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Wynn Resorts Landbanking in the UAE for Potentially the Next Biggest Gambling Market
Wynn Resorts sent shockwaves in the gambling world when it announced its intention to build a casino resort in the UAE in early 2022. That project is set to open in 2027. But the American corporation has already earmarked land in Ras Al Khaimah, which could potentially mark asecond integrated resort.
Since the UAE set up its General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023, the United Arab Emirates has attracted both operators and game vendors in what may become a global player in the iGaming industry.
Sure, the only licensed landbased casino in the country has yet to open, and there are no indications as to when iGaming online platforms will hit the shelves. But the signs are all pointing towards tremendous market potential.
Wynn Buys Land in Ras Al Khaimah
With the Al Marjan Island integrated resort all paid for, it looks like Wynn is ready to double up in the UAE. The company bought a 1.5 million square foot plot in Ras Al-Khaimah, which is just a 45 minute drive North of the Al Marjan Islands. While no official announcement has come out regarding definitive projects, we do know that the original agreement with RAK Hospitality Holding and Al Marjan Island LLC does mention a “second integrated casino resort plot”.
When they first set sights on the UAE back in 2022, Wynn registered trademarks for Marjan Strip and Arabian Strip. No doubt to get a shoe in to create what could be the new Las Vegas Strip or Macau’s Cotai Strip in the UAE. No comments have been made yet, but Wynn Resorts looks in pole position to capitalize on the market. A market that is expected to open in Q1 2027, and may be worth $3 to $5 billion, according to reports.
Al Marjan Island: First Casino in the UAE
The Wynn Al Marjan Island is the centrepiece of Wynn Resorts’ plans with the UAE. The integrated resort is slated to open in early 2027, and it is located within 60 hectares of reclaimed coastline. According to the masterplan, it is set to feature:
- 20+ Restaurants, lounges and bars
- A beach club, nightclub and theatre
- An expansive poolscape spanning 3.6 hectares with water features
- 1,500+ rooms and suites hotel and 5-star spa
- 15,000 square meter shopping promenade
The casino is planned to feature 225,000 square feet of game space, with a main casino and an additional gaming space on the 22nd floor. The latter was described as a sky gaming casino.
Legality of Gambling in the UAE
Gambling goes against Sharia law, and it was prohibited in the UAE until 2024. The GCGRA, the UAE’s gambling authority, was launched in September of 2023. The federal agency plays the role of overseeing all aspects of commercial gaming and gambling in the country. The GCGRA has the exclusive right to regulate and license operators. In 2024, the GCGRA issued the first gaming licence in the UAE to Wynn Resorts. And Wynn Resorts delivered, starting the construction of the first Middle Eastern casino resort. But then right after, the head of the GCGRA announced that the emirates was not considering giving out any other operator licences.
Jim Murren, the head, said that they were focusing on creating a national lottery in the UAE. And when pressed about other licences, he stated they may follow in the next 5 to 10 years. So, this effectively hands the gaming monopoly to Wynn Resorts, and should their head start stretch out to 5 years, Wynn Resorts could rocket with the development.
Vendors Who Have Obtained UAE Gaming Licences
Where there are casinos, there is a need to have game vendors as well. After all, casinos need to source their games from somewhere. But fortunately, Wynn Resorts will not be left wanting for lack of options.
Light & Wonder, a Vegas based company, became the 13th game vendor to obtain a UAE licence in July. The company is cleared to supply both landbased and online games in the UAE.
Going back a year, the first vendor to get a supplier licence in the UAE was Aristrocrat Technologies Europe. A throng of leading international game suppliers then joined the famous manufacturer of slot machines. Below is the full list at the time of writing.
- Aristocrat
- Smartplay
- PayBy
- Xpoint
- EQL Games
- Novomatic
- IGT Global
- Scientific Games International Ltd
- Random State
- Fennica Gaming
- TCS John Huxley Singapore
- Pollard Banknote
- LNW Gaming
- Konami Gaming
You can also check for any new licensees on the GCGRA licensing page.
Who Will Be Eligible to Gamble in the UAE
The eligibility requirements in the UAE are poised to be strict, and the gambling will be restricted to tourists and non Muslims. The legal gambling age will be set at 21, and local Muslims will be prohibited from entering the casino floor. The system will require KYC checks, and the UAE has discussed potential limits on monthly play.
But ultimately, the gambling market in the UAE is designed for foreigners and tourists, as part of a movement to expand into gambling tourism. As the gambling market in the UAE looks set to be a one-horse race with Wynn Resorts. Whether that includes Wynn extending its loyalty program to include member benefits and perks for casino goers in the UAE remains to be seen. No concrete legislation, as far as bonuses, free play, and other incentives are concerned, has been released.
What This Means for Wynn Resorts
Macau has taken over from Las Vegas as the biggest gambling market in the world. Singapore, which only has 2 landbased casinos, is quickly emerging as a top player in the industry and catching up with the two juggernauts. Another big market is the Philippines.
But the UAE, with its wealth, influence and mass touristic appeal, is projected to give chase to Las Vegas, and potentially match the revenue figures in the years to come.
Wynn’s Interest in Thailand
Wynn Resorts’ global ambition does not stop in the Gulf. They have also publicly registered interest in Thailand, where discussions to legalize casinos are in the works. If the lawmakers agree to legalize casinos and open their doors to international players, Wynn Resorts would most likely be first in line to cash in.
Thailand’s proximity to other gaming hubs like Macau and Singapore make it a natural next move for the company’s Asia and Pacific strategy. However, those steps may be years in the making. If Thailand’s casino legalizing calls come to fruition at all.
What’s In Store for UAE Gambling Tourism
Whether this recently acquired land does become the next proposed integrated resort – which sizewise and locationwise would be quite a deft move – it does not take away from the fact that Wynn Resorts is positioned for a potentially explosive future expansion. It is setting up the stage for a prolonged period of regional dominance. And this would not be your average gambling resort. No, it would fall more in line with 5-star luxury experiences, and thus luxury gaming experiences.
Whether you’re a tourism strategist, an investor, or just fascinated by global gaming trends, the outrun from 2027 onwards in the UAE promises to be electrifying.
