Wynn CEO Suggests Imminent Possibility of UAE's Inaugural Casino License

According to Wynn's boss, the first license for casino operations to be allowed in the UAE will likely be issued "immediately". 

Craig Billings, the CEO of the Wynn Group, spoke on the Q2 2023 earnings conference call about the future Wynn Al Marjan Island. He mentioned: "We have everything we need to operate gaming in Al Marjan. I expect that we will have our license for Ras Al Khaimah actually imminently."

Billings discussed the laws governing gambling in the UAE where gambling is prohibited.

He said: "I think there's confusion here because there's a lack of understanding regarding individual Emirates versus the UAE as a whole. It's clearly a 10, as I think I've talked about before to a state and federal system."

"But there should be no concern that there is a legalisation process that needs to occur in order for gaming to occur in that property."

Wynn Al Marjan Island, which will have 1,500 rooms, villas, and suites, as well as a spa, events center, and theatre for "unique shows", is intended for those who want to stay longer and for people taking "day trips" between the six emirates. In order to achieve this, the resort will have nightly laser and lighting shows, similar to those in Las Vegas.

When it opens in 2027, the integrated resort worth US$3.9 billion will house the first casino confirmed by the UAE. The casino will occupy four percent of hotel space.

 

Source: breakingtravelnews.com