Licensing records show that Play971 received its approval before going live on November 28. Reports suggest the platform ran a limited or trial rollout in certain areas before becoming fully available nationwide this week. While there was no large public announcement, this online casino in UAE is now live and accepting wagers under full regulatory supervision.
This license is the 19th approval granted by the GCGRA since the regulator was formed in September 2023. Earlier approvals include the UAE Lottery operator The Game LLC, Wynn Resorts’ integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah, and several gaming suppliers, such as sports data and integrity firm Sportradar. The launch of Play971 now brings online casino in UAE and sports wagering into a regulated framework for the first time in the country.
The GCGRA defines internet gaming as commercial gaming conducted online using computers, mobile phones, or other digital devices. This includes games and bets based on chance, skill, or both. Categories covered under this definition range from bingo and table games to eSports, fantasy contests, peer-to-peer games, and sports wagering that uses different online casino payment methods.
Play971 has strict access rules in place. Users need to be at legal age and must be in the UAE. Access from some areas is forbidden by the platform, which also forbids VPN or identity-hiding tools. Winnings won't be paid if these guidelines are violated. While UAE locals and tourists are welcome, the site screens people from prohibited or dangerous nations. Emirati people might also have to satisfy further local criteria.
One of the most notable features of Play971 as an online casino in UAE is its integration of cryptocurrency payments. The platform supports deposits and withdrawals using stablecoins such as USDT through the Tron and Ethereum networks. Traditional fiat payment options are also available through approved local gateways. This approach helps solve long-standing banking limits in the region, where access to online casino payment methods has often been restricted.
Blockchain technology is used to record transactions and support fair play systems. Adding a level of trust and transparency, players can confirm game outcomes using public records. At under ten minutes, cryptocurrency payments are much quicker than the one to two days usually needed for bank transfers. Fees are also kept low, usually below one percent, so it is ideal for an online casino in UAE to use.
The platform follows UAE virtual asset rules and includes anti-money laundering checks using blockchain monitoring tools. All users must complete identity checks, which align with global financial standards while keeping the experience smooth.
Play971 launches at a time when the UAE is pushing strongly into digital assets and Web3 development. Recent stablecoin approvals and free zone support for blockchain firms show a clear strategy to attract regulated innovation. Fully designed for mobile use, the platform provides a large variety of games and sports markets.
Early estimates indicate the platform might produce hundreds of millions of dollars in yearly wagers backed by the UAE's sizable expatriate community and robust tourism industry. The introduction of Play971 marks a new phase for online casino payment methods and regulated online gaming in the UAE for regulators, operators, and players.
