Momentum, the company behind the UAE’s only licensed lottery, has significantly expanded its portfolio by launching its own online casino and sports betting platforms, TrueWin and Dream Island. The move signals a major step forward in the country’s rapidly evolving gaming sector, even as formal legislation is still pending.
A Preemptive Move Into Digital Gaming
Both the TrueWin and Dream Island websites are now live, offering a full suite of online gaming options to users. The platforms feature comprehensive casino sections with live dealer games, poker, roulette, and slots.
Alongside the casino offerings, a full-fledged sportsbook allows users to place wagers on a wide range of international sports, including football, tennis, cricket, and basketball. This launch positions Momentum as a first-mover in the UAE’s anticipated digital gaming market.
Navigating an Evolving Regulatory Landscape
The launch comes at a pivotal time for the UAE. While a physical casino resort by Wynn is already under construction in Ras Al Khaimah, a federal law formally legalizing broader gambling activities has not yet been published. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE’s federal gaming regulator, was established in September 2023 to create a framework for the industry.
Records indicate that the domains for the new platforms were registered well before the GCGRA’s formation, with truewin.ae registered in March 2023 and Dream Island in 2020. Currently, neither website displays licensing information from the newly formed regulatory body.
The Billion-Dollar Gaming Opportunity
Legalising commercial gaming represents a landmark policy shift for the UAE, with analysts predicting substantial economic benefits. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, the move could generate gaming revenue equivalent to approximately $6.6 billion annually, an amount that would surpass established gaming hubs like Singapore.
Momentum had previously signaled its digital ambitions, having posted a job listing several months ago for a commercial director to lead an “online casino and sportsbook brand preparing to launch.” This strategic entry into the online space aligns with the broader vision of diversifying the UAE’s economy and boosting its tourism and entertainment sectors.
About Momentum
Momentum is the operator of the UAE’s only licensed national lottery. With the launch of its new online gaming brands, TrueWin and Dream Island, the company is expanding its footprint to become a key player in the nation’s emerging digital casino and sports betting industry.
Source: AGBI
