Inside Asia’s Wildest Casinos And What the UAE Can Learn From Them

Still No Dice in the UAE… But Plenty Elsewhere

It’s been eerily quiet on the UAE casino front. Since the big bang announcement of Wynn’s upcoming Ras Al Khaimah project and the barrage of updates that came with it, things have gone strangely silent in the last month or so. No updates, no leaks, not even a rogue rumour. One would almost think the region’s first casino wasn’t being built on a manmade island in the desert. But hey, silence before the slot machines? Maybe that’s just how Wynn rolls.

In the meantime, I took the liberty of scoping out the competition. You know — just some light field research in Asia’s existing gaming hotspots. Here’s what I found.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore — The OG Luxury Model

First stop: the Marina Bay Sands Casino in Singapore. You’ve seen it — the iconic three towers with a surfboard on top. It’s run by Las Vegas Sands Corp (yes, the same folks behind the Venetian and Palazzo in Vegas), and it’s a masterclass in luxury gaming.

Locals here pay a hefty SGD 150 ($110 USD) entry fee per day — a government-imposed measure to discourage frequent gambling. Could the UAE impose something similar at Wynn Al Marjan? Possibly. It’s a clean way to deter casual addiction without scaring off tourists.

Once inside, it’s table games and slots only — no poker room. Bit of a letdown for those of us who prefer chips that aren’t pre-programmed. The biggest advantage? Location, location, location. Right in the heart of Singapore. You can go from Michelin-starred noodles to baccarat in five minutes flat.

Compare that to Al Marjan Island, where you’re going to need a car, a driver, and probably a playlist to get there from anywhere meaningful.

City of Dreams, Manila — Vegas With Flip-Flops

From Singapore, I hopped over to the Philippines and hit City of Dreams Manila — and let me tell you, this place knows how to party.

Attached to a massive mall and sandwiched between the Hyatt and Nobu hotels, you literally stroll in off the escalator and land in front of a craps table. No entry fee. No ID check. Just you, the felt, and your wallet whispering don’t do it.

The interior feels like a mini-Vegas — big lights, big rooms, and yes, big variety. You’ve got all the standard games, plus a surprisingly healthy spread of low-stakes options and few tables with an asian twist. Good for beginners, budget players, and recovering Marina Bay visitors. (me)

Most importantly? They’ve got a dedicated poker room — one that regularly hosts events for the Asian Poker Tour. If Wynn wants to position itself as a serious player in the region, pulling something like the APT to Ras Al Khaimah would be a strong move. Otherwise, it risks being a slot-machine museum with a sea view.

El Nido Town, Palawan — DIY Casino Culture

And now, for something completely different.

While island-hopping through Palawan, I stumbled across what might be the most entrepreneurial gaming setup I’ve seen yet. Picture this: a DIY casino tucked behind a chicken shop in El Nido Town. Complete with spinning wheels, questionable odds, and about 10 locals betting like their lives depended on it.

It was glorious.

The odds? Sketchy.

The floor manager? An 11-year-old.

The ambience? Somewhere between Fast & Furious: Island Drift and your cousin’s basement birthday party.

We joked that it’s probably a prototype for Wynn Al Marjan — just needs a few gold trimmings and a Michelin-starred shawarma stand.

But in all seriousness, this little market had one thing going for it: vibe. People were smiling, laughing, engaged. And maybe, just maybe, that’s what all these luxury resorts need to remember. Flashy fountains are great. But if your place doesn’t have energy — you’ve got nothing but a dead room with carpets.

Conclusion

So, as the UAE continues to play it close to the chest, the rest of Asia is out here dealing cards, stacking chips, and calling bluffs.

Whether Wynn Al Marjan becomes a true player in the region will depend on more than just architecture and branding. It needs the right mix of access, variety, and atmosphere. And maybe — just maybe — a little of that El Nido magic.

Photos below. Yes, that’s a colour block roullette style table!