When Will the Casino Scene Open in Dubai?
Dubai is known for its luxury, world-class entertainment, and extravagant resorts, but one thing has been missing: casinos. For decades, gambling has been illegal in the UAE under Islamic law, making it one of the few luxury tourism hubs without a legal casino industry.
However, that’s about to change. The UAE has taken historic steps to introduce legalized casino gaming, starting with the first-ever casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), set to open in 2027. But what about Dubai? Will the city allow casinos soon?
In this article, we’ll explore the timeline for Dubai’s casino industry, examine confirmed projects, and analyze when and how casinos might launch in the city.
A Major Shift: The UAE’s First Casino in Ras Al Khaimah
For years, speculation surrounded whether the UAE would allow casinos. That question was answered in 2022 when Wynn Resorts, a global leader in luxury gaming, announced plans to build a $5 billion casino resort in Ras Al Khaimah – a northern emirate about an hour from Dubai.
Confirmed Casino Opening Date in the UAE
Wynn Al Marjan Island, the first legal casino in the UAE, is scheduled to open in early 2027.
The casino floor will be over 224,000 square feet, making it larger than the Wynn Las Vegas casino.
It will feature VIP gaming salons, high-end shopping, entertainment, and luxury accommodations.
This development has set a precedent for legal casino gaming in the UAE. However, Dubai itself has not yet officially announced any casino plans.
Is Dubai Getting a Casino? What We Know So Far
While no casino has been officially announced for Dubai, signs strongly suggest that gaming will eventually come to the city.
Here’s what we know:
1. Dubai’s Resorts Are Preparing for Casinos
Several of Dubai’s top luxury resorts already partner with major casino brands, even though they don’t currently offer gaming. These include:
MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria – Dubai is developing “The Island” project, a Las Vegas-style resort complex expected to open by 2027-2028. MGM Resorts has hinted that if gaming is legalized, this could house a Dubai casino.
Caesars Palace Dubai – This resort originally opened under Caesars Entertainment but later removed the Caesars branding. If Dubai approves casinos, Caesars Palace Dubai could be an ideal location.
Atlantis, The Palm – This iconic resort has been rumored as a potential casino venue if Dubai changes its laws.
With these partnerships already in place, Dubai’s hotels and resorts are well-positioned to launch casinos if given the green light.
2. UAE’s Gaming Regulator Is in Place
In 2023, the UAE formed the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) to oversee gaming activities.
The GCGRA has already issued a casino license to Wynn Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah.
The authority is also responsible for online gambling regulations and may approve more casinos in the future.
Industry insiders believe Dubai will eventually apply for casino licenses through the GCGRA.
3. The UAE Is Watching Ras Al Khaimah’s Casino Success
Dubai may be waiting to see how the Wynn casino in Ras Al Khaimah performs before making its move.
If Wynn Al Marjan is successful, it will prove that casino gaming can work in the UAE.
This would set the stage for Dubai to introduce its own casinos, possibly by 2028-2030.
Dubai is known for being business-forward and quick to adopt successful entertainment models. Given its international tourism appeal, it’s highly likely that casinos will eventually be introduced – but the timeline depends on the success of the RAK casino.
When Will the First Casino Open in Dubai?
Right now, the earliest possible timeframe for a casino in Dubai is 2027-2028, but it depends on key factors:
Phase 1 (2027-2028) – The Test Phase
Wynn Al Marjan Island opens in Ras Al Khaimah.
The UAE assesses revenue and public response.
Dubai could start licensing casinos if the RAK project is a success.
Phase 2 (2028-2030) – Dubai’s First Casino?
If Dubai moves forward, "The Island" resort (MGM Grand, Bellagio, Aria) is the most likely first casino.
Other resorts like Atlantis and Caesars Palace could also apply for licenses.
Dubai may approve casinos in select areas, such as hotel resorts and entertainment zones.
Phase 3 (2030 & Beyond) – A Full Dubai Casino Scene
More casino resorts may open across Dubai.
The city could introduce strict regulations for Emirati citizens while allowing tourists to gamble freely.
Online gambling may also become legal, following global trends.
At this stage, there’s no confirmed date for Dubai’s first casino, but 2028-2030 is a realistic estimate.
Could Online Gambling Arrive First?
While physical casinos are the big focus, the UAE is also exploring online gambling regulations.
The UAE’s gaming regulator has listed "Internet Gaming" as a future license category.
The first step was launching a UAE lottery in 2024.
Many believe Dubai could allow licensed online casinos before opening physical casinos.
If the UAE legalizes online gambling before 2030, Dubai residents could play online before land-based casinos open in the city.
What to Expect from Casinos in Dubai
When Dubai’s first casino opens, expect a world-class gaming experience with:
Luxury casino resorts featuring five-star hotels, spas, and entertainment.
Strict regulations ensuring security and responsible gaming.
A focus on tourism, with potential restrictions for Emirati citizens.
VIP gaming areas for high-rollers and international players.
Integration with Dubai’s existing luxury tourism scene, making it a major attraction.
Final Verdict: Dubai Casinos Are Coming, But Not Just Yet
When Will Dubai’s First Casino Open?
The first legal UAE casino (Wynn Al Marjan Island) opens in 2027.
Dubai will likely introduce casinos between 2028 and 2030, depending on how RAK’s casino performs.
MGM Grand Dubai and Atlantis are prime candidates for the city’s first casino.
Online gambling might arrive sooner, with the UAE’s new gaming regulator preparing digital licenses.
What’s Next?
For now, Dubai visitors will need to travel to Ras Al Khaimah to experience legal casino gaming in the UAE. However, it’s only a matter of time before Dubai joins the global casino scene.
Stay tuned to Casinohotelsdubai.com for the latest updates on Dubai’s casino future!
