Exciting news is buzzing in the UAE, as Abu Dhabi may be on the brink of welcoming its first-ever casino! MGM Resorts, the iconic entertainment group from Las Vegas, is confirmed to have taken a big step by applying for a casino license in the UAE. According to Bill Hornbuckle, the CEO of MGM Resorts, the proposal has already been submitted to Abu Dhabi’s federal government. Here are all the details we know so far!
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Hopeful For Success
Speaking at the Skift Global Forum, Hornbuckle expressed optimism about the outcome. “I’m hopeful we’ll win the license,” he stated while explaining the approval process. He highlighted that in the UAE, “each ruler has their city, their state. Each can say yes or no.” This means local governments have the final say on whether to approve gaming licenses in their areas. Hornbuckle remains confident, saying, “I hope and believe this year we’ll understand more about Abu Dhabi and the federal mandate and go from there.”
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A Competitive Process
While MGM Resorts has officially thrown its hat in the ring, they’re not alone. The UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA) opened up the process for gaming license proposals just two months ago, so there’s a chance other companies are also competing for the opportunity. The GCGRA’s application process involves an initial intake form and screening. Once potential applicants pass this phase, they’ll have the green light to apply for a full casino license.
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MGM Resorts – A Vegas Giant Eyeing Abu Dhabi
MGM Resorts is a massive player in the entertainment industry, particularly in Las Vegas. The group owns 12 iconic properties on the Las Vegas Strip, including the world-renowned Bellagio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. Now, they’re looking to expand their reach into Abu Dhabi. However, MGM has no active projects in the UAE’s capital just yet.
Interestingly, this isn’t MGM’s first attempt at setting up in Abu Dhabi. Back in 2006, the company announced plans for a non-gaming project in the city, but those plans never took off. Currently, MGM is working on a non-gaming development in Dubai. But as Hornbuckle put it, the casino giant won’t be returning to Abu Dhabi unless a gaming license is on the table, as “that’s the business MGM is in.”
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