UAE’s first casino: Ras Al Khaimah targets millions of visitors with $3 8 billion gaming resort

The $3.8 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in Ras Al Khaimah will seek to "capture untapped domestic gaming demand" from the UAE’s large expatriate community as well as draw in "high-end gaming clientele from abroad", the report states. An award-winning in-house team of designers, architects, and creatives oversees every detail in a new Wynn resort, and that dedication to exceptional quality and singular vision extends to Wynn Al Marjan Island. Our beautifully appointed accommodations are matched by a curated selection of highly desired amenities and an exceptional level of personalized service, all to create moments that are unparalleled and unforgettable. The punishment for gambling illegally in Dubai can be penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment and/or fines up to AED 50,000 (over $10,000). 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. Michael Weaver, the Chief Communications Officer at Wynn Resorts, has disclosed that the long-awaited introduction of the gaming facility will be strategically synchronized with the highly anticipated grand opening of the resort.

UAE Gaming Survey 2025

Sports betting falls under the same legal framework as other forms of gambling in the UAE – they need to be licensed by the UAE. Gambling is only allowed through legal operators who have obtained a license from the UAE’s gaming regulator. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has projected that the country’s casino market could generate up to US$8 billion annually.

UAE regulator and New Jersey sign cooperation deal to enhance regulatory oversight, cybersecurity, and consumer protection as the Emirates prepare to launch legal casino operations and online gaming framework. The UAE confirmed a policy to permit one licensed online gambling operator per emirate, subject to local approval, setting a controlled foundation for digital betting. 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. “Broadly speaking, the survey reveals a similar level of interest in gaming among UAE residents to markets like the UK. Like online casinos, dubai betting sites are subject to regulatory oversight and must adhere to local laws. GCGRA licenses major gaming tech vendors, laying foundation for regulated casino infrastructure and future online operations across the UAE.

Wynn Resorts has confirmed that it has been awarded the UAE’s first commercial gaming license. 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. Gambling remains prohibited in the Emirates, as it is across the Gulf, but the UAE’s gaming regulator has been set up to oversee and supervise commercial ‘gaming activities’.

MGM Redefines Luxury in Dubai with ‘The Island,’ Skips Casino

It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games. The resort, which will have views of the Arabian Gulf, is a hotel and casino with 1,500 rooms, suites and villas, as well as two dozen restaurants, a spa, an event centre and a theatre. Part of a manmade archipelago highlighting breathtaking waterfront views and white-sand beaches, Al Marjan Island is conveniently located 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and only 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. From plush accommodations to exceptional dining and sought-after amenities, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been conceptualized as the centerpiece of an More details upscale destination offering the finest in hospitality and entertainment. Guests will discover 24 thoughtfully planned restaurants, lounges, a beach club, and nightclub.

Interest in online betting (23 per cent) and card games (19 per cent) is also notable. When lottery-only participation is excluded, around 17 per cent of British adults engage in online gambling, suggesting similar potential in the UAE. While Sharia serves as a guiding principle, the UAE’s legal system is a hybrid structure that also incorporates elements of civil law to govern various aspects of public and private life. By now the UAE is a major global tourist destination known for its hospitality and cosmopolitan cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi and visitors are also expected to abide by local laws, including those regarding gambling. 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.

More information about how to play is expected soon with representatives from the GCGRA stating it was a “pivotal” step for the country. Wynn’s first venture in the Middle East is already attracting plenty of attention. Marjan Island is a development of four reclaimed islands with more than 7.8km of pristine beaches and 23km of waterfront, in addition to world-class hotels and residential developments. The GCGRA confirmed to The National on Tuesday that a licence had been awarded.

Momentum Gaming begins hiring for future online casino and sportsbook operations, uae betting sites anticipating regulatory green light for digital gambling in the UAE. Some players use a VPN to access online casinos, although this practice may still be subject to legal and regulatory risks. If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator. 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.

Analysts highlight that Wynn Resorts’ stock is undervalued, with investors overlooking the significant impact of its UAE casino project. Expected to be the first regulated casino in the region, this development could boost both Wynn’s market position. One of the operators at the time said the pause was the result of an “industrywide mandate” that was consistent with the new role to create a well-regulated gaming environment in the country. In July, regulators in the UAE were awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery.

• MGM Resorts has submitted a casino license application in Abu Dhabi, marking a new opportunity in the UAE’s expanding gaming market.
• Illegal gambling will continue to face heavy penalties, maintaining Dubai’s reputation as a safe, controlled environment.
• As the UAE enters the world of regulated gaming, Dubai is poised to issue more licenses soon.
• It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games.

As the UAE enters the world of regulated gaming, Dubai is poised to issue more licenses soon. "Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the licence grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility licence in the UAE. The hotel developer and operator said the gaming licence issued by the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority related to its property in Ras Al Khaimah.

THE WYNN EXPERIENCE

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 was designed to ensure the integrity, fairness and transparency of commercial gaming activities in the country “which include lottery games”. Since they are also forms of gambling, online casinos and sportsbooks are covered by the law and must be licensed by the gaming regulator in the UAE.

With the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort set to open in 2027, this development marks a transformative moment for tourism, investment, and entertainment in the region. The future of the casino market in Dubai is set to unfold with a focus on legal and responsible gambling practices. The Wynn Al Marjan Island, expected to open in Ras Al Khaimah in early 2027, will be the UAE’s first legal casino, likely to be followed by others. Only 3 per cent of Brits regularly play casino games, while 19 per cent of Americans visit a casino at least once a year.

To gauge interest in betting, a survey was conducted with YouGov, targeting over 1,000 people in the UAE (1,051 to be precise). All demographics were represented, revealing what kinds of activities people might be most interested in. Our selected sites at Dubai Casinos excel in entertainment and uphold trusted iGaming licenses, expertly reviewed. While we provide insights into UAE establishments, remember it’s not legal counsel. Additionally, we’re committed to staying abreast of the law, and each user is accountable for their actions.

This may also apply in the UAE, with 21 per cent of female residents showing interest in bingo wagering compared to 12 per cent of men. 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.

This prohibition is not just a cultural norm but a legal mandate that influences the legal framework and judicial practices in many Islamic countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a prominent emirate. The legal status of gambling in Dubai and the broader UAE is deeply intertwined with the principles of Sharia, which serve as a foundational source for the country’s legislation and moral guidelines. MGM President and CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, has already confirmed that the $2.5 billion resort project is awaiting approval for a gambling license and is set to become the first casino in Dubai. This change will allow for the issuance of gambling licenses, including for casino operations. The UAE has recently made strides towards regulating certain forms of gambling, and casinos are awaiting license approval.