UAE launches online sports betting in ground-breaking move

• The UAE makes history, transforming itself into an iGaming frontier
• The country has introduced both sports betting and casino-style games available over the internet
• It is not clear if there will be more operators, with each emirate potentially hosting one iGaming company each if it chooses to

The United Arab Emirates has made a historic first, launching its first online sports betting website, ahead of the upcoming clash between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul, potentially offering locals the opportunity to get in on the action, provided the markets are up.

Known as Play971, the platform is the UAE’s first dip into the market, with the operator licensed by the local watchdog - the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. These developments come two weeks after other platforms supposedly launched in the country.

UAE’s first online gambling taste

The platform itself is run by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a company located in Abu Dhabi, and it is the first company that has been allowed to bring online gambling to locals, outside the lottery.

However, the buck does not end with sports betting, as there is more. Play971, which launched earlier this week on Monday, December 15, is also giving locals a taste of iGaming, effectively transforming the UAE into a fully-fledged online gambling destination while it is preparing to welcome the first land-based casino resort in the Middle East in 2027.

Besides its selection of sporting events, there are casino-style games, which include blackjack and roulette. On the sports betting front, players may register with Play97 and access a variety of popular events, including tennis, horse racing, cricket, soccer, and more.

Among the prominent events featured by the betting platform are the UEFA Champions League and the English Premier League. To connect to the platform and participate in the betting or gaming action, any user would have to be at least 21 years old and physically present in the United Arab Emirates.

Player protection is at the core of what Play971 wants

Play971 has already accounted for potential risks associated with the activity and has robust player and consumer protection safeguards in place. Among these are player-controlled deposits, time-out tools, and options for players to limit or exclude themselves from gambling altogether.

The operator is also adamant against the use of VPNs to try and dodge geographical restrictions tied to the activity. "Certain" areas within the United Arab Emirates will also be excluded and unavailable to gamble from, and participants would have to comply.

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