About Play971 | UAE's First Licensed Online Casino
We are the first fully licensed and regulated online gaming platform in the United Arab Emirates, authorised by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to offer both internet gaming and sports wagering services. Our launch in late 2025 marked a historic milestone for the nation’s commercial gaming sector, providing residents and verified visitors with a legal, secure, and responsible alternative to unregulated offshore platforms.
Play971 UAE is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Abu Dhabi. Our principal place of business is located at Twofour54, Yas Creative Hub, placing us at the heart of the UAE’s innovation and media landscape. This strategic location reflects our commitment to operating within the country’s regulatory framework and contributing to the nation’s vision for a world-class entertainment sector.
Play971 UAE: Our Licensing and Regulatory Framework
The GCGRA is the federal authority responsible for regulating all forms of commercial gaming in the UAE, including lotteries, internet gaming, sports wagering, and land-based integrated gaming resorts. Under this framework, only businesses and individuals holding a valid licence are authorised to conduct commercial gaming activities. Any commercial gaming activity carried out without a licence is illegal, and violators are subject to penalties.
Our licence represents a significant achievement, as we are the first operator to hold both Internet Gaming and Sports Wagering licences from the GCGRA. This dual authorisation allows us to offer a comprehensive range of gaming experiences, from casino-style games and live dealer tables to extensive sports betting markets and dedicated racing content.
Our Commitment to Responsible Gaming on Play971 UAE
Player protection is central to everything we do. As a platform regulated by the GCGRA, we have embedded responsible gaming tools that are fundamental to our design, not added as an afterthought. We operate in full alignment with the GCGRA Responsible Gaming Framework, which emphasises informed decision-making, positive play, protecting vulnerable populations, and providing support for players and families.
Our platform includes several key player protection features. Deposit limits can be set for daily, weekly, or monthly periods, helping players manage their spending effectively. Once a limit is set, it cannot be exceeded. Requests to reduce a limit take effect immediately, while increases become active only after the selected time period ends.
Time-out options allow players to take a short break from gaming, with periods starting from 72 hours and extending up to 42 days. During this time, users cannot play or deposit funds, though they may still access their account to withdraw any remaining balance.
For longer breaks, we offer self-exclusion for a minimum period of six months. Once activated, the self-exclusion period cannot be reversed or shortened until the selected duration ends. This ensures that players who need extended time away from gaming have a reliable mechanism to protect themselves.
Secure identity verification ensures that all registered players are 21 or older, while also supporting safe registration and anti-money laundering compliance. We also provide clear guidance on safe gaming practices, advising players to set budgets, track spending, manage time, and avoid chasing losses. For players who need external support, we direct them to Takalam, an online mental well-being platform, for professional guidance.
Play971 UAE Eligibility and Access
To register and play on Play971, individuals must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the UAE. Our platform is not accessible from Dubai or outside the UAE due to local regulatory frameworks. We strictly prohibit the use of VPNs or other methods to conceal location or identity, and any breach of these conditions may result in forfeiture of winnings.
Our platform serves both UAE residents and verified visitors, with the understanding that UAE citizens may be required to comply with any applicable requirements in their emirate of residence. These eligibility criteria reflect the regulatory emphasis on identity, financial integrity, and player responsibility.
Our Product Offering on Play971 UAE
Play971 offers a full suite of betting products designed to cater to diverse interests. Our sportsbook covers extensive markets across football, cricket, tennis, basketball, table tennis, golf, ice hockey, and dozens more sports. We provide live betting with smooth odds updates and clear visualisation during in-play events.
Our racing section offers structured racecards, track conditions, detailed information on jockeys and trainers, and live viewing on selected events. This vertical demonstrates our capability to handle data-heavy, high-integrity content from day one.
Our casino section features a curated selection of games from approved providers, including slots, table games, and live dealer games streamed from a GCGRA-licensed studio in Abu Dhabi. While our catalogue is currently in its early stages, reflecting the initial approvals under the new regulatory framework, we expect to expand our offerings as more suppliers receive clearance.
Play971 UAE: Our Team and Ambassadors
We are proud to have Brett Lee, the former Australian fast bowler, as our inaugural brand ambassador. Lee’s professionalism, integrity, and strong connection to the UAE, where he has lived since retirement, make him a natural fit for our brand. His involvement in fan engagement campaigns and activations reflects our commitment to bringing supporters closer to the sporting action.
As our Commercial Director for iGaming has stated, we designed our platform with sports fans in mind, offering match and player markets, tournament-themed games, and a streamlined tournament page. The UAE is home to some of the most passionate and engaged sports fans in the world, and we are proud to be the first locally rooted platform adding a new layer to the sports experience.
Our Vision on Play971 UAE
Play971 represents the beginning of regulated online gaming in the UAE. We are not just another gaming site but the first real test case of what regulated online gaming will look like in this nation. Our platform is built to grow over time, prioritising safety, compliance, and player protection over aggressive marketing or shortcuts.
We operate without bonuses or promotions, which appears to be part of the regulatory framework. Instead, we focus on providing a secure, transparent, and enjoyable experience that aligns with the highest standards of regulatory compliance. As the UAE’s regulated gaming sector continues to evolve, we are committed to serving our community with integrity and contributing to a sustainable entertainment ecosystem.