In January, international casino operator Wynn Resorts reached an agreement with the United Arab Emirates to build a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah. There are numerous resorts all across the Emirates. However, according to Wynn, this new resort will contain over 1,000 rooms, conventions and meetings facilities, an exclusive spa, over 10 restaurants, world-class shopping, and a gaming area. 
This “gaming area” is the part that sparked a lot of talks since Wynn is known for the casino facilities offered in its resorts across the USA, and China. So, there’s a lot of speculation behind the gaming area planned to appear in the UAE. Since gambling is banned in the Emirates, there’s a lot of talk about a possible change of views for the UAE government.
No Signs that Gaming Includes Gambling as Well
Since all gambling activities are banned in the Muslim state, Wynn needs to be careful about what they define as a “gaming area”. The announcement of this new Wynn resort came together with a statement from RAKTDA (the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority) that announced a new division. This newly-formed division, name the Department of Entertainment and Gaming Regulation, will be in charge of regulating these integrated resorts.
And while these integrated resorts usually include a casino or at least betting facilities, neither Wynn nor the RAKTDA commented on the possibility of gambling inside the planned construction. However, diplomats inside the UAE suggested that a move to permit gambling in such resorts isn’t impossible. Following the Japanese example, where gambling is allowed only in such resorts and for tourists, such a move would keep the UAE in its position as a leading tourism hub.
Multiple Resorts Built Across the Emirates
Despite a solid stance from Dubai, known as the most liberal emirate in the UAE, denying any plans to issue gambling licenses, numerous such integrated resorts are getting built in the Emirates. Since 2018, Caesars opened a resort in Bluewaters Island. However, it was the first non-gambling project from the casino and hotel operator.
Also, MGM Resorts are building three luxury hotels that are due for completion in 2022. Just like the newest deal including UAE Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah integrated resort, there’s no clear mention if gambling will be part of the services offered in these resorts.
Small Steps Towards Allowing Gambling?
Small concessions were made by the UAE to make the territory more appealing to tourists and visitors. The biggest such move was allowing alcohol in the UAE. In a surprising move, the UAE also de-criminalized premarital sexual relations but even with such progress, there’s a huge step until gambling will be tolerated. Not only is gambling banned in Islam, but it looks like the region isn’t even considering allowing visitors to engage in such activities.
So, while the list of steps taken by the UAE to become more appealing to tourists include decisions like longer visas and a simplified procedure for foreign businesses to set up shop, gambling is still considered to be a no-go.
The UAE law prohibits gambling venues and even organizing such a game of chance in public. The penalty is up to 10 years in prison and 100,000 Dirhams. However, many speculate that the definition of gambling in the UAE Penal Code can be interpreted in such a way that these resorts could offer an altered form of gambling. Since gambling is defined as “games in which every party agrees to pay, in case of losing, to the other party, the winner, an amount of money or anything else agreed” – these resorts could simply offer all-inclusive packages that also include chips for the various games.
Licenses Issued by the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
Those optimistic about the possibility of casino resorts in the UAE can’t help but notice the similarities between Ras Al Khaimah’s new regulatory authority and any other gambling regulator in Europe or in the USA.
First of all, there’s the need for every resort to apply for a license. It’s true that the license only concerns hotel rooms, shopping areas, conventions, and spa facilities. However, having this framework in place would make it a lot easier to make the switch towards gambling if the political leaders would go for such a move. Furthermore, the RAKTDA will also regulate marketing, advertising, and financial transactions. So, it makes it even more similar to a gambling regulator.
Also, the multibillion-dollar deal involving Wynn has the power to move things in the right direction. And there’s plenty of time for change until 2026 when the resort is planned to be finished.