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UAE’s Play971 launches football wagers ahead of World Cup
The country's first licensed sports wagering and iGaming platform is open to players aged 21 and above and is accessible through mobile and desktop browsers
- PUBLISHED: Fri 5 Jun 2026, 10:33 AM UPDATED: Sun 7 Jun 2026, 12:14 PM
Play971, the UAE’s first licensed sports wagering and iGaming platform, has opened access for UAE-based football fans to legally place wagers on upcoming international football matches, including Fifa World Cup fixtures.
The platform’s website currently lists wagering options for World Cup matches, including match result odds, total goals, and both teams to score. The Fifa World Cup 2026 will open on June 11 and run until July 19, with 48 teams competing in 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
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Regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), Play971 is open to players aged 21 and above and is accessible through mobile and desktop browsers.
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As reported by Khaleej Times in December 2025, the UAE’s GCGRA licensed its first internet gaming and sports wagering website, marking a major step in the country’s regulated commercial gaming sector.
A message on the Play971 website states that access is restricted by location. “In accordance with local laws and regulations, access to our services is restricted in certain locations. Play971 is accessible within the UAE only, except in Dubai. Access is not available in Dubai or outside the UAE,” the message reads.
Operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, Play971 offers sports wagering on international fixtures from major leagues and sports, as well as regional and local events, including UAE football and horse racing.
The platform also includes casino-style games and live dealer games streamed from a GCGRA-licensed studio in Abu Dhabi.
Philippa Bowland, Commercial Director for iGaming at Play971, said the platform had been designed with sports fans in mind, with match and player markets, tournament-themed games and a streamlined tournament page.
“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,” Bowland said.
As Associate Editor, Sahim Salim helps tell the UAE story like no one else does — and leads a team of reporters that asks the questions to get news and headlines that matter.