The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised for a remarkable transformation following the recent awarding of a commercial gaming operator licence to Wynn Resorts.
This is another sign of the UAE’s relentless drive towards becoming a global gaming juggernaut – a push that could see them generate billions in revenue via the associated iGaming sector.
A Resounding Win for Wynn
Establishing the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) last year was the key step towards officially legalising gambling in the UAE.
Speculation over whether the Wynn project would feature a dedicated gaming area has been rife since the blueprint for the $3.9 billion Ras Al Khaimah site was announced three years ago.
This licence approval is significant news from the UAE as it marks a change in their stance towards gambling, which has historically been prohibited under Sharia Law.
Analysts believe that if the UAE’s annual gaming revenue reaches even 1.3 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP), they could generate around $6.6bn.
Legalised gaming will attract international tourists, boost the local economy and create job opportunities across several other industries.
The Ripple Effect on iGaming
Wynn’s emergence as the first player in the UAE gaming market has massive implications beyond land-based casinos.
The legal recognition of gaming will invigorate the online sector, which has traditionally been limited to selected operators who are licensed and regulated in overseas jurisdictions.
Establishing a regulatory framework in the UAE will allow the operators listed on comparison platform www.casino.com/ae/en/ to broaden the scope of their operations.
Global giants such as MGM Resorts and Genting may now push to establish themselves in the UAE market, creating a more competitive environment.
This competition is crucial as it drives innovation and forces operators to improve the player experience on their gaming sites.
A Broader Investment Strategy
Legalising gaming was a deliberate decision from the UAE government as part of their efforts to position the country as a technology hub.
UAE company Redwood Technology recently invested in the Indian game streaming platform Loco, highlighting the UAE’s push for global gaming relevance.
The UAE plans to nurture platforms focusing on content creation and community engagement, setting themselves at the forefront of the gaming culture, regionally and internationally.
The Loco partnership is an excellent insight into how the UAE wants to connect with global gaming communities, offering access to new technologies and innovative content.
Loco’s growth can spur local talent, providing them with a robust foundation for exciting exploits in the gaming industry.
The Games of the Future
The Games of the Future 2025 event blends physical and digital sports, and will attract eSports competitors and athletes from every corner of the globe.
Hosting this event aligns with the UAE’s outlined plans in the Dubai Programme for Gaming 2033, which aims to create a thriving ecosystem for gaming and technology experiences.
Apart from the competition, the event will also serve as a platform to showcase innovation and creativity in the gaming industry.
The event will bring technology giants and emerging talents into the same room to connect as Dubai seeks to become a crucial player in phygital sports.
The UAE is expected to host and sponsor the event in the autumn of 2025 with plans to make it one of the world’s most innovative technology expos.
Looking Forward
Following the decision to embrace gaming, the UAE will be focused on building a responsible and sustainable gaming environment for players.
The GCGRA will prioritise regulation and oversight to ensure that the benefits of gaming are maximised while mitigating the social impact.
The Wynn licence is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the UAE. There is a broader transformation sweeping the Emirate which will position it as a leading destination for gaming.
Significant investment is pouring into the industry, and there are innovative initiatives that will set the stage for a burgeoning gaming market.
International firms will look to plant themselves in the UAE and collaborate across various gaming sectors, including iGaming, eSports and traditional gaming.
Beyond allowing casinos to operate, the UAE has a holistic vision that leverages technology, culture and community to become a gaming powerhouse.
