MGM Resorts Officially Applies For UAE Casino License CEO Says

Bill Hornbuckle CEO of MGM

MGM Resorts, the Las Vegas-based hospitality and gaming giant, has officially confirmed its application for a casino license in the UAE.

CEO Bill Hornbuckle’s announcement at the Skift Global Forum 2024 means that MGM Resorts becomes the first major operator to publicly acknowledge its pursuit of a casino license in the UAE.

The UAE’s federal entity for gaming, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), has recently announced that it is accepting proposals for gaming licenses. This process involves a preliminary intake form and screening, after which successful applicants will be granted the opportunity to apply for a coveted casino license.

While MGM Resorts does not currently have any running hotels in the UAE, the company’s former chairman and CEO, Jim Murren, now chairs the GCGRA’s board of directors. This connection, coupled with the company’s experience in the gaming industry, positions MGM Resorts as a formidable contender in the race for a casino license in the UAE.

MGM Resorts is not the only industry heavyweight vying for a slice of the UAE’s gaming pie. Wynn Resorts is also making significant strides in the region. The company is much further along in its UAE plans, with a $3.9 billion resort opening in Ras Al Khaimah, another of the emirates.

Acknowledging the cultural sensitivities surrounding gambling in the UAE, Hornbuckle recognizes that there is a “cultural barrier to get through.” However, he remains optimistic, stating that “that has now happened,” and that “there’s going to be something happening in Abu Dhabi, it’ll take some time to build.”

With MGM Resorts’ application for a casino license in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, the company is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the country’s gaming revolution. The successful establishment of a casino in Abu Dhabi could have far-reaching implications, not only for MGM Resorts but for the entire tourism and hospitality landscape in the UAE.

In contrast to MGM Resorts’ bold move, Wynn Resorts has adopted a more cautious approach. While the company has confirmed its plans for a casino in its Ras Al Khaimah resort, it has yet to openly state that it has begun the process of obtaining a gaming license.

The UAE’s federal government in Abu Dhabi will be responsible for approving any casino licenses, and Hornbuckle has emphasized the significance of this approval, stating that “Each ruler has their city, their state. Each can say yes or no.” This underscores the critical nature of securing the necessary regulatory approvals for MGM Resorts’ casino aspirations in the UAE.