Football fans in the United Arab Emirates will be able to place legal wagers on FIFA World Cup matches through Play971, the country’s first licensed sports betting platform, which has now completed the full rollout of its services ahead of the tournament.
Operated by Abu Dhabi-based Coin Technology Projects LLC, Play971 became the UAE’s first licensed business-to-consumer sports betting and iGaming operator after receiving approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in November 2025. Following a testing phase and limited launch period, the platform is now fully available to customers across the country.
The launch comes just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Although the UAE national team did not qualify for the tournament, football supporters in the country can still follow and bet on teams from across the Middle East, including Jordan, Qatar, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Play971 offers betting markets through both mobile and desktop platforms, covering major international sports competitions as well as regional events. In addition to sports wagering, the operator provides an online gaming portfolio that includes exclusive titles and live dealer products produced at Coin Technology Projects’ studio in Abu Dhabi.
Because gambling remains a highly regulated activity in the UAE, strict player verification measures are in place. The platform uses the country’s national identification system to verify eligibility and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Philippa Bowland, Commercial Director for iGaming at Play971, said the platform gives local sports fans a new way to engage with major events while promoting responsible participation. She noted that the UAE has a large and passionate sports audience and that Play971 aims to enhance the fan experience through a regulated environment.
The launch represents another milestone in the UAE’s emerging gaming sector. Since the establishment of the GCGRA in 2023, the country has been developing a federal framework for online gaming, sports betting and land-based casinos. The most high-profile project currently underway is the Wynn Resorts development in Ras Al Khaimah, which is expected to become the UAE’s first integrated casino resort.
With Play971 now live, UAE residents are able to legally place bets on international and domestic sporting events for the first time through a locally licensed operator, marking a significant step in the country’s evolving gaming market.