Wynn’s Monopoly? We Hate to Say We Told You So… But We Did.

It’s been a while, but we’re back. And right on cue, Wynn Resorts has given us something to talk about.

During the company’s recent Q4 earnings call, CEO Craig Billings didn’t just hint—he outright stated that there are no signs of a second casino license being granted in the UAE. “As we keep our ear to the ground with respect to what’s going on, we don’t believe that there is even a deal’s drop, frankly, for a second license,” Billings said. “It could be wrong, but we have pretty good intelligence.”

If you’ve been following our coverage, you’ll know this is exactly what we predicted back in November with this blog post here. When the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) was formed, many assumed it was the first step toward a competitive market. We weren’t so sure. A Wynn monopoly? It looked likely then, and now it sounds almost certain.

Is This a Disappointment?

Yes, and no. A single casino means exclusivity, and that could translate into a premium gaming experience. But competition breeds innovation. Without another player in the market—MGM, Caesars, or someone else—where’s the incentive for Wynn to go all out? The UAE isn’t just another gaming jurisdiction; it’s got the potential to be the next Vegas (or, dare we say, better). Having multiple resorts would have set a new global standard, but as things stand, it looks like Wynn will have the first and, for now, the only shot - Talk about a house edge!!

But Wait, What About MGM?

Before we go full doomsday on you all, let’s not forget MGM’s previous statements. The CEO has publicly expressed interest in securing a license. That means one of two things: either MGM is still in play and just keeping things quiet, or they’ve already been given the silent treatment. If Wynn’s “very good intelligence” is to be believed, it’s the latter. But this is the UAE—things move fast, and deals can happen overnight.

A ‘Very Healthy Lead’? Have You Seen Dubai?

Billings also reassured investors that Wynn has a “very healthy lead” in the UAE because an integrated resort takes at least four years to design and build. That’s cute. Four years? In the UAE? We’ve seen entire islands emerge from the sea faster than that. If there’s one place where ambitious projects don’t follow conventional timelines, it’s here. While Wynn might be ahead now, we wouldn’t be surprised if another operator swoops in with a surprise announcement and a construction schedule that defies expectations.

If It Is a Wynn Monopoly, Then We Want It All.

Let’s get one thing straight—if Wynn is going to be our one and only casino, then we’re expecting it to deliver on every level. We’re talking low-stakes and high-stakes action, round-the-clock poker cash games, tournaments that attract the world’s best, and a variety of table games that rival the top casinos in Vegas and Macau. No cutting corners, no half-measures—if this is our only option, it better be the best. And just for the record, if we aren’t comp’ing drinks for the players, then get outta town!!!!

Wynn might be leading right now, but the real game hasn’t even started. Let’s see if they can truly live up to the hype.

Potential casino goers and gamblers of the UAE, you can rest assured that UAE Playbook will have your back and keep you posted on all developments!