World Cup football betting arrives in UAE

• Play971 licenced by gambling watchdog
• Operated by Momentum online subsidiary
• Global sporting event begins on June 11

The company behind the UAE’s only licensed lottery, Momentum, has launched a marketing push for its sports betting website, inviting residents to bet on Fifa 2026 World Cup matches.

Play971 is operated by Momentum’s online gambling subsidiary Coin, and has a licence to operate from the UAE’s gambling watchdog, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).

“Football fever is about to take over the world. For the first time ever, UAE-based football fans can safely place wagers on international football matches through a licensed platform built for and based in the UAE,” Momentum said in a social media post.

“It’s a landmark moment for sports entertainment in the country and an exciting new way for fans to get closer to the action.”

The post does not mention the World Cup by name, but the global sporting event begins on June 11. The website already allows bets on various Fifa World Cup matches.

AGBI reported on the UAE launching gaming websites in November 2025. At the time of writing, the country still has not made public the legislation for gambling in the Muslim country.

Coin is currently the only recipient of an online gaming and sports betting licence from the GCGRA.

The legislation – the federal law by decree no. 30 of 2022 on regulating commercial gaming – is mentioned by the GCGRA but not publicly available to read four years on.

In December, AGBI published the policy paper from the country’s anti-moneylaundering agency in relation to gambling and provided guidance on how the gambling sector should be regulated to prevent moneylaundering.

Momentum has its own horseracing news website and has said it will go into that segment of betting. Play971 also has a section for betting on Formula 1 motor racing.

A physical casino has been officially approved in Ras Al Khaimah, where a multibillion-dollar Wynn Resorts complex is under construction.

AGBI has contacted Momentum and the GCGRA for comment.

Further reading:

• Lottery licence heralds UAE gaming industry growth
• Lottoland founder bets on softened gambling rules in UAE
• RAK casino expects ‘modest’ delay from impact of Iran war