UAE Awards First Commercial Gaming License to Wynn Resorts

In 2023, Wynn Resorts, the leading gaming, hospitality and entertainment operator, began the construction of its ambitious project in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wynn Al Marjan. Now, the company reached a major milestone after securing the first commercial gaming license in the jurisdiction.

Wynn Received the License After Extensive Review

The license was awarded by the executive authority that holds exclusive jurisdiction to regulate, license and supervise all commercial gambling activities in UAE, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). As announced by the Khaleej Times, the Authority awarded the casino operator with the first commercial gaming license on Saturday.

Licensing represents a complex process that involves a range of requirements gambling operators need to meet. In order to win the commercial gaming license, Wynn has undergone an extensive review of its operations and project. The scrutiny ultimately brought success to the company as the commercial gaming license is of significant importance for its project on Al Marjan Island.

The integrated resort is the first such development for the Middle East and North Africa. Besides hospitality, entertainment, shopping and dining outlets, Wynn Al Marjan will be permitted to offer gaming amenities too. Considering that the construction is currently ongoing, Wynn anticipates opening the new integrated gaming resort at some point in 2027.

The Company, Thankful for the Trust

By securing the first commercial gaming license, Wynn hit a new milestone for the Wynn Al Marjan project. While this is the first commercial gaming license, it is the second issued overall from the GCGRA. This July, the gambling watchdog awarded the first lottery license in UAE to The Game LLC, a company based in Abu Dhabi.

“Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the license grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility license in the UAE. 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,“

reads a statement released by Wynn Resorts

The company released a statement acknowledging the importance of the UAE commercial gaming license. Wynn thanked the gambling regulator for its confidence and trust.

Moreover, the gaming and entertainment company said that it is proud to be the holder of UAE’s first commercial gaming license. Finally, Wynn explained that the construction of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort continues, and the company is looking forward to helping propel tourism in the area.

To operate in the jurisdiction, Wynn created a joint venture along with its partners for the project. The license was awarded to this joint venture to ensure compliance with the local regulations.