Fanatics and Abu Dhabi’s Momentum Group established a strategic joint venture on June 29, 2026, to operate licensed lottery and digital sportsbook services in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership received approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) following the implementation of new federal gaming legislation.
Operational Structure and Investment
Under the agreement, Fanatics assumes operational control of Momentum’s existing lottery and online gaming divisions. Momentum Group provides regional infrastructure, including its current lottery operations and the Play971 digital platform. Fanatics integrates proprietary wagering technology and sportsbook systems into the combined entity. The arrangement represents one of the initial international capital commitments to the UAE’s recently regulated gaming sector.The joint venture aligns with the UAE’s 2025 Federal Decree-Law No. 25, which took effect on June 1, 2026. The legislation removed gambling prohibitions from the Civil Transactions Law and established a federal licensing regime under the GCGRA. Momentum Group Chief Operating Officer Scott Burton stated the deal reflects confidence in the country’s regulatory structure, describing it as "one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets." Fanatics President Conor Grant echoed this assessment, confirming the New York-based company’s long-term commitment to the region.
The investment proceeds alongside ongoing military operations in the Gulf region involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. UAE government economic strategies continue to prioritize sector development, with tourism revenue previously recorded at approximately AED 257 billion. The regulatory shift replaces decades of civil code ambiguity with a standardized licensing process for commercial gaming operators.
This report was compiled by iGamingFuture.