Momentum, the company behind the UAE’s only licensed lottery, has rolled out a sports betting website, Play971, allowing residents to place bets on the upcoming Fifa 2026 World Cup matches. The move signals a major development in the country’s evolving commercial gaming landscape.
Quick Facts
- UAE’s first licensed online sports betting platform.
- Operated by Momentum’s subsidiary, Coin.
- Licensed by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
- Initial marketing focuses on the 2026 World Cup.
Momentum Taps into World Cup Fever
Operated by Coin, the online gambling subsidiary of Momentum, Play971 has officially received its license from the UAE’s gambling watchdog, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
In a social media announcement, Momentum stated, “Football fever is about to take over the world. For the first time ever, UAE-based football fans can safely place wagers on international football matches through a licensed platform built for and based in the UAE.”
The company added, “It’s a landmark moment for sports entertainment in the country and an exciting new way for fans to get closer to the action.”
While the post did not explicitly name the tournament, the website is already accepting bets on various Fifa World Cup matches ahead of the event’s June 11 start.
Navigating the UAE’s New Gaming Regulations
The launch comes as the UAE continues to formalize its commercial gaming sector. Currently, Coin is the only entity to have received an online gaming and sports betting license from the GCGRA.
The federal legislation underpinning this new sector—decree no. 30 of 2022 on regulating commercial gaming—is referenced by the GCGRA but has not yet been made publicly available. This development follows the official approval of a physical casino in Ras Al Khaimah, where a multi-billion dollar Wynn Resorts complex is currently under construction.
Beyond Football: Eyeing F1 and Horse Racing
Momentum’s ambitions in the betting space appear to extend beyond football. Play971 already features a section for betting on Formula 1 motor racing.
The parent company also operates its own horseracing news website and has indicated plans to enter that segment of the betting market in the future.
About Play971
Play971 is the UAE’s first licensed online sports betting and gaming platform. It is operated by Coin, a subsidiary of Momentum, and is regulated by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The platform offers betting on major international sporting events, including the Fifa World Cup and Formula 1.
Source: AGBI
