Internationally renowned Wynn Resorts is preparing to open the doors of a new luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah. Today, they have exclusive resorts in destinations such as Las Vegas and Macau, with a focus on luxury and entertainment, including spas and casinos. Yet, it is still not known exactly which orientation the new resort in the Middle East will have.

What we know about the plans

Wynn Al Marjan Island is expected to be a monumental addition to luxury tourism in the Middle East. The ambitious new project is planned to be located along the pristine beaches of Al Marjan Island, spanning an impressive 70 acres.

The resort will include villa areas, luxurious pools and entertainment centres. Those lucky enough to be guests here can expect exclusive shops, gourmet restaurants and various nightlife options. As for casinos, unfortunately we don’t know yet, but we certainly hope that we will be able to spin the reels, roll the dice and practice our poker faces. 

Although Wynn Resorts is world-famous for its luxury casinos, they have not yet announced whether there will be such facilities at the new resort in Ras Al Khaimah. They have simply refrained from giving any official confirmation on it. However, it is quite conceivable that their reluctance to speak out on the issue is due to the strict regulations on gambling activities that have been in place in the UAE until recently.

New regulations for commercial gaming in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates only recently introduced a regulatory framework that allows commercial gambling. Central to this is the establishment of the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), which is tasked with overseeing all gambling-related activities in the country.

The authority was established in 2023 and is responsible for licensing, monitoring and regulating operators in the industry in question, ensuring that all gambling practices meet strict standards of legality, fairness and social responsibility.

GCGRA’s licensing options cover different types of activities, including internet gambling, land-based facilities, sports betting and lotteries. The licences issued by the authority are intended to promote transparency and ethical gambling practices, with the safety of players as a priority. For projects like Wynn Al Marjan Island, the GCGRA provides a structured pathway to incorporate commercial gambling – if the developers choose to follow this path.

The Middle East: A new scene for iGaming

There are those who predict that the Middle East will become an important area for the global iGaming industry, much in light of rapid developments in the digital sphere and the new, progressive legislation in the UAE.

The structured framework established by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority will hopefully support the growth of online gaming, including slots, poker and live-dealer experiences. This development goes hand in hand with the region’s growing use of the internet and increasing mobile connectivity – thus creating favourable conditions for a booming iGaming market.

As the market is so new, and not limited in its thinking, it is quite conceivable that technological advances such as virtual reality and blockchains will be integrated in a natural way. These are things that provide great user experiences while ensuring transparency and security.

For Wynn Resorts, the new establishment and others that may follow in its footsteps present great opportunities. They can leverage their previous expertise in luxury gaming and entertainment and establish sophisticated casinos, tailored to the Middle Eastern audience. This would meet the region’s demand for new types of entertainment and position Wynn as a pioneer in shaping the future of casino gaming in emerging markets.

Responsible gaming and Wynn’s commitment

Of course, responsible gambling must be given high priority as iGaming and land based casinos become increasingly prominent in the Middle East. The GCGRA has created a strong regulatory framework that emphasises the importance of player safety and ethical practices. Wynn Resorts is well positioned to align itself with these principles, given the company’s long-standing commitment to promoting safe and sustainable gaming environments.

One need only look at Wynn’s initiatives in places like Las Vegas and Macau to get an insight into the strategies the group tends to follow. Programmes such as self-exclusion options, educational campaigns on the risks of gambling and partnerships with organisations working to prevent gambling addiction show that the company has a strong commitment to responsible gambling.

What does the future hold for Wynn Resorts in the Middle East?

With the Middle East expected to increasingly embrace casino gambling, Wynn has the opportunity to build on this and introduce tools that ensure transparency and player protection. This will protect the individuals and give Wynn the chance to establish itself as a leader in promoting a balanced and socially responsible gambling culture in the region.

As for Wynn Al Marjan Island, it is not hard to guess that it could be just the beginning of a wider expansion of the company in the Middle East. There is significant potential for them to establish themselves in this new and emerging market. Hopefully, such an expansion will include lots of options for entertainment, including casinos.