Play971, the first licensed online gambling platform in the United Arab Emirates, has secured content partnerships with global gaming suppliers IGT and Endorphina. The announcement was made public on July 21, marking a significant enhancement to Play971's gaming offerings. The partnerships introduce IGT's acclaimed PlayDigital catalog and include a selection of themed slot games from Endorphina.
Philippa Bowland, Play971's commercial gaming director, expressed enthusiasm for the partnerships, underscoring the company's dedication to responsible gaming and high-quality entertainment. "We are proud to welcome IGT and Endorphina — two globally respected brands — as we continue raising the standard for gaming," she stated.
IGT highlighted its provision of legendary titles such as Blackjack, Cleopatra, and Cats. According to Gil Rotem, CEO of Digital at IGT, this partnership emphasizes innovation and integrity, tailored to support the ongoing growth of the UAE market.
Lohith Chittajallu, Senior Manager for Partnerships & Expansion at Endorphina, remarked on the potential in a market that is still developing. "It’s exciting to be part of a market still in its early stages. We believe this partnership opens the door to new opportunities, and we can’t wait for players to experience the entertainment and quality that Endorphina is known for," he said.
Endorphina secured its gaming-related vendor license in May, allowing it to operate within the regulatory framework of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, which oversees compliance across the Emirates.
Having debuted late last year, Play971 is the inaugural licensed operator in the UAE's gambling sector. Since its launch, the platform has actively expanded its content library and commercial endeavors, including appointing former Australian cricketer Brett Lee as a brand ambassador and introducing a football betting service for customers based in the UAE last month. Play971's license was granted by the GCGRA, established in 2023 to oversee gambling regulation, including licensing in the Emirates.
