, supplier approvals, and compliance regulations to ensure market expansion occurs in a safe and transparent manner.
Regulatory Development in the UAE
The UAE’s transition toward regulated online gaming follows several earlier initiatives. In 2024, the first official lottery license was granted to The Game LLC, which initiated regulated draw operations featuring substantial prizes. This progression demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to developing a structured gaming environment.
According to the GCGRA, internet gaming encompasses various activities conducted online, using computers, mobile devices, or other digital platforms. This includes games of chance, skill-based games, eSports, fantasy games, and sports betting. The GCGRA has clarified that sports wagering specifically involves betting on the outcomes of sporting events or the performance of athletes and teams, with legal wagers permitted only through licensed operators.
Licensing Categories
In addition to the launch of Play971, the GCGRA has issued various types of licenses, including:
Commercial Gaming Facility Licenses: Awarded to entities like Wynn Resorts for their integrated resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
Vendor Licenses: Granted to international gaming suppliers, enabling them to provide equipment, software, and technology to licensed operators within the UAE.
Supplier Licenses: Obtained by companies such as Sportradar, a provider of sports data and betting services, enhancing the regulated online gaming sector.
At launch, Play971 is accessible through its official website. Users can register and engage with the platform directly online, following the necessary identity verification and eligibility checks mandated by the UAE’s gaming regulator.
Source: General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority
