MGM Submits Application for Abu Dhabi Casino License

The recognizable gaming and hospitality giant, MGM Resorts, announced it has submitted a license application for a United Arab Emirates (UAE) casino.

The Company Is Among the First to Apply for a Casino License

The exciting news came during the Skift Global Forum 2024 last week. Bill Hornbuckle, MGM’s CEO, confirmed the strategic move that saw the company apply for a license in Abu Dhabi and spoke about the importance of such a license.

The announcement comes after back in July, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), UAE’s executive authority responsible for regulating, licensing and supervising all commercial gaming activities and facilities, started accepting casino license bids.

The process itself involves a preliminary intake of applicants as well as further screening. The bids that successfully pass the initial intake will be eligible to apply for a casino license. With its move in UAE, MGM is one of only two companies that have so far submitted a casino license bid.

In the words of Hornbuckle: “Yes we have (applied). We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi.” He spoke about the way the federal government operates in UAE, revealing that MGM remains hopeful of winning a license there.

Comparing the jurisdiction to the US, he revealed that different rulers in UAE have their own city or state. Hornbuckle added that each ruler can approve or reject casino gambling. MGM’s boss added: “I hope and believe this year we’ll understand more about Abu Dhabi and the federal mandate and go from there.”

“The way it will work is the federal government in Abu Dhabi will approve it, we’ve applied for it and hopefully we’ll win the license there. Each ruler has their city, their state. Each can say yes or no,“

Bill Hornbuckle, CEO at MGM Resorts

MGM’s UAE Project Represents a Unique Opportunity

Back in 2017, MGM joined forces with Hospitality and Leisure for the development of a luxury resort in Dubai. The ambitious project seeks to replicate MGM’s success in Las Vegas, bringing iconic MGM, Aria and Bellagio brands to UAE.

However, the project currently doesn’t feature a gaming space. Despite that, according to Hornbuckle, there are several podiums within the development that can be used for casino gambling, if Dubai permits it.

Recently, analysts praised MGM’s strong position and financial resources, highlighting the company’s capabilities to engage in big projects. This was the opinion of CBRE analysts who also pointed to MGM’s “balance sheet flexibility” and acknowledged the potential of projects such as the one in UAE, New York and Japan.