The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) of the United Arab Emirates has officially issued its first license for an internet gaming and sports wagering platform, marking a historic turning point for the nation’s commercial gaming sector. The recipient of this landmark license is Play971, a platform operated by Abu Dhabi-based Coin Technology Projects LLC.
Play971 has been authorized to operate under both the “Internet Gaming” and “Sports Wagering” categories. The platform is headquartered at the Yas Creative Hub in Twofour54, Abu Dhabi.
This development represents the first instance of a regulated online gambling entity being permitted to offer services legally within the Emirates, following the establishment of the federal regulator in September 2023.
The scope of the license is comprehensive. “Internet Gaming” is defined by the regulator to include casino staples such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker, as well as esports and fantasy games. Meanwhile, the “Sports Wagering” authorization allows the operator to accept bets on global sporting events, including football, horse racing, and cricket.
Strict compliance measures have been implemented to ensure the integrity of the market. According to the platform’s terms, access is restricted to individuals aged 21 and older who are physically located within the UAE. Notably, the regulations prohibit the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to mask location, and specific “sensitive geographic areas” within the country remain restricted.
Play971 has also integrated robust responsible gaming protocols, providing tools for player control and linking to external support services like Takalam. This license is the 19th issued by the GCGRA, joining other major permit holders such as The Game LLC, which operates the UAE Lottery, and Wynn Al Marjan, which holds the license for the region’s first integrated resort.
The move underscores the UAE’s calculated and regulated approach to opening its commercial gaming market.
General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) Definition:
“Internet gaming is commercial gaming that is conducted via the internet, using a computer, a mobile phone or any other digital device with access to websites or apps that offer various games and bets involving chance, skill, or a combination of chance and skill.”
Play971 Terms and Conditions Excerpt:
“Users must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the UAE to register, deposit funds or play games. Users cannot access services from sensitive geographic areas within the country, as determined by the GCGRA, and the use of virtual private networks or other methods to conceal location or identity is prohibited.”
