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The United Arab Emirates is rapidly transforming its entertainment and tourism landscape as it fast-tracks the licensing of international gaming vendors and prepares to introduce new gaming products, according to industry experts. Among the notable companies granted licenses is Wynn Resorts, a global casino and resort operator.
Experts in the gaming sector predict that within the next five years, the UAE could emerge as a major competitor to established gaming destinations such as Singapore and Macau. Its geographical positioning at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa further strengthens its potential to become a premium hub for gaming and hospitality.
In a significant move to regulate and oversee this growing industry, the UAE established the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) in 2023. Since its formation, the authority has licensed six major operators, including Aristocrat, Smartplay, and Wynn Resorts, marking a decisive step toward a structured gaming environment.
With the GCGRA continuing to issue gaming licenses, industry analysts anticipate the introduction of new gaming products, including lotteries, prize draws, and integrated gaming systems catering to both land-based and online platforms. The recently published UAE 2025 report from Dubai Casinos highlights this trend and suggests regulatory updates could soon allow for further expansion.
“Although Internet and Sports Wagering licences have yet to be approved, industry experts predict that 2025 could bring regulatory changes, with potential breaking news on online gaming licences. Meanwhile, the focus remains on physical casinos and lottery expansions, shaping the UAE’s evolving gambling landscape,” Dubai Casinos reported.
Esports and virtual reality gaming are also expected to play a key role, leveraging the country’s tech-savvy youth population to drive innovation in the gaming industry.
Among the most significant projects in development is the $3.9 billion integrated resort Wynn Al Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah, scheduled to open in 2027. According to CBRE Institutional Research, Wynn Resorts could generate $1.38 billion in annual gross gaming revenue, with total net revenues projected at $1.8 billion.
The UAE’s commitment to expanding its gaming industry was further demonstrated in July 2024 when the first lottery license was awarded to The Game LLC. Jim Murren, chairman of the GCGRA, emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating: “[The launch of the UAE Lottery was] a pivotal event that not only marks the establishment of a disciplined world-class regulatory framework for lottery activities but also underscores our commitment to nurturing a secure and enriched commercial gaming environment in the UAE.”
The UAE’s approach to regulation has been described as thorough and measured, ensuring compliance with both international industry standards and local cultural considerations. John Connelly, a former gaming executive and advisor to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, noted that the UAE’s decision to partner with established gaming companies strengthens its credibility and minimizes potential missteps seen in other jurisdictions.
“By partnering with established players like Wynn, the country gains credibility and expertise to avoid pitfalls seen in other regions,” Connelly said.
The optimism surrounding the UAE’s gaming expansion was echoed by Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings, who highlighted the broader vision behind the country’s gaming ambitions.
“Ras Al Khaimah’s project is just the beginning. The UAE’s vision and execution capabilities will set a new benchmark for integrated resorts globally,” Billings said.
A Dubai-based financial analyst at KPMG reinforced this perspective, explaining that gaming will not only be a lucrative industry on its own but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth across related sectors.
“Gaming will be a catalyst for job creation and ancillary sectors like hospitality and retail,” the analyst stated.
Beyond the development of casinos and state-administered lotteries, industry observers expect integrated gaming systems to blur the lines between digital and physical gaming experiences. For example, visitors may soon be able to use mobile apps to reserve casino tables or take part in hybrid esports tournaments that merge real-world and digital environments.
Market analysts project that by 2030, the UAE’s gaming industry could generate up to $6.6 billion annually, with the casino sector playing a significant role in driving tourism. The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort alone is expected to attract approximately five million visitors per year.
CBRE Institutional Research estimates the total addressable market for gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the UAE at $8.5 billion. Under a base-case scenario where three integrated resorts (IRs) are developed—potentially in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah—analysts peg the market at around $6 billion per year.
Investment bank Morgan Stanley sees the UAE’s potential to rival or surpass Singapore in the integrated resort market as entirely feasible, especially with large-scale developments like Wynn’s Ras Al Khaimah project underway.
Morgan Stanley analysts further noted that while the UAE currently has fewer millionaires than some of its competitors, the rapid growth of its ultra-high-net-worth population is a crucial factor for the gaming market.
“While it may have fewer millionaires than some of its competitors, the rate of growth in the wealthiest segments of the population outpaces Singapore. This is crucial for the casino market, which thrives on customers who are willing to spend large sums of money on gaming and entertainment,” Morgan Stanley analysts stated.
With major regulatory advancements, high-profile investments, and an expanding high-net-worth clientele, the UAE is positioning itself as a formidable player in the global gaming industry. As the country moves toward an era of integrated gaming and entertainment, it is poised to redefine the sector on a scale not seen in the region before.
By fLEXI tEAM
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