A New iGaming Operator with a Claimed License Launches in the UAE
This week, a new operator called “Play971” launched in the UAE on a .ae domain.
The Launch of Play971 and Initial Details
The website states that it is the first regulated iGaming operator in the country, operating under commercial license CN-3762798. However, the regulator has not confirmed issuing such a license, nor has it listed the brand in its registry.
The site is managed by Coin Technology Projects LLC, registered at the same legal address as Momentum — the operator of the UAE’s only official lottery. The same company was previously associated with the launch of “TrueWin” and “Dream Island.”
Access to the website is open only through a UAE-based connection, and new user registration remains active.
The platform features games from providers such as Evolution and OneTouch, neither of which holds a GCGRA license.
The Launch of TrueWin and Dream Island
The TrueWin and Dream Island platforms also operate on .ae domains and offer casino games, sports betting, and live dealer products. Users have access to poker, roulette, slots, and betting markets for football, tennis, cricket, basketball, and more.
Their terms of service also list Coin Technology Projects LLC. While there is no public data confirming their connection to Momentum, international media continue to associate these brands with the lottery operator.
Dream Island has been active since 2020, while TrueWin launched in 2023.
Current Status of the Platforms
- Dream Island — registration is closed, but existing users can still log in.
- TrueWin — registration is open and the site is fully operational.
Regulatory and Licensing Context
The platforms operate despite the absence of a publicly available law permitting gambling in the UAE. Momentum remains the operator of the country’s only “legal” gaming product — the lottery.
The sites do not display licensing information from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which was established in September 2023.
According to domain records, both domains were registered before the regulator was formed: TrueWin in March 2023 and Dream Island in 2020.
Sector Development and New Projects
Discussions around Momentum’s iGaming projects began long before the brands appeared. Five months ago, the company was recruiting a commercial director for an online casino and betting platform in preparation for launch.
Meanwhile, construction continues in Ras Al Khaimah on the Wynn Resorts complex, where the country’s first land-based casino is expected to open. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, potential gambling legalization could generate up to 1.3% of the UAE’s GDP — roughly $6.6 billion.
Key Dates
- 2020 — Dream Island domain registered.
- March 2023 — TrueWin domain registered.
- September 2023 — GCGRA established.
- November 2025 — media reports on iGaming launches published.
AGBI sent inquiries to Momentum and GCGRA, but no responses were received at the time of publication.