34% Stated Adoption of Casinos in the UAE Would Be Successful

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the sixth largest city in the UAE and one of the seven emirates that make up the UAE.

Recently, the world’s leading independent hotel developer and operator, Wynn Resorts, announced their latest project in the UAE. The company confirmed building a 1000-room mega-resort in Ras Al Khaimah, marking UAE’s first casino.

The casino at Wynn Marjan would be larger than the operator’s flagship U.S. venue – Wynn Las Vegas. The announcement could herald the start of a watershed moment for the Gulf society, which has historically imposed stricter Islamic law than the rest of the Arab world. The region has also long prohibited gambling.

Hence, Real Research, an online survey app, launched a study on the UAE’s first casino to collect public opinion on the UAE hosting the country’s first casino and the adoption of casinos in the UAE.

Highlights

• 61.19% of respondents are aware of Wynn Resorts’ development in Ras Al Khaima (RAK).
• Despite the UAE being an Islamic country, 34.6% remained neutral on this decision.
• 36.71% are highly confident that UAE will establish more casinos following RAK.

UAE’s First Casino: Wynn Resorts

According to sources, Wynn Resorts confirmed the construction of the Gulf Arab’s first casino in Ras Al Khaimah. The relevant authorities are writing their gaming laws based on Singaporean and US regulations as the foundation.

Accordingly, the first poll asked the respondents whether they were aware of this. Results show that 61.19% are aware of this, and 24.17% are partially aware of this, compared to 14.64% who said no.

Moving on, the survey asked that despite being an Islamic country that forbids gambling, what is your opinion on the UAE’s first casino? Results show that 29.53% are completely supportive, while 4.32% are not.

26.32% are slightly supportive, 5.23% are slightly opposed, and 34.6% remained neutral.

Is the UAE a Money-driven Government?

We asked our respondents what they think is the sole purpose of constructing a casino despite violating its Islamic laws. The results are as follows:

46.73% said it would attract tourists, hence boosting the tourism industry, 31.68% stated an increase in foreign investments in the country, 14.62% stated new job opportunities, and 5.82% said it would increase entertainment options.

Likewise, the following poll shows the respondents’ stance on the impact on the economy the casino would have. 57.45% said it would have a positive impact on the economy, compared to 9.92% who had negative views.

Additionally, 54.94% stated that casinos would have a positive impact on the citizens of the UAE and 12.95% said otherwise.

Would the Other Emirates Follow RAK?

Upon completion of the UAE’s first casino, would other emirates follow the same? 68.22% said likely, 15.1% said unlikely, and 9.13% remained unsure.

Lastly, the poll asks the surveyees whether the adoption of casinos in the UAE would be successful. Results reveal that 60.28% stated the adoption of casinos would become successful in the UAE, compared to 8.75% who said otherwise.