MGM Resorts Files for UAE Casino Licence, Eyes Expansion

MGM Resorts Makes Strategic Move in UAE with Casino Licence Application

MGM Resorts has made a bold move by officially filing for a casino licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), signalling its strong intentions to enter the region’s burgeoning gaming market. This significant step comes as the UAE continues to show growing interest in regulated gaming, creating vast opportunities for operators looking to tap into its expanding economy.

Speaking at the Skift Global Forum in New York on 19 September 2023, MGM Resorts CEO Bill Hornbuckle announced the application submission, marking MGM as the second major gaming operator to actively pursue a foothold in the UAE. Hornbuckle explained that the federal and Abu Dhabi governments would oversee the application process, with each emirate holding individual jurisdiction to approve or deny gaming operations.

“We’ve done it,” said Hornbuckle, expressing optimism that MGM would receive a positive response from Abu Dhabi authorities by the end of the year. MGM’s longstanding relationship with the UAE further boosts its chances of success. “We have a long history with the region,” Hornbuckle noted, referring to MGM’s partnership with Dubai World in developing CityCenter on the Las Vegas Strip—a testament to the company’s strong ties with key players in the UAE. Additionally, MGM is actively developing a luxury resort in Dubai featuring its MGM, Bellagio, and Aria brands.

While MGM’s proposed casino project is still in the early stages, the CEO hinted that their Dubai resort on Jumeirah Beach could easily accommodate gaming operations if the emirate decides to allow it. However, Abu Dhabi seems poised to take the lead in the UAE’s move towards regulated gaming, especially as it is the capital and could be the first to introduce a gaming resort.

UAE Gaming: A Global Audience Awaits

Hornbuckle highlighted the enormous potential of the UAE gaming market, noting that between 80% to 90% of the UAE’s population consists of expats, creating a ready-made audience for international gaming. With Dubai International Airport ranked as one of the busiest in the world, the region serves as a hub for tourists from India, China, and other Middle Eastern countries.

“The UAE is a massive market for tourism,” said Hornbuckle. “We’re excited by what it presents, and we hope to be there as it develops.”

Wynn Resorts and MGM: The Race for UAE Casino Licences

While MGM is hopeful for its Abu Dhabi project, Wynn Resorts is already building a major property on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al-Khaimah. Wynn’s resort is slated to open in 2027, pending approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The GCGRA, which has so far issued only a lottery licence, visited Wynn’s project site, but no updates on the casino licence have been provided.

A Game-Changer for MGM and UAE Gaming

As the UAE gears up for its first regulated casino market, MGM Resorts’ strategic application places it at the forefront of what could be a transformative period for the Middle East’s gaming industry. With a strong history in the region, strategic partnerships, and ambitious plans, MGM is positioning itself as a key player in one of the world’s most exciting emerging gaming markets. As the federal government moves closer to finalising regulations, all eyes will be on Abu Dhabi and whether it will grant MGM the licence to bring world-class gaming to the UAE.