UAE commercial gaming firm Momentum Group launched a joint venture with New York-based Fanatics to operate and grow commercial gaming activities in the UAE. The partnership will integrate Fanatics' technology ecosystem — already deployed across 23 US states and serving over 100 million users worldwide — into Momentum's UAE operations, which include the UAE Lottery and Play971, the country's first fully licensed iGaming and sportsbook platform. The joint venture marks Fanatics' entry into the UAE's commercial gaming market.

Why This Matters

Regulated online gaming is emerging as a high-growth sector in the UAE, and US companies are partnering with UAE entities to build the digital ecosystem to back it. The Momentum-Fanatics joint venture pairs UAE-built gaming infrastructure with proven American technology, creating commercial opportunities for US digital platforms to expand internationally.

"The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like. We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together." – Conor Grant, President, Fanatics Gaming.

Full Press Release: Momentum and Fanatics Join Forces to Build a New Powerhouse in Regional Regulated Commercial Gaming

Momentum Group ("Momentum"), a leading UAE-based commercial gaming and entertainment company, today announced the formation of a strategic joint venture with Fanatics. All of Momentum’s existing UAE commercial gaming licenses and operations will form part of this joint venture; combining Momentum's regional expertise, regulatory standing, and proven operational depth with Fanatics’ product knowledge, technology, and speed-to-scale capability.

The joint venture will operate and grow the commercial gaming activities currently licensed to Momentum in the UAE including lottery, iGaming, sportsbook, and content websites with a focus on customer experience, technology, and sustainable long-term growth. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) has approved the change in control of Momentum’s existing licensed entities. The GCGRA's approval reflects its regulatory mandate to ensure that commercial gaming activities are conducted in the UAE by persons with the highest standards of fitness and propriety, in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Fanatics, a global digital sports platform, operates licensed sportsbook and iGaming products across multiple U.S. states with proven scale, product depth, and technology infrastructure. The joint venture represents Fanatics’ strategic entry into the UAE commercial gaming market through partnership with the country's leading regional operator.

Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer, Momentum Group, said:

“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. Combining Momentum's regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term."

Conor Grant, President, Fanatics Gaming, said:

"The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like. We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together."

Through the joint venturte, Momentum and Fanatics intend to invest in technology, product, and customer experience; advance industry standards for responsible gaming and player protection; expand access to world-class regulated gaming products in the UAE; and contribute to the wider development of the UAE's digital economy. The partnership has been structured to support long-term, sustainable growth in alignment with the UAE's regulatory framework and national vision for the sector.

Fanatics and Momentum believe that responsible gaming and player protections are core tenets and a part of each company’s DNA. Full compliance with the GCGRA framework remains foundational to how the new business will operate in the UAE.