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Is online casino legal in the UAE?

For decades, all forms of gambling were strictly prohibited in the UAE under Federal Law No. 3 of 1987. That changed in September 2023 when the UAE government established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) — a federal regulator headquartered in Abu Dhabi that oversees all commercial gaming activities nationwide.

In December 2025, the GCGRA issued its 19th licence to Coin Technology Projects LLC, making Play971 the first regulated, real-money online casino and sports betting platform legally available inside the UAE. Any gaming activity conducted without a GCGRA licence remains illegal and can result in severe penalties for both operators and players.

Play971 — UAE’s only licensed online casino

Online casino in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is not only the UAE’s capital but also the birthplace of the country’s regulated gaming industry. The GCGRA is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, and Play971’s operator, Coin Technology Projects LLC, is based at Twofour54 Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island — one of the UAE’s leading media and technology innovation zones.

Abu Dhabi has also been identified as a likely candidate for a second land-based integrated resort licence following Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate’s forward-thinking regulatory environment, large expat population (~85% of its 3 million residents), and strong tourism infrastructure make it a prime market for licensed gaming.

Online casino in Dubai

Dubai is home to the UAE’s largest expat community (~90% of its 3.5 million residents) and attracts tens of millions of visitors annually — all of whom, if physically present in the UAE, are eligible to access Play971. As of May 2026, Play971 is available across all seven emirates including Dubai, following a controlled rollout that initially covered Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah only.

On the land-based front, while there are no physical casinos in Dubai today, MGM Dubai and Atlantis Dubai have been named as potential future sites pending further regulatory developments.

How to register on Play971

1. Visit play971.ae — The platform requires you to be physically inside the UAE. Access via VPN is prohibited and results in account suspension and forfeiture of winnings.
2. Create an account — One account per person only. You must be at least 21 years old to register, deposit, or place bets.
3. Complete KYC verification — A valid Emirates ID is the only accepted identity document. Passports and driving licences are not accepted.
4. Set responsible gaming limits — The GCGRA requires all players to set deposit limits before they can play. Time-out periods and self-exclusion (minimum six months) are also available.
5. Make a deposit — Play971 accepts payments in AED via local bank cards, PayBy, and bank transfers. No currency conversion fees apply.
6. Start playing — Choose from casino games (slots, live dealer, table games), sports betting, or horse racing with live streaming.

GCGRA — the UAE’s gaming regulator

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was established by federal decree in September 2023 as the UAE’s exclusive authority for all commercial gaming activities. Based in Abu Dhabi, the GCGRA is modelled on world-leading regulatory frameworks from Europe and the United States and has issued 19 licences since its founding.

What’s coming to the UAE’s gaming market

• Wynn Al Marjan Island (Ras Al Khaimah) — The UAE’s first land-based integrated casino resort, a US$5.1 billion development by Wynn Resorts, expected to open in early 2027.
• Up to 7 online gaming licences — The GCGRA framework allows one iGaming licence per emirate. Play971 holds the first. Additional licences are anticipated once the market matures, with 2–3 more expected by 2027.
• Expanded game libraries — More licensed gaming suppliers are expected to receive GCGRA approval, significantly increasing available games on Play971 and future platforms.
• Sports wagering expansion — Additional sports and more competitive odds as the market grows and attracts international operators.

UAE online gaming market at a glance

The UAE’s regulated gaming market is one of the fastest-developing in the world. Key data points:

• The UAE Lottery, launched in July 2024, awarded AED 147 million in prizes to over 100,000 players in its first year
• The UAE’s population is roughly 88% expatriates, providing a large addressable market for licensed gaming platforms
• GCGRA has issued 19 licences since September 2023, spanning lottery, online gaming, sports wagering, and land-based operations
• The Wynn Al Marjan Island project represents a US$5.1 billion investment in UAE gaming infrastructure
• Analysts project the UAE online gaming market to reach AED 700 million–1.2 billion by 2027 as additional licences are issued

Frequently asked questions

Responsible gambling

The GCGRA requires all licensed operators to maintain a comprehensive Responsible Gaming Programme, audited biennially. Play971 offers the following player protection tools:

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact the Takalam mental health support line or visit gcgra.gov.ae for resources and support.