Online Casino and Sports Betting Live in UAE: Momentum Launches Platforms

In a ground-breaking development for the Middle Eastern gaming industry, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen the official launch of its first licensed online casino and sports betting platforms. Momentum, the nation's exclusive lottery licensee, is now operating two distinct brands: TrueWin and Dream Island. These platforms are live and accepting wagers on a variety of international sports including football, tennis, cricket, and basketball. Additionally, the portals offer a suite of iGaming products such as live dealer games, poker, roulette, and digital slots. This launch is particularly significant as it precedes the publication of a formal, public federal law legalizing gambling across the emirates.

The regulatory framework for these activities is overseen by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), an entity established in September 2023 to manage the nascent commercial gaming sector. Momentum occupies a unique position as the operator of the UAE Lottery, making it the sole company currently holding the necessary permissions to offer legal gambling services. The expansion into iGaming is further bolstered by a joint venture with Fanatics. This partnership allows Momentum to leverage Fanatics' advanced technology and experience from the US market while utilizing Momentum’s local licenses and market insight.

Numbers and facts

The timeline for these developments shows rapid progress. The truewin.ae domain was registered in March 2023, roughly six months before the GCGRA was even formed. Dream Island has an even longer history, with its domain registered as far back as 2020. As part of the new joint venture, Fanatics will help scale these operations. The goal is to align product capabilities with international standards while implementing robust player protection measures. Scott Burton, COO of Momentum Group, commented on the regulatory climate:

"The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings." - Scott Burton, COO of Momentum Group

To date, the GCGRA has issued 16 supplier licenses to major industry players including Aristocrat, Light & Wonder, IGT, Konami, and Sportradar. Furthermore, the land-based sector is seeing massive investment, most notably the $5.1 billion integrated resort project by Wynn Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah. Current reports suggest that the GCGRA is poised to issue one B2C online gaming license per emirate, mirroring the localized model expected for land-based casinos.

Background

The path to regulation has been a phased approach. Momentum Group won the tender to operate the UAE Lottery in July 2024, with the launch following in December of that year. Since then, the group has solidified its role in the market. In November 2025, the platform Play971 became the first fully licensed iGaming business to launch in the UAE, adding sports and race betting in June 2026. The industry is closely watching how the UAE balances economic goals with traditional values. The GCGRA acts as the primary gatekeeper, ensuring all licensed entities meet strict standards. Conor Grant, President of Fanatics Gaming, explained the strategic choice:

"The UAE offers both a newly regulated market with a long-term vision for commercial gaming, and Momentum, a trusted local operator with deep market knowledge." - Conor Grant, President of Fanatics Gaming

Why it matters for German players

For players located in Germany, the legalization of gaming in the UAE does not change the domestic legal situation. Gambling in Germany is strictly governed by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). To ensure safety and legality, German residents must exclusively use operators listed on the official GGL whitelist. This whitelist ensures compliance with the 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 Euro per spin limit for online slots. Furthermore, the LUGAS system prevents players from being active on multiple sites simultaneously.

Platforms like TrueWin and Dream Island do not hold a German license and are therefore prohibited for residents of Germany. Playing on such sites involves legal risks and a lack of consumer protection. However, the UAE's move demonstrates a global trend toward regulation as a means to curb the black market. For German tourists visiting Dubai or Abu Dhabi, these local offerings are legally accessible while physically present in the UAE, provided they follow local registration requirements.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For German GGL-licensed casinos, the entry of major players like Fanatics into the UAE market signifies increased competition for technological resources. As global suppliers like Light & Wonder or Sportradar focus on high-growth markets in the Middle East, the pace of innovation for the German market might be affected. Conversely, the UAE’s strict regulatory approach reinforces the GGL’s position as a global leader in player safety and market oversight.