UAE's First Licensed Operator Play971 Launches Horse Racing Betting in 2026

Context

Play971, operating under parent company Momentum, has officially launched as the first licensed online betting operator in the United Arab Emirates. The operator's entry into the UAE market represents a historic moment for iGaming regulation in the Middle East, where gaming has traditionally been either forbidden or entirely unregulated. Play971's initial focus is on horse racing, a sport with deep cultural, historical, and economic significance throughout the Gulf region.

The UAE has begun cautiously opening its market to regulated gambling, creating a substantial opportunity for operators willing to navigate the region's unique cultural and regulatory landscape. Play971's decision to prioritise horse racing is a strategic choice reflecting both the sport's popularity among Gulf audiences and the operator's understanding that market entry success requires alignment with local traditions rather than generic global betting offerings.

What This Means

Play971's launch signals a fundamental shift in Middle Eastern iGaming regulation. For decades, the region has been characterised as an untapped market due to religious and cultural restrictions on gambling. However, the UAE's licensing of Play971 indicates that wealthy Gulf states are recognising the revenue potential of regulated gaming channels and are willing to establish legal frameworks that balance economic opportunity with cultural considerations.

For the broader iGaming industry, this development opens a new geographic expansion frontier. Other Gulf states may follow the UAE's model, and international operators will be monitoring Play971's performance as a case study for successful market entry in culturally conservative regions. The operator's competitive advantage stems from its exclusive licensing position and its strategic focus on horse racing — a sport that generates substantial wagering volumes globally and carries legitimate cultural significance in the UAE.

For B2B suppliers, the UAE launch creates demand across multiple service categories. Horse racing data providers, tote system operators, payment processing solutions that navigate Gulf-region banking relationships, and KYC/AML vendors experienced in Middle Eastern identity verification standards all have targeted opportunities in this emerging market.

What to Watch

Monitor Play971's user acquisition performance, product expansion beyond horse racing, and any regulatory signals from neighbouring Gulf states about their own potential licensing frameworks. The Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi markets represent the next wave of potential Gulf region iGaming liberalisation.

Source: iGaming Business. Published 2026-06-18.