UAE launches first online gambling site
The uae has officially entered the online gaming sector for the first time. In November 2025, Play 971 came to life without much fanfare and boasts, but the still seemingly lack of a transition into such a venture is unsurprising given the uae‘s longstanding rigid approach to gambling. Thus, it feels like more of an experimental first step into a brave new world as opposed to an incredibly risky endeavor.
The UAE Takes Its First Step Into Regulated Online Gaming
Play 971 is still temporarily running and requires licensure and oversight from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). This means that everything from identity verification to payments to game usage levels and general gaming practices are under close scrutiny. As the uae does not want to mess this one up from the beginning. And has opted to operate slowly and under restricted regulations before opening the floodgates for expansion.
Prior to this development, within the uae, legal gambling options were limited to essentially one outlet. The national lottery was the only means by which people could legally gamble. Thus, Play 971 is a game changer. Permitting online casino games and sports betting for the first time through regulated options under an internally developed license. It’s a subtle adjustment for the public perception of gambling but a game changer for its now thousands of users.
Why Play 971 Could Shape What Comes Next
Play 971 is licensed with stringent regulations – only one gambling license is permitted per emirate. Which limits the total prospective uae operators in the region to seven at most nationwide. In addition, those permitted to gamble through this new offering is generally the uae‘s expat population (these are mostly international means of access). As Emirati citizens cannot gamble. Thus, this new online access has a specific demographic and at this time serves as an incremental option for access as it is not targeting the native residents.
However, establishing Play 971 suggests that if this one gaming option proves successful for regulated online ventures without major hiccups. Perhaps there will be more options which create additional applications. Thus, at least through real-world experimentation, it’s clear that success in the interim has potential benefits. The uae may be taking it slowly but it’s getting there.