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MGM Resorts awaits UAE decision on proposed Dubai casino

Licences & markets

MGM Resorts is still waiting for a decision on whether its planned Island resort in Dubai will receive a casino licence, with the project due to open in the second half of 2028. The source says Wynn Resorts is the only operator granted a UAE gaming licence to date, for its Ras Al Khaimah resort; MGM chief executive Bill Hornbuckle said he expected a decision by now.

A decision would determine whether MGM can add casino gaming to its planned Dubai resort in the UAE market.

End-of-day close MGM Resorts (MGM), USD, to 24 October 2025
Story date28 July 202524 October 2025

Latest reported results

MGM Resorts NYSE: MGM

Quarter ended 30 September 2026

Revenue
USD 4.21bn10-Q filing 0000789570-26-000107
Operating income
USD 118.7m10-Q filing 0000789570-26-000107

Wynn Resorts NASDAQ: WYNN

Quarter ended 30 September 2026

Revenue
USD 1.69bn
Operating income
USD 178.2m10-Q filing 0001174922-26-000079

Earlier licence decisions by GCGRA

DateCompanyAmountStoryAppeal status
Pollard BanknoteNot statedGCGRA approves Pollard Banknote as UAE gaming supplierNot stated
Konami GamingNot statedGCGRA grants Konami Gaming vendor licence for UAE marketNot stated
Light & WonderNot statedGCGRA approves Light & Wonder as UAE gaming vendorNot stated
Light & WonderNot statedLight & Wonder says UAE regulator granted it a gaming vendor licenceNot stated
Pollard Banknote, The GameNot statedGCGRA approves Pollard Banknote as a UAE gaming supplierNot stated

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