Play971 goes fully live as the UAE’s first authorized online sportsbook and iGaming platform | Yogonet International
Summary
Play971 went fully live on 15 December 2025 as the United Arab Emirates’ first authorised real‑money online sportsbook and iGaming platform. The site is licensed and regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, based in Abu Dhabi at Twofour54 Yas Creative Hub. The platform is officially listed by the GCGRA under both the “Internet Gaming” and “Sports Wagering” licence categories and began limited rollouts after its licence was granted on 28 November.
The platform is now accepting wagers on casino‑style games and sporting events for eligible users inside the UAE. It enforces strict eligibility and location rules (21+, physically in the UAE, VPNs and masking tools blocked, and exclusions for sanctioned or high‑risk territories). Emirati citizens must also meet any additional emirate‑level conditions before participating.
Author style: Punchy — this one matters for regional regulation and commercial opportunity.
Key Points
- Play971 launched fully on 15 December 2025 as the UAE’s first authorised real‑money online sportsbook and iGaming site.
- Licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) and operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC (Abu Dhabi).
- The licence was issued on 28 November; it is the GCGRA’s 19th licence since the regulator started in September 2023.
- The platform accepts wagers on casino games and sports under GCGRA oversight, though there was no formal public announcement accompanying the full rollout.
- Strict eligibility rules: users must be 21+, physically inside the UAE, and not use VPNs or location‑masking tools; winnings may be withheld for rule breaches.
- The GCGRA’s definition of internet gaming covers bingo, casino games, eSports, fantasy, peer‑to‑peer and other games of chance, skill or a combination of both.
Why should I read this
This is big — the UAE now has a legal, regulated online betting and iGaming option operating inside the country. If you work in gaming, payments, regulation or are tracking Middle East markets, this changes the playing field and opens commercial and compliance questions. We’ve saved you the faff: it’s live, licensed and comes with tight geo and age controls — watch for ripple effects across operators and regulators.