UAE’s first casino: Ras Al Khaimah targets millions of visitors with $3 8 billion gaming resort
The resort will include 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a beach club, a spa and beauty destination, a retail parterre, 12 pools, a 420 metre white sand beach and a deep water marina capable of accommodating superyachts. The development, led by Wynn Resorts in partnership with Marjan, has reached its highest structural concrete point at 283 metres across 70 floors, just 27 months after foundation works began. Our selected sites at EmirPlay excel in entertainment and uphold trusted iGaming licenses, expertly reviewed. Additionally, we’re committed to staying abreast of the law, and each user is accountable for their actions. Since the beginning of speculation, we’ve covered news on Dubai’s casinos and the legalization of gambling.
UAE Considers Allocating Casino Licenses Across All 7 Emirates
- Analysts highlight that Wynn Resorts’ stock is undervalued, with investors overlooking the significant impact of its UAE casino project.
- UAE authorities warn residents about the dangers of unlicensed gaming operators, the legal risks, consumer protection concerns, and how to stay safe in the UAE’s evolving gaming market.
- Facade installation on the main tower is 79 per cent complete while surrounding low-rise buildings have reached 99 per cent structural completion.
CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed the proposal was sent to the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority. With the first licensed online platform officially live in the UAE, players can finally access a legal digital alternative from within the country. A multibillion-dollar mega resort in Ras Al Khaimah planned by a major US hotel operator aims to be a magnet for "ultra high net-worth" customers and attract tourists from across the globe after securing a gaming licence from UAE authorities. Following the UAE’s first legal lottery license to The Game LLC, GCGRA has expanded its licensing with Aristocrat Technologies and Smartplay International. The focus remains on transparent, fair draws, with tickets available online and prizes awarded promptly. This change will allow for the issuance of gambling licenses, including for casino operations.
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Momentum Gaming begins hiring for future online casino and sportsbook operations, anticipating regulatory green light for digital gambling in the UAE. An earlier version of this article misstated that gaming revenues expected from the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort would represent around 90 percent of total revenue. If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator.
As the UAE enters the world of betting app in uae regulated gaming, Dubai is poised to issue more licenses soon. Dubai’s is putting casino plans on hold, as senior government officials see it as ‘not a priority’ due to the booming tourism industry in the city. Wynn Resorts’ CEO, Craig Billings, predicts the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort to be a transformative tourism gem in the United Arab Emirates, with construction progressing towards its next phase and a strategic focus on long-term shareholder value. The CEO of MGM emphasized that their hotel development in Dubai is poised to adapt to gaming should there be favorable changes in the legal environment. According to the Dubai Casinos report, as of 2024, casino-related search volumes in the UAE have increased by over 6600% since 2015, with projections indicating that 2024 will be a record-breaking year for online interest.
The timeline for when Dubai will have licensed casinos depends on the licensing process and the finalization of regulatory approvals. The United Arab Emirates sets up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, as stated by the news agency WAM. Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket, a major UAE prize draw platform, has temporarily halted operations under the mandate of the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority. This pause prompts reflection for organizers and regulators, amidst regulatory adjustments and operational reviews.
The luxury resort, which was already planned to include a casino, is expected to open in 2027 and will be the first integrated gaming destination in the Middle East. Wynn Resorts has secured the UAE’s first commercial gaming license for its resort in Ras Al Khaimah. The Game (lottery) is also licensed and remains the only other legal gambling activity in the country. Kevin Mullally, chief executive of the GCGRA, said at the time that the authority’s regulatory framework Reddit was designed to ensure the integrity, fairness and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the country “which include lottery games”. The issuance of a gaming license to The Game LLC for lottery operations was a significant first step, indicating a measured introduction of regulated gambling. Dubai’s casino future depends on a cautious, well-controlled rollout of licenses, ensuring gambling activities remain responsible and within legal boundaries.
Several dining and lounge venues have been positioned along a picturesque terrace to highlight views of the poolscape, beach, and the glittering Arabian Gulf. Wynn Al Marjan Island will also be a passive profit generator of sorts for the parent company. Wynn therefore expects casino-driven guests to behave much more like Macau-style high-frequency, short-stay gamblers rather than Dubai holidaymakers.
Wynn UAE Casino to Be Big Fee Contributor
GCGRA licenses major gaming tech vendors, laying foundation for regulated casino infrastructure and future online operations across the UAE. It was underlined that engaging in, conducting, or enabling commercial gaming activities within the UAE without approval from the GCGRA is illegal and anyone breaking the rules could face severe penalties. Las Vegas casino operator Wynn Resorts has told investors that it expects to achieve gross gaming revenues of up to $1.66 billion a year at its UAE resort when it opens in two years.