Wynn Resorts, the Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator, has officially been granted the UAE’s first-ever commercial gaming license.
This milestone comes as part of Wynn’s ambitious plan to open a luxury gaming resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is set to be the first integrated gaming resort in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
The announcement of Wynn Resorts receiving the license was made on Friday, with confirmation from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) following shortly after. This landmark decision opens the door for Wynn to develop the $4 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort, which will span nearly 62 hectares and extend into the Arabian Gulf. The resort is scheduled to open to the public in early 2027.
The GCGRA, which oversees and regulates all commercial gaming activities in the UAE, did not provide further specifics on the terms of the gaming license. However, Wynn Resorts confirmed in a statement that the license was awarded to the joint venture developing the Al Marjan Island resort, which involves Wynn Resorts, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding. The GCGRA conducted a "diligent and extensive review" before granting the license.
Wynn Resorts expressed its gratitude for the confidence shown by the GCGRA, stating: “Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the license grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility license in the UAE. We are currently constructing our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy.”
This move is seen as a game-changer for the UAE, a nation traditionally not associated with large-scale commercial gaming operations. Wynn Al Marjan Island will offer a host of non-gaming amenities as well, including 1,542 luxurious rooms and suites, 22 private villas, and a variety of entertainment and dining options. Notably, this will be Wynn's first beach resort, distinguishing it from Wynn’s existing properties in Las Vegas, Macau, and Boston Harbor.
The license granted to Wynn Resorts is the second issued by the GCGRA. The first was awarded in July to The Game LLC, an Abu Dhabi-based company that now operates the UAE’s first authorized lottery. The GCGRA defines commercial gaming as games of chance, or games involving a mix of skill and chance, where money or valuable items are wagered.
Wynn Al Marjan Island will not only focus on its gaming operations but will also offer a full-scale resort experience, with its 300-metre-tall resort tower expected to be completed by late 2025. The project represents a bold step forward for Wynn, and the UAE’s burgeoning gaming sector, which is projected to grow into a major player in the global market.
According to industry analysts, the UAE’s gaming market is poised for significant growth. The country is expected to offer Wynn Resorts access to a population of 10 million, with a high average per capita income of $77,000, aligning well with Wynn’s premium clientele. Additionally, the market size for gaming in the UAE is projected to reach $3 billion to $5 billion annually in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR).
Dan Wasiolek, a senior equity analyst at Morningstar, remarked that Wynn’s expansion into the UAE makes strategic sense: “Wynn’s plans in the UAE extend the company’s reach into another international region, following its successes in Las Vegas, Boston, and Macau. The Middle East and Europe will now be a strong focus for the brand, with 95% of the global population being within an eight-hour flight of a Wynn property.”
Morgan Stanley analysts also noted that the UAE is an attractive market due to its growing population of high-net-worth individuals and limited competition in the gaming industry. The favorable tax environment in the country is expected to provide significant returns on investment, making the UAE a high-potential market for gaming operators.
Wynn Al Marjan Island represents a major shift for the UAE's tourism and entertainment sectors. The resort will contribute significantly to the country’s goal of becoming a global tourism hub, offering world-class gaming, hospitality, and entertainment options. For Wynn Resorts, this venture marks a pivotal step in its global expansion strategy, positioning the company to further solidify its presence in high-growth international markets.
As the UAE’s first licensed gaming operator, Wynn Resorts is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of commercial gaming in the region, while enhancing its reputation as a leader in luxury gaming and hospitality worldwide.
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