Play971 Initiates New Chapter for UAE with First Licensed Online Wagering

In a landmark development for the United Arab Emirates, Play971, a subsidiary of Momentum, commenced licensed online horse racing wagering in June 2026. This launch positions Play971 as the nation's inaugural regulated platform for both sports betting and iGaming, building on its initial iGaming services introduced in November 2025. The move is particularly notable given horse racing's deep cultural and historical significance within the Gulf region.

This pioneering initiative operates within the nascent regulated commercial gaming framework established by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). Play971, based in Abu Dhabi, has collaborated closely with the GCGRA to meticulously construct this entirely new category of entertainment in the market, as outlined by Philippa Bowland, Commercial Director for iGaming at Play971.

Bowland highlighted the immense challenge of this undertaking, emphasizing the absence of an existing operational blueprint. "Launching the UAE’s first and only licensed sports wagering and iGaming platform has been a significant undertaking," she remarked, explaining that every decision, from regulatory compliance to player onboarding, payment infrastructure, and content localization, had to be carefully developed from scratch in strict adherence to the GCGRA's guidelines. Momentum underscored its commitment to consumer protection and compliance, utilizing locally licensed payment providers and gaming content certified by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), a GCGRA-approved body.

The choice of horse racing as a key focus is strategic, leveraging the sport's ingrained popularity in the region. Play971's operational strategy heavily emphasizes trust, transparency, and consumer safeguards, offering a distinct advantage over unregulated alternatives. Bowland noted, "For the first time, wagering on horse racing is possible, legal and safe through a fully licensed and regulated platform." She added that this framework enhances the fan experience by providing a secure and legitimate means for deeper engagement.

Consumer response has been robust, with Play971 reporting considerable growth in registrations and interest. Bowland pointed to an inherent demand among players for a legitimate, locally regulated option. The platform caters to the UAE's diverse population, which comprises over 200 nationalities with varied sporting interests, including cricket, football, and racing. Beyond sports betting, Play971 also provides casino-style games, proprietary titles, and live-dealer products streamed from its Abu Dhabi studio, aiming to deliver a comprehensive entertainment experience rather than simply cross-selling products.

While the UAE’s commercial gaming framework is still in its nascent stages, Play971 has observed encouraging early indicators, with interest surpassing expectations, particularly around major sporting events. Bowland acknowledged that the journey is just beginning but expressed confidence in the market opportunity and Play971's role in shaping this new sector, with plans to expand offerings in other regionally popular sports like cricket, Formula One, UFC, and football, while contributing to the local economy.