UAE Approves First Licensed Sports Wagering and iGaming Platform

Exam-focused facts from the 16 December 2025 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

The United Arab Emirates has issued its first official license for an online sports wagering and internet gaming platform.
The approval was granted by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
Play971 is the first licensed operator offering both internet gaming and sports wagering services in the UAE.
Play971 is operated by Coin Technology Projects LLC, a limited liability company incorporated in Abu Dhabi.
Users must be at least 21 years old and physically present within the UAE to register, fund an account, or participate in gaming activities.
Wynn Resorts was awarded the country’s first commercial gaming license by the GCGRA for its Wynn Al Marjan Island project in Ras Al Khaimah.