UAE sheikhdom to allow gaming as Wynn Resorts plans project

By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — One of the seven sheikhdoms in the United Arab Emirates says it will allow “gaming” while announcing a multibillion-dollar deal with casino giant Wynn Resorts. The announcement by Ras al-Khaimah comes after months of rumors about gambling coming to the UAE, home to skyscraper-studded Dubai and oil-rich Abu Dhabi. Islam, the religion of the Arabian Peninsula, prohibits gambling. While the other emirates haven’t announced similar deals, casino operator Caesars Palace operates a massive resort already in Dubai — without gambling. Initially, a statement issued by Wynn Resorts and Ras al-Khaimah authorities only referred to “gaming,” without elaborating. The emirate’s tourism authority declined to answer questions from The Associated Press on whether “gaming” involved cash betting.