MGM Resorts International is still awaiting a casino licence in the United Arab Emirates after applying in September 2024, while its Dubai resort is planned to open in the second half of 2028 with or without a casino. Wynn Resorts is the only company said to have received a UAE casino licence so far.
The unresolved licence leaves casino operations outside MGM’s confirmed plans for its Dubai resort.
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
Quarter ended 30 September 2026
| Date | Company | Amount | Story | Appeal status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts | Not stated | MGM Resorts awaits UAE decision on proposed Dubai casino | Not stated | |
| Pollard Banknote | Not stated | GCGRA approves Pollard Banknote as UAE gaming supplier | Not stated | |
| Konami Gaming | Not stated | GCGRA grants Konami Gaming vendor licence for UAE market | Not stated | |
| Light & Wonder | Not stated | GCGRA approves Light & Wonder as UAE gaming vendor | Not stated | |
| Light & Wonder | Not stated | Light & Wonder says UAE regulator granted it a gaming vendor licence | Not stated |
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Japan’s government is reportedly considering reopening applications for two integrated resort projects, after contacting some prefectures that previously sought to host them. Hokkaido and Yokohama are described as likely prospective bidders, but no new application round or decision has been confirmed in the source material.
MGM Resorts chief executive Bill Hornbuckle said the company had applied for approval to pursue a casino project in Abu Dhabi. He said the federal and Abu Dhabi governments would decide on the application and expressed hope for further information on federal oversight later in the year. Wynn Resorts had also applied for a licence, the report said.
Jefferies analyst David Katz said casino investors should focus on operating efficiency, highlighting earnings per room at Las Vegas Strip operators. Wynn Resorts is expected to generate $180,000 in room-level EBITDA this year, compared with estimated figures of $83,000 for Caesars Entertainment and $77,000 for MGM Resorts International.
Wynn Resorts chief executive Craig Billings warned Massachusetts regulators and lawmakers that further gaming expansion could undermine the state’s casino model. He cited August casino gross gaming revenue of about $101.9 million and said Massachusetts had collected about $2.53 billion in taxes and assessments since the facilities opened. Billings also pointed to sports betting, iLottery and proposed iGaming and historic horse racing machines as expanding competition.
Reportedly, the chief executives of Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment reaffirmed Las Vegas's central role in US gambling at G2E on Tuesday. The speakers included Wynn Resorts chief executive Craig Billings, MGM Resorts International chief executive Bill Hornbuckle and Caesars Entertainment chief executive Tom Reeg.