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

von Conny

07.Oktober 2024

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

All 1,530 guest accommodations have reached structural completion with interior fit-outs underway across 1,504 rooms and suites. Facade installation on the main tower is 79 per cent dubai betting app download complete while surrounding low-rise buildings have reached 99 per cent structural completion. The development, led by Wynn Resorts in partnership with Marjan, has reached its highest structural concrete point at 283 metres across 70 floors, just 27 months after foundation works began. The government will enforce strict controls, such as betting limits, to prevent gambling addiction.

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. Our selected sites at EmirPlay excel in entertainment and uphold trusted iGaming licenses, expertly reviewed. Additionally, we’re committed to staying abreast of the law, and each user is accountable for their actions. As the construction activities gain momentum, the resort’s emergence is keenly observed by many, considering Marjan Island already hosts a plethora of resorts from notable brands like Movenpick, Radisson, Hilton, and Rixos. The upcoming years also hold promise with the inauguration of a budget-friendly Rove hotel in 2024, and the arrival of the luxury brand Nobu Hotels, enhancing the island’s hospitality landscape further.

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. 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. The resort will include 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a beach club, a spa and beauty destination, a retail parterre, 12 pools, a 420 metre white sand beach and a deep water marina capable of accommodating superyachts. Since the beginning of speculation, we’ve covered news on Dubai’s casinos and the legalization of gambling. Hear directly from industry leaders such as Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, Bill Hornbuckle, CEO of MGM, or Bruno Ascenção, a gambling lawyer in Macau, as they share their views on the future of gambling in the UAE. This change will allow for the issuance of gambling licenses, including for casino operations.

Expected to be the first regulated casino in the region, this development could boost both Wynn’s market position. MGM Resorts has submitted a casino license application in Abu Dhabi, marking a new opportunity in the UAE’s expanding gaming market. CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed the proposal was sent to the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority.

The General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) announced the first gaming license and published the framework for gambling, detailing the types of games allowed. With the first licensed online platform officially live in the UAE, players can finally access a legal digital alternative from within the country. The planned resort is an epitome of luxury with an array of 1,500 meticulously designed rooms, suites, and villas. The tranquil and aesthetic ambiance of the resort is intricately intertwined with the oceanic backdrop, ensuring a serene and chic interior decor.

In July, regulators in the UAE were awarded a licence for the country’s first authorised lottery. It will be operated by The Game LLC under the banner UAE Lottery and it is expected to offer a diverse range of games. 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. "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."

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A recent Dubai Casino survey shows that over half (54%) of respondents are eager to attract new tourists through casino gaming, with hopes to boost Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and drive economic growth. PayBy has received a GCGRA license, making it the first fintech company authorized to provide financial services to the UAE’s casino industry. Everything you need to know about the casinos in and around Dubai.Whether you’re curious about the current casino scene in Dubai, seeking legal information, or exploring available options, we’ve got you covered. 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.

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. Meydan Racecourse and Jebel Ali Racecourse serve not only as venues for witnessing the majestic sport of horse racing but also as centers where limited forms More details of betting take place. It’s crucial to understand that any form of wagering conducted here is heavily regulated and operates within a legal framework designed to maintain the integrity of the sport and adhere to the country’s laws. Like online casinos, dubai betting sites are subject to regulatory oversight and must adhere to local laws.

In Dubai, an ambitious project called ‘The Island’ plans to host names like MGM, Bellagio, and Aria, which have a strong casino culture. All other offshore sites remain unregulated, and using a VPN to access them may still involve legal and compliance risks. 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). 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.

• Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has projected that the country’s casino market could generate up to US$8 billion annually.
• 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.
• GCGRA granted new vendor licenses to Aristocrat and Smartplay, enhancing gaming equipment, lottery operations, and online gambling.

UAE Licenses Betting Tech Firms Ahead of Online Gambling

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. 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. Sports betting falls under the same legal framework as other forms of gambling in the UAE – they need to be licensed by the UAE. The UAE might allocate one casino license per each of its 7 Emirates in an effort to tap the lucrative gaming tourism market. Analysts highlight that Wynn Resorts’ stock is undervalued, with investors overlooking the significant impact of its UAE casino project.

There are several projects in Dubai and nearby areas that are already awaiting licenses, which could pave the way for the introduction of casinos in the region. The UAE has recently made strides towards regulating certain forms of gambling, and casinos are awaiting license approval. Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has recently unveiled new photos, offering a glimpse into the progress of their upcoming gaming resort set to open in 2027.

Wynn Al Marjan hits structural milestone

GCGRA licenses major gaming tech vendors, laying foundation for regulated casino infrastructure and future online operations across the UAE. Wynn Al Marjan Island is not merely a resort; it’s a milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning luxury hospitality scene, setting a high bar for future developments. With a blend of luxury, entertainment, and the serenity of the ocean, it’s a venture that encapsulates the essence of a premium hospitality experience in the heart of the Middle East. With a multi-billion dollar investment of USD 3.9 billion, the integrated resort is a haven for guests seeking a blend of relaxation, entertainment, and luxury shopping. The state-of-the-art events facility, an exclusive spa, and an extensive array of 24 dining and lounge venues, promise a lavish stay for the guests.

If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has projected that the country’s casino market could generate up to US$8 billion annually. 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. Momentum Gaming begins hiring for future online casino and sportsbook operations, anticipating regulatory green light for digital gambling in the UAE.

More information about how to play is expected soon with representatives from the GCGRA stating it was a “pivotal” step for the country. To mark the topping out milestone, senior executives from Wynn Resorts, Wynn Design and Development and Marjan gathered at the summit of the tower overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Attendees poured the final concrete and received commemorative steel bars taken from the structure. Once the spire is installed in 2026, the tower will reach its full architectural height of 352 metres, making it the tallest man-made structure in Ras Al Khaimah by more than 100 metres.

Dubai’s casino future depends on a cautious, well-controlled rollout of licenses, ensuring gambling activities remain responsible and within legal boundaries. GCGRA granted new vendor licenses to Aristocrat and Smartplay, enhancing gaming equipment, lottery operations, and online gambling. The UAE issued vendor licenses to key sports betting and iGaming technology firms, signaling active preparation for future online gambling operations. 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. Key construction milestones to date include the completion of the tower’s structural concrete, full structural completion of guest accommodation, near completion of low-rise structures and more than 438,000 cubic metres of concrete poured.

The casino resort is envisaged to surpass the scale of Wynn Las Vegas, holding promise for avid gamers. Besides the casino, guests can immerse themselves in a world of entertainment with a theater for unique productions and daily light and laser shows. 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. 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.

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