UAE’s First Casino Resort: Wynn Al Marjan Island Opening 2027

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. This change will allow for the issuance of gambling licenses, including for casino operations. 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 timeline uae betting site for when Dubai will have licensed casinos depends on the licensing process and the finalization of regulatory approvals. 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.

Wynn Resort Construction in UAE Hits Major Milestone

With the first licensed online platform officially live in the UAE, players can finally access a legal digital alternative from within the country. 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. 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.

Meanwhile, MGM Resorts has proposed a casino project in Abu Dhabi and has applied for a gaming license. Wynn Resorts has secured its gaming license and is moving forward with its casino project in Ras Al Khaimah, north of Dubai. This prohibition is not just a cultural norm but a legal mandate that influences the legal framework and judicial practices in many Islamic countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), of which Dubai is a prominent emirate. The legal status of gambling in Dubai and the broader UAE is deeply intertwined with the principles of Sharia, which serve as a foundational source for the country’s legislation and moral guidelines. 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.

In parallel, Wynn Resorts and Marjan are advancing a second joint venture on Al Marjan Island, Janu Al Marjan Island, which was announced in November 2025 and is now under construction. The project will bring Aman Group’s Janu brand to Ras Al Khaimah, with an opening planned for late 2028. The government will enforce strict controls, such as betting limits, to prevent gambling addiction. Illegal gambling will continue to face heavy penalties, maintaining Dubai’s reputation as a safe, controlled environment. The CEO of MGM emphasized that their hotel development in Dubai is poised to adapt to gaming should there be favorable changes in the legal environment.

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. 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. 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.

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 first approved option is Play971, currently the only fully licensed online casino and sportsbook in the UAE. The future of the casino market in Dubai is set to unfold with a focus on legal and responsible gambling practices. The UAE might allocate one casino license per each of its 7 Emirates in an effort to tap the lucrative gaming tourism market.

Abu Dhabi’s Big Ticket, a major UAE prize draw platform, has temporarily halted operations under the mandate of the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority.
This venture marks the iconic Wynn Resorts’ maiden foray into the Middle East, with the establishment poised to be a beachfront marvel rising 305 meters above the tranquil Arabian Gulf waters.
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.
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.
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.

MGM Redefines Luxury in Dubai with ‘The Island,’ Skips Casino

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. Gambling is only allowed through legal operators who have obtained a license from the UAE’s gaming regulator. The UAE has recently made strides towards regulating certain forms of gambling, and casinos are awaiting license approval.

If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator. Analysts highlight that Wynn Resorts’ stock is undervalued, with investors overlooking the significant impact of its UAE casino project. Expected to be the first regulated casino in the region, this development could boost both Here Wynn’s market position. UAE regulator and New Jersey sign cooperation deal to enhance regulatory oversight, cybersecurity, and consumer protection as the Emirates prepare to launch legal casino operations and online gaming framework.

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. 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 of betting take place.