TLDR
- Play971, operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, is the only UAE-licensed online sports betting platform
- The campaign marks the first time UAE residents can legally bet on international football through a licensed platform
- The UAE’s gambling legislation has not been fully made public, despite the GCGRA referencing decree no. 30 of 2022
- The GCGRA may allow one B2C online gaming license per emirate across the UAE’s seven emirates
- The World Cup begins June 12, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Play971 is running the UAE’s first licensed sports betting campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on June 12.
The platform is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a subsidiary of Momentum. Coin holds both an Internet Gaming License and a Sports Wagering License issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, making it the only operator in the UAE with both licenses.
Play971 announced the campaign by saying football fever is about to spread around the world. It described the moment as a landmark for sports entertainment in the UAE, allowing fans to follow matches more closely through a licensed local platform.
UAE’s Gambling Law Still Not Fully Public
Despite the campaign launching, the legal framework around commercial gambling in the UAE has not been fully released. The GCGRA references decree no. 30 of 2022, but the full legislation has not been made public.
This creates some uncertainty around the regulatory environment, even as promotion of licensed betting begins openly in the country.
Momentum previously launched two online betting platforms late last year — TrueWin and Dream Island. Both offered wagering on sports including football, tennis, cricket, and basketball, as well as casino-style games like poker, roulette, and slots.
How the UAE Licensing System Works
A report by Vixio Gambling Compliance from October 2025 suggested the GCGRA may issue one B2C online gaming license per emirate. The UAE has seven emirates, which could mean up to seven licensed operators in total under this model.
So far, only one license has been issued in each operator category. Wynn Resorts holds a Land-Based Gaming Facilities License for its $5.1 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The Game LLC holds the Lottery License and operates the UAE Lottery.
Play971 is the only operator with online sports betting rights at this stage.
The timing of the campaign puts Play971 in front of the biggest football event in the world. The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and begins this Friday, June 12.
For UAE residents, this is the first time they can place legal bets on international football matches through a platform built and based in the country.
The UAE’s regulated gaming market is still in early stages, but the rollout of licensed sports betting ahead of the World Cup marks a concrete step forward for the industry in the region.
