IC3E'24

Wynn UAE Casino Resort Almost 60% Complete

—

by

Woocommerce Support
in

Wynn UAE Casino Resort Almost 60% Complete

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. A survey conducted among UAE residents revealed that new casino operations in the country could attract a quarter (25 per cent) of the adult population. The poll was conducted by communications agency duke+mir through researcher YouGov, across a representative sample of more than 1,000 people. Though unlikely to ever rival Las Vegas or Macau, the UAE could become one of the largest casino markets in the world when it fully ramps up.

The regulator’s first two licences come months after some operators of the UAE’s prize draws were required in January to pause business. 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. 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. 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.

  • 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.
  • Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
  • 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.
  • Several dining and lounge venues have been positioned along a picturesque terrace to highlight views of the poolscape, beach, and the glittering Arabian Gulf.
  • Nearly 1 in 5 adults (19 per cent) expressed interest in playing poker or other skill-based card games, and 15 per cent said they would consider playing bingo.

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. In January, the operator announced the purchase of the Crown London casino in London. That’s a small gaming venue not comparable to the typical Wynn property, but the purchase is potentially useful as it relates to the UAE because many Crown members hail from the Middle East and are frequent travelers to the region. Wynn is self-funding its 40% share of the $5.1 billion integrated resort and it’s already making moves to ensure the venue is ready to go on day one. As of last November, construction workers were Reddit finishing one floor of the UAE hotel tower per week and had completed 26 floors.

MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle Bullish on Las Vegas, Japan, Eyes UAE

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others. Before this step, prize draws had drawn increasing numbers of participants hoping for significant windfalls. Since its formation, the GCGRA has sought to develop a regulatory framework to protect consumers and stakeholders. "We are underway with the construction of our resort in Ras Al Khaimah and look forward to being a key partner in the development of its tourism economy." 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.

The economic benefits will be “massive”, stimulating foreign direct investment and employment, Raki Phillips, chief executive of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, previously told The National. 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. An award-winning in-house team of designers, architects, and creatives oversees every detail in a new Wynn resort, and that top 10 betting app in uae 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. Interest in online betting (23 per cent) and card games (19 per cent) is also notable.

Those over 45 are nearly twice as likely to be interested in raffles and prize draws (62 per cent) than 18–24-year-olds (34 per cent). Conversely, 33 per cent of younger adults are interested in sports betting, compared to 18 per cent of older adults. 46 per cent of adult participants said they would be interested in entering raffles and prize draws, while over a third (34 per cent) would consider playing the lottery. Logical venues include purpose-built casinos and the world-class horse racing facilities across the Emirates. Globally, horse racing is closely tied to betting, and events like the Dubai World Cup already draw significant international betting pools—over $40 million is wagered through the World Pool on this event annually.

These include lottery, internet gaming, sports wagering and land-based integrated gaming centres or resorts. Additionally, if legal and regulated, 23 per cent would consider betting on sports either at a venue or via online platforms. Nearly 1 in 5 adults (19 per cent) expressed interest in playing poker or other skill-based card games, and 15 per cent said they would consider playing bingo.

It’s expected that most, if not all, of the higher-ranking staff of Wynn Al Marjan Island be in the UAE at least six months prior to the casino hotel’s opening to ensure a smooth transition. That includes having the hiring portal open now, which could ensure consumer-facing staff are trained in Wynn culture and methodologies well in advance of opening day. Max Topainer, former COO of Wynn Las Vegas, is moving to the UAE to oversee the venue with Arabian Business reporting that he’ll be joined by 200 other Wynn staffers from around the world. Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers.

Wynn UAE Casino Resort Almost 60% Complete

The first is the well-known "main casino" – a 224,000 square feet space larger than the casino in Wynn Las Vegas. The second is a "sky gaming" area on the integrated resort’s 22nd floor, which had not been previously announced. Previous estimates indicated the main casino would control just 4% of Wynn Al Marjan Island’s 5.6 million square feet, which is to say gaming isn’t central to the allure of the property. That’s par for the course with Wynn venues, which largely focus on amenities such as high-end eateries, entertainment, and plush accommodations for guests.

Provide your email and indicate your key interests to receive tailored news and exclusive offers prior to the debut of Wynn Al Marjan Island. Wynn Resorts will operate two separate gaming areas in its upcoming Ras Al Khaimah resort, according to a Wynn VP speaking in the emirate Thursday. Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG. “Commercial gaming” refers to “any game of chance, or combination of chance and skill, where an amount of money, in cash or cash equivalents, is wagered – placed as a bet – for the purpose of winning a sum of money or other valuable items”.

Wynn Resorts has announced the development of two gaming areas at its new Ras Al Khaimah resort, including a main casino larger than the one in Las Vegas and a private gaming area on the 22nd floor. Although a third gaming space is considered, Wynn remains the sole license holder for casino operations in the UAE, a position it expects to maintain due to the lengthy development timelines for integrated resorts. The resort will feature over 1,500 rooms, numerous dining options, and various entertainment facilities. 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”. 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’.

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 upscale destination offering the finest in hospitality and entertainment. Scheduled to open Spring 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been created as an opulent and entertaining beachside destination for discerning guests to play and relax. The resort is located less than 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and is currently under construction on a picturesque island totaling more than 60 hectares that gracefully curve into the beautiful Arabian Gulf. The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, established by Federal Law by Decree and based in Abu Dhabi, holds exclusive authority to regulate, license, and supervise all commercial gaming in the UAE.

Still, the gaming element can’t be overlooked because Wynn Al Marjan Island is the first regulated venue of its kind in the history of the Arab world. Additionally, the property is expected to hold a lengthy monopoly in the UAE because it’s likely to be several years before regulators there approve another casino. Located in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, Wynn Al Marjan Island sits on more than 60 hectares and draws some inspiration from the operator’s famed Las Vegas Strip properties. Arabian Business reported that the UAE venue is nearly 60% complete, indicating the frequently mentioned early 2027 opening date remains in play. Wynn, best known for its casino hotel resorts in Las Vegas, Boston and Macau, expect the project will create at least 4,000 jobs and become the next “catalyst” for tourism in the emirate.