Play971 has officially launched as the United Arab Emirates’ first fully licensed sports betting platform, completing its rollout ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The platform completed a period of testing and soft launch before going live for UAE-based customers, remaining the only licensed provider offering regulated domestic sports wagering in the country.
Although the UAE did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, local fans can still back regional teams including Jordan, Qatar, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia throughout the tournament.
Play971 supports wagering on both mobile and desktop, complemented by a comprehensive iGaming offer featuring exclusive and live dealer games produced at Coin Technology Projects’ Abu Dhabi studio.
As an Islamic country, the UAE enforces strict eligibility rules governing who is permitted to gamble, with the national ID system used to distinguish between citizens and residents under robust KYC requirements.
Philippa Bowland, Commercial Director for iGaming at Play971, commented: “The UAE is home to some of the most passionate and engaged sports fans in the world. For the first time, a locally rooted platform like Play971 adds a new layer to the sports experience – making it possible for fans to play sustainably, rally behind their teams, and enjoy major football moments together.”
This marks the first occasion in UAE history that residents can legally wager on the World Cup, as well as a broader range of international and domestic sports fixtures through Play971’s platform.
The launch arrives as the Middle East increasingly positions itself as a global sporting destination, driven significantly by Saudi Arabia’s strategy of attracting world-class talent across boxing, football, and motorsport.
The development reflects how the UAE’s commercial gaming framework has matured since the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which oversees licensed gaming activities across the country.
Play971 is introducing dedicated tournament pages, expanded match and player markets, and exclusive World Cup-themed games designed specifically for local users during the competition.
However, Dubai residents are currently excluded from the platform, with the website stating access is restricted in certain locations and that the service is not available in Dubai or outside the UAE.
Beyond football, Play971 allows players to wager on horse racing, cricket, tennis, futsal, ice hockey, and baseball, with football markets covering goals, match halves, and corners awarded during games.
The World Cup is widely expected to serve as a significant test of consumer appetite for regulated sports wagering across the UAE market.
