UAE licenses first internet gaming and sports wagering website

The United Arab Emirates has licensed its first internet gaming and sports wagering website, marking a major milestone in the country’s commercial gaming sector, according to Khaleej Times.

The license was issued by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, or GCGRA, the federal body overseeing all commercial gaming activities in the UAE.

The platform, Play971, states on its website that it is located, licensed and regulated in the UAE. It says it is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Abu Dhabi.

The company lists its principal place of business as Twofour54, Yas Creative Hub, according to the website. Coin Technology Projects LLC has also been officially listed as a licensee on the GCGRA website.

It appears under both the “Internet Gaming” and “Sports Wagering” license categories. According to the GCGRA, internet gaming refers to commercial gaming conducted online through computers, mobile phones or other digital devices.

The regulator defines it as gaming offered via websites or applications that include bets or games involving chance, skill, or a combination of both.

The GCGRA lists examples such as bingo, casino games including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps and poker.

Other examples include eSports, fantasy games, peer-to-peer games, skill-based games, sports and similar offerings.

On sports wagering, the regulator says wagering involves betting on the outcome of sports events or the performance of athletes or teams.

It states that sports bettors can place bets legally only through licensed bookmakers or sportsbooks.

The GCGRA adds that sports wagering may cover activities such as horse racing, football, basketball, cricket, tennis and other sports.

Play971’s terms and conditions state that users must be at least 21 years old to register and play. Users must also be physically located within the UAE to register, deposit funds or access games.

The platform says services cannot be accessed from “sensitive geographic areas” within the country, as determined by the GCGRA.

It also prohibits the use of virtual private networks or other methods to conceal a user’s location or identity.

Play971 states that winnings will not be paid if these conditions are breached.

The platform further outlines financial eligibility requirements as part of the registration process.

It also includes provisions aimed at promoting responsible gaming.

Play971 says it is committed to ensuring gaming remains a recreational activity.

It lists player controls, safeguards against underage gaming and access to external support services, including Takalam.

The license issued to Coin Technology Projects LLC is the 19th license granted by the GCGRA since it was established in September 2023.

Of these, one license has been issued to The Game LLC, the operator of the UAE Lottery. Another license for land-based gaming facilities has been awarded to Wynn Al Marjan.

The project is described as the region’s first integrated resort and is currently under development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The remaining licenses issued by the regulator have gone to gaming-related vendors.

Under the GCGRA framework, only licensed businesses and individuals are permitted to conduct commercial gaming activities in the UAE.

Any commercial gaming activity carried out without a valid license is illegal. The regulator says violators, including individuals who participate in unlicensed gaming, are subject to penalties.

The GCGRA’s mandate covers all forms of commercial gaming in the country. This includes the lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated gaming resorts.