With a silhouette that would fit perfectly in the Las Vegas Strip, Wynn Resorts’ newest project for a luxury integrated casino resort continues to steam ahead. The $3.90 billion project will be a first for Wynn in the area, hopefully capitalizing on the growing demand for such services. 

The Project Is Proceeding as Planned

Wynn first announced its plans for a new multibillion-dollar integrated resort (IR) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January 2022. The world-leading operator chose the artificial Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, which is already a spectacular tourist destination. Its proximity to Dubai was another deciding factor, hopefully drawing in VIP guests from both countries.

So far, the project has progressed without any notable hiccups. Wynn is partnering with local developer Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding, a hospitality asset owner, and manager, ensuring compliance with the UAE’s strict regulations and requirements. Derek Sands, a senior manager at the casino giant, took on the role of executive vice president for the upcoming report, showcasing Wynn’s dedication to the project.

In March, Wynn selected ALEC Engineering and Contracting as the main contractor for the construction, demonstrating surprisingly swift progress. The operator is optimistic about the project, relying on the increasing demand for luxury gambling and resort destinations in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region. Considering the planned early 2027 launch and significant progress, construction should soon commence.

The Previews Reveal Wynn’s Signature Thoughtful Design

Wynn’s latest updates regarding the ambitious project revealed the first concept images of the planned casino resort. The sleek hotel tower would look right at home on the Las Vegas Strip, promising a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The 1,500 hotel room venue will include an expansive gaming area, spa, entertainment facilities, a luxurious shopping center, and other top-tier amenities.

Wynn CEO Craig Billings lauded the development team’s efforts to deliver a unique beachside resort experience, expressing hope that new and returning customers would benefit from the company’s decades of experience. He noted that the island was the perfect canvas for Wynn’s rich and thoughtful design, hoping it would exceed expectations.

We have spent the past year meticulously programming and concepting Wynn Al Marjan Island, carefully considering its unique location.

Craig Billings, Wynn Resorts CEO

The $3.90 billion project is a significant investment for Wynn, the largest in the United Arab Emirates hospitality sector. However, Caesars Entertainment’s 2018 foray into the region with its Dubai resort proved the growing demand for luxury tourist destinations in the Middle East. Wynn is working hard to generate suitable hype for its newest project, hopefully paving the way for further opportunities.

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The majority of Australian Football League (AFL) players are unaware that they can opt out from having their images used by AFL’s sports betting partner, Sportsbet, for promotional purposes.

The Majority Has No Idea They Can Opt Out

The deal with Sportsbet brings between AU$12 million ($8.1 million) and AU$13 million ($8.7 million) a year to the league’s coffers, of which 28% is paid to the players. Players also receive a 28% share of all football-related revenue generated by the league and the clubs.

Under AFL rules, players cannot participate in any shape or form in activities encouraging sports betting on games from the league but the league’s sports betting partner can exclusively use their images to promote brand awareness unless they explicitly stated otherwise, The Age reported.

But the majority of them are not aware that they can opt out and not let Sportsbet use their images to promote gambling. Contacted by the media, some of the players expressed certain reservations about the idea of their images being used to promote betting, yet had not expressed that with Sportsbet, effectively letting it use their images.

Ethical Reasons and Past Gambling Problems     

Several high-profile players such as Melbourne’s premiership full-forward goalkicker Ben Brown have refused to allow Sportsbet to use their image and promote betting on the AFL, citing ethical, reputational and even commercial reasons.

In addition to Brown, who opted out for ethical reasons, the media claims there is another high-profile player who also opted out as he was feeling uncomfortable with the idea of his image being associated with gambling activities but wished to remain anonymous.

And these two players are not the only ones who have opted out as according to agents, other players also used the option to restrict the AFL’s wagering partner from using their images citing their own gambling problems in the past.

The percentage of players who have opted this year remains relatively small, in line with the fewer than 4%, or around 30 players out of more than 800, who chose to stop the league’s official wagering partner from making them a passive part of its promotional activities.

Public attitude towards gambling and gambling advertising in particular in Australia is increasingly shifting from being one of indifference to proactively asking for more scrutiny of the increased presence of betting firms in the country’s biggest media and its impact on gambling harm.

Leagues and operators are likely to expect further curbing of gambling advertising as evidence suggests that the current regime is weak.

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