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