Integrated Resort Opening 2027
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
The development, led by Wynn Resorts in partnership with Marjan, has reached its highest structural concrete point at 283 metres across 70 floors, just 27 months after foundation works began. Part of a manmade archipelago highlighting breathtaking waterfront views and white-sand beaches, Al Marjan Island is conveniently located 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and only 15 minutes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. From plush accommodations to exceptional dining and sought-after amenities, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been conceptualized as the centerpiece of an upscale destination offering the finest in hospitality and entertainment. Guests will discover 24 thoughtfully planned restaurants, lounges, a beach club, and nightclub. In both fine- and casual-dining restaurants, outstanding culinary experiences have been planned amid environments that are simply stunning, with menus and interiors conceived and created by highly acclaimed, legendary chefs and designers. Several dining and lounge venues have been positioned along a picturesque terrace to highlight views of the poolscape, beach, and the glittering Arabian Gulf.
Facade installation on the main tower is 79 per cent complete while surrounding low-rise buildings have reached 99 per cent structural completion. Scheduled to open Spring 2027, Wynn Al Marjan Island has been created as an opulent and entertaining beachside destination for discerning guests to play and relax. The resort is located less than 50 minutes from Dubai International Airport and is currently under construction on a picturesque island totaling more than 60 hectares that gracefully curve into the beautiful Arabian Gulf. Since the beginning of speculation, we鈥檝e covered news on Dubai鈥檚 casinos and the legalization of gambling.
And what about sports betting?
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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
The United Arab Emirates sets up a federal entity to regulate gaming and hired veterans of the U.S. gambling industry to lead it, as stated by the news agency WAM. Dubai鈥檚 is putting casino plans on hold, as senior government officials see it as 鈥榥ot a priority鈥 due to the booming tourism industry in the city. Abu Dhabi鈥檚 Big Ticket, a major UAE prize draw platform, has temporarily halted operations under the mandate of the UAE Gaming Regulatory Authority. This pause prompts reflection for organizers and regulators, amidst regulatory adjustments and operational reviews. Our team鈥檚 latest report on UAE gambling showcases the major events of 2024, the trends for 2025, and the big picture of what鈥檚 ahead for the UAE gaming industry. Wynn鈥檚 Ras Al Khaimah resort project reaches 61 of 70 floors, signaling smooth progress toward the UAE鈥檚 first integrated casino resort opening in 2027.
From Macau to UAE: Legal Perspectives with Bruno Ascen莽茫o
According to the Dubai Casinos report, as of 2024, casino-related search volumes in the UAE have increased by over 6600% since 2015, with projections indicating that 2024 will be a record-breaking year for online interest. Wynn Ras Al Khaimah has recently unveiled new photos, offering a glimpse into the progress of their upcoming gaming resort set to open in 2027. Todd Lenahan of Wynn Design and Development shared also insights into the resort鈥檚 design inspiration.
In a grand reveal, the design for Wynn Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah鈥檚 upcoming luxury resort and casino, has been showcased, marking a significant stride towards its much-anticipated opening in early 2027. This venture marks the iconic Wynn Resorts鈥 maiden foray into the Middle East, with the establishment poised to be a beachfront marvel rising 305 meters above the tranquil Arabian Gulf waters. The resort will include 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a beach club, a spa and beauty destination, a retail parterre, 12 pools, a 420 metre white sand beach and a deep water marina capable of accommodating superyachts. All 1,530 guest accommodations have reached structural completion with interior fit-outs underway across 1,504 rooms and suites.
It鈥檚 crucial to understand that any form of wagering conducted here is heavily regulated and operates within a legal framework designed to maintain the integrity of the sport and adhere to the country鈥檚 laws. Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings has projected that the country鈥檚 casino market could generate up to US$8 billion annually. With the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort set to open in 2027, this development marks uae betting site a transformative moment for tourism, investment, and entertainment in the region. Momentum Gaming begins hiring for future online casino and sportsbook operations, anticipating regulatory green light for digital gambling in the UAE. Our selected sites at EmirPlay excel in entertainment and uphold trusted iGaming licenses, expertly reviewed. Additionally, we鈥檙e committed to staying abreast of the law, and each user is accountable for their actions.
All other offshore sites remain unregulated, and using a VPN to access them may still involve legal and compliance risks. 鈥淎s a brand, we are not interested in adding a casino to one of our properties,鈥 Attilio Marro, Senior Director of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, told our team. He emphasized the group鈥檚 opposition to casino integration in Dubai, prioritizing luxury and elegance over gambling.
- A recent Dubai Casino survey shows that over half (54%) of respondents are eager to attract new tourists through casino gaming, with hopes to boost Ras Al Khaimah鈥檚 tourism and drive economic growth.
- 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 resort will include 22 restaurants, lounges and bars, a beach club, a spa and beauty destination, a retail parterre, 12 pools, a 420 metre white sand beach and a deep water marina capable of accommodating superyachts.
An award-winning in-house team of designers, architects, and creatives oversees every detail in a new Wynn resort, and that dedication to exceptional quality and singular vision extends to Wynn Al Marjan Island. Our beautifully appointed accommodations are matched by a curated selection of highly desired amenities and an exceptional level of personalized service, all to create moments that are unparalleled and unforgettable.
If you find any form of gambling related to casinos, make sure it is licensed by the gaming regulator. Analysts highlight that Wynn Resorts鈥 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 Wynn鈥檚 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.
A recent Dubai Casino survey shows that over half (54%) of respondents are eager to attract new tourists through casino gaming, with hopes to boost Ras Al Khaimah鈥檚 tourism and drive economic growth. PayBy has received a GCGRA license, making it the first fintech company authorized to provide financial services to the UAE鈥檚 casino industry. Everything you need to know about the casinos in and around Dubai.Whether you鈥檙e curious about the current casino scene in Dubai, seeking legal information, or exploring available options, we鈥檝e got you covered.
Dubai鈥檚 casino future depends on a cautious, well-controlled rollout of licenses, ensuring gambling activities remain responsible and within legal boundaries. GCGRA granted new vendor licenses to Aristocrat and Smartplay, enhancing gaming equipment, lottery operations, and online gambling. Key construction milestones to date include the completion of the tower鈥檚 structural concrete, full structural completion of guest accommodation, near completion of low-rise structures and more than 438,000 cubic metres of concrete poured.
A significant highlight of the resort is the UAE鈥檚 inaugural casino, as confirmed by Wynn Resorts CEO, Craig Billings, in September 2022. The casino resort is envisaged to surpass Wiki the scale of Wynn Las Vegas, holding promise for avid gamers. Besides the casino, guests can immerse themselves in a world of entertainment with a theater for unique productions and daily light and laser shows.

