Middle East Country Issues Its First Gambling License
US casino operator Wynn Resorts has announced that it has obtained the first commercial gaming operator’s license from the UAE's regulatory body. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
American casino operator Wynn Resorts has announced that it has received approval from the UAE’s gaming regulator for the first commercial gambling license in the country, as reported by several media outlets on Friday.
Wynn Resorts, based in Nevada, is developing a luxury resort called Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This project is a collaboration between Wynn, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, as stated in reports by Reuters and Bloomberg.
The company revealed in August that it has invested $514 million in the 1,542-room resort, which is projected to open its doors to guests in 2027.
Historically, the UAE and other Gulf countries have imposed a strict ban on both online and land-based casinos due to Islamic prohibitions against gambling. However, casino operators have been keen on creating resorts that would draw visitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In a significant move, the UAE established a new regulatory authority last year to create a legal framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming.
Additionally, in September, MGM Resorts, a US hospitality and entertainment firm, announced that it had applied for a gambling license for a new property under construction in Abu Dhabi.
In 2022, UAE authorities revealed a national tourism plan aimed at attracting approximately $27.2 billion in investments to the tourism sector, increasing the sector's contribution to GDP to $122.5 billion, and welcoming around 40 million hotel guests by 2031.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
Wynn Resorts, based in Nevada, is developing a luxury resort called Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. This project is a collaboration between Wynn, Marjan, and RAK Hospitality Holding, as stated in reports by Reuters and Bloomberg.
The company revealed in August that it has invested $514 million in the 1,542-room resort, which is projected to open its doors to guests in 2027.
Historically, the UAE and other Gulf countries have imposed a strict ban on both online and land-based casinos due to Islamic prohibitions against gambling. However, casino operators have been keen on creating resorts that would draw visitors from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
In a significant move, the UAE established a new regulatory authority last year to create a legal framework for a national lottery and commercial gaming.
Additionally, in September, MGM Resorts, a US hospitality and entertainment firm, announced that it had applied for a gambling license for a new property under construction in Abu Dhabi.
In 2022, UAE authorities revealed a national tourism plan aimed at attracting approximately $27.2 billion in investments to the tourism sector, increasing the sector's contribution to GDP to $122.5 billion, and welcoming around 40 million hotel guests by 2031.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
