First iGaming operators reportedly launch in the UAE

• A local media outlet has reported on the launch of two operators, offering sports betting and casino gaming online in the UAE
• The operators are supposedly owned by Momentum, the only licensed lottery operator in the country
• There is no immediate information in the GCGRA about Dream Island and TrueWin being registered iGaming entities

The United Arab Emirates has already welcomed at least two online gambling operators, based on reports by local media outlet Arabian Gulf Business Insights. The two brands that have launched are said to be offering casino and sports betting options to their customers, with he brands identified as TrueWin and Dream Island.

Locals may already bet on a string of popular sports, such as football, cricket, basketball, and tennis, while the casinos offer popular options such as slots, table games, poker, and even live dealer games and shows.

The brands are owned by Momentum, which is currently the only company to hold a license from the United Arab Emirates to run a lottery product – and essentially the only company allowed to launch online gambling of any sort.

However, the launch is strange as the United Arab Emirates has not officially introduced any laws legalizing sports gambling or online casinos specifically. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has granted a license to Momentum, but it is for lottery operations only. There is no official listing on the regulator's website about TrueWin or Dream Island.

In the meantime, the country has been growing the list of licensed iGaming and lottery suppliers, including Sportradar, IGT, Konami, Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, and others. Yolo Group recently expanded in the United Arab Emirates, and has received a local license.

This new development comes a month after it was reported that the United Arab Emirates was supposedly looking to introduce an expanded gambling framework that would allow emirates to hold a single license each for providing online casino and sports betting.

In the meantime, the United Arab Emirates’ first upcoming land-based casino resort, the Wynn Al Marjan, is on schedule and due to arrive in early 2027.

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