In October 2024, Wynn Resorts secured the very first-ever gambling license in the UAE. This is groundbreaking news considering the Emirate’s complete ban on gambling across hundreds of years, reflective of the Muslin culture that sees gambling as ‘Maisir’ – meaning it’s strictly forbidden if you’re a Muslim practitioner.
This changed, however, when Wynn started their ambitious hotel and casino resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah.
The project, which will cost $5.1 billion and open in 2027, will also include the construction of 1,500 accommodation rooms, suites, townhouses, and villas. Importantly, the property will include a 225,000-square-foot casino floor.
Billions in revenue
Wynn-Al-Marjan is looking at a lucrative Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), where it is predicted that the gaming market within the market will generate between $3 billion and $5 billion annually. The resort aims to attract high-end clients with high net worth, including international VIP players.
The resort is also looking at mass tourism to reach the desired targets. More frequent direct flights to the Al Marjan islands will also make these predictions infrastructurally possible.
A much-awaited stepping stone
Wynn’s first-ever promised license by the September-launched General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority in Emirates will set the first stepping stone of the much-awaited body of laws that see gambling as a legal activity, both restricted and protected by a body of laws.
This UAE’s shift to legalize and licence commercial gaming is a significant step forward that can see other future land-based-casinos, and even possibly, the full legalisation for online casinos.
In the meantime, players in the UAE can still play in online casinos, mainly through VPNs and crypto. Check out the best, most trusted sites for online casinos in the UAE.
