Wynn Resorts has been granted a commercial gaming operator licence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Las Vegas-based casino operator received the licence from General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) – the country’s gambling regulator that was established last year. 

The operator said in a statement: “Wynn Resorts thanks the GCGRA for the confidence and trust the licence grant signifies and is proud to be the recipient of the first commercial gaming facility licence in the UAE.”

Wynn Resorts has been developing and constructing a resort at Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) over the past year as part of a joint venture between affiliates of Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding.

“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,” Wynn added.

Later this week on 8 October at Wynn Las Vegas, the casino operator will be hosting an analyst and investor update meeting to discuss Wynn Al Marjan Island.

CEO Craig Billings and other members of the Wynn Resorts global leadership team will be in attendance at the invitation-only event to deliver presentations, including on the resort’s expected financial performance.

CasinoBeats has contacted the GCGRA for confirmation that the licence has been issued.

Billings made comments about the recent developments at Wynn Al Marjan Island back in August, stating to investors that construction was “rapidly progressing” and that the UAE was “the most exciting new market for our industry in decades”.

Source