MGM Resorts Submits Casino License Proposal to UAE Government, CEO Hornbuckle Confirms

MGM Resorts has officially submitted a proposal to the UAE government to operate a casino, according to CEO Bill Hornbuckle’s announcement at the Skift Global Forum 2024. The Las Vegas-based company is the first to publicly confirm its application for a legal casino license in the UAE, despite currently having no operational hotels in the region.

"Yes, we have applied. We’ve done it in Abu Dhabi," Hornbuckle revealed during the forum, expressing optimism about obtaining the license. He further explained that the approval process involves Abu Dhabi’s federal government, while individual emirates hold the authority to grant or deny casino operations.

MGM is actively developing a non-gaming resort in Dubai, featuring three hotel towers with a total of 1,500 rooms branded under the Aria, MGM Grand, and Bellagio names. However, Hornbuckle noted that MGM currently has no projects underway in Abu Dhabi.

The CEO also indicated that further clarity on the licensing process may emerge this year. This follows the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) opening proposals for gaming licenses in July. The process includes a preliminary intake form and screening, after which successful applicants can proceed to apply for a full casino license.

Notably, the GCGRA is chaired by Jim Murren, Hornbuckle’s former boss at MGM, although Murren is not involved in the selection process for gaming licenses.

While MGM has applied for a license, Hornbuckle made it clear that the company will not pursue ventures in Abu Dhabi unless the casino license is approved. "That’s the business MGM is in," he emphasized.

MGM faces competition from Wynn Resorts, which is further ahead in its UAE ventures. Wynn is developing a $3.9 billion resort on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, another emirate, and has plans for a casino. While Wynn has not officially confirmed submitting an application for a gaming license, a spokesperson mentioned the company is reviewing the necessary guidelines. Wynn’s CEO, Craig Billings, has expressed excitement about the UAE market, calling it "the most exciting new market for our industry in decades."

Hornbuckle acknowledged the cultural challenges to expanding gaming in the UAE but expressed confidence that progress is being made. "There’s going to be something happening in Abu Dhabi; it’ll take some time to build. Wynn is already out of the ground," he remarked.

By fLEXI tEAM