Momentum partners Fanatics for UAE commercial gaming joint venture
The deal marks Fanatics’ first regulated gaming venture outside the US and its first move into lottery operations.
UAE gaming operator Momentum Group has formed a joint venture with US digital sports and betting company Fanatics, bringing all of its UAE commercial gaming licences and operations under joint control after the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) approved the change in control of Momentum’s licensed entities.
The venture will oversee Momentum’s existing lottery, igaming, sportsbook and content operations in the UAE. The group runs the UAE Lottery through its subsidiary The Game LLC, and Play971, the country’s only GCGRA-licensed online gaming and sports betting platform.
Scott Burton, chief operating officer of 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.”
The joint venture is Fanatics’ first gaming operation outside North America and its first move into lottery. It follows the company’s push into the Middle East, announced in June 2025, when it unveiled plans for a regional office in Doha, Qatar.
Conor Grant, president of 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.”
Momentum and Fanatics said they will invest in technology, product and customer experience while advancing responsible gaming and player protection.
