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UAE Gaming Market Could Reach US$8 Billion a Year, Says Wynn Resorts CEO
UAE Gaming Market Could Reach US$8 Billion a Year, Says Wynn Resorts CEO
The UAE’s gaming sector is set to become one of the most lucrative in the world, according to Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings, who revealed that the country’s gaming market could generate between US$5 billion and US$8 billion annually in gross gaming revenue (GGR).
The statement was made during an interview with CNBC’s Jim Cramer, as Billings discussed Wynn’s ambitious plans for the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
The project, now in full development, marks a significant shift in the UAE’s entertainment and hospitality landscape.
With the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) issuing a gaming facility operator licence in October 2024, Wynn Al Marjan Island is officially set to become the first legal casino resort in the UAE.
A Landmark Development for UAE Tourism & Economy
Scheduled to open in Q1 2027, the resort will include:
- 1,542 rooms and suites
- 22 dining and nightlife venues
- A luxury beach club and pool area spanning 3.6 hectares
- A 15,000 sqm shopping promenade
- A 7,500 sqm event and meeting centre
- And most notably, a 20,903 sqm gaming area, which makes up just 4% of the total resort space
Beyond the physical development, the economic impact is expected to be substantial. The project recently secured a US$2.4 billion construction facility—the largest hospitality financing transaction in UAE history.
Wynn Resorts holds a 40% stake, partnering with Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding on the venture.
Building Bridges Between UAE and Global Markets
In addition to the UAE project, Wynn is acquiring Crown London, a private casino in Mayfair.
Although small in dollar terms, Billings described it as a strategically powerful acquisition, as many UAE-based and UAE-bound customers also frequent London.
This cross-market presence is expected to support Wynn’s long-term strategy of attracting high-value clientele to the region.
Billings also hinted at potential new developments in Las Vegas and expressed interest in the evolving gaming regulations in Thailand, suggesting that Wynn is keeping a close eye on other emerging markets.
Accessibility & Future Outlook
One of the resort’s key advantages is its proximity to Dubai, being just a 50-minute drive from Dubai International Airport.
This positions it as a convenient and luxurious destination for both international travelers and regional residents looking for a world-class experience.
Wynn had initially estimated that the casino could generate at least US$1.33 billion in annual GGR, but with regulatory clarity and market demand evolving rapidly, the US$5–8 billion projection underlines the massive potential of this newly emerging industry.
The Bottom Line:
The UAE is poised to become a major player in the global gaming market, and Wynn Resorts is leading the charge.
With legal gaming now officially underway, the country’s tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors are preparing for a transformative decade.
