Speaking at a broadcast of the J.P. Morgan Gaming, Lodging, Restaurant & Leisure Access Forum, Hornbuckle emphasised that the market within the Middle East is “fascinating.” It comes amid proposals for a lottery and digital gambling bill in Abu Dhabi, something that Hornbuckle believes could lead to a quick expansion of the region.
“I think they will start with lottery and go into digital gaming, and probably the actual first license will be issued in Abu Dhabi, followed potentially by what’s happening with Wynn in Ras Al Khaimah. Then we would hope either through an opportunity in Abu Dhabi or in Dubai, we will go after one – recognizing that the ruler, the leader in each emirate has to approve it. That is how that works,” MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle said.
“We’ve been on the ground there for over a year-and-a-half and we think we know who the development partner is, the government will appoint that development partner,” he added.
“They’ve reached out to us and asked for proposals. We’re in the process for that as I’m sure others are as we speak. I think they will go quick in identifying a partner: months not years, like this coming summer. Ultimately, we will go forward – assuming that the decree happens and the regulations come out – very quickly from there,” Hornbuckle concluded.
MGM Dubai will launch three MGM Resorts-owned hotel brands; MGM, Bellagio and Aria with a 150,000-square foot space set aside for a gaming floor if the casino opportunity arises.
Hornbuckle also spoke about the new market opportunity in Thailand.
“Thailand is new, it’s early days,” he explained. “The real question for all of us will be whether the regulatory regime is at a high enough level that it holds mustard and will the government participate in the proper way going forward. We’re like everyone. There’s a host of the usual characters poking around, looking for sites and looking for partners.”
Source: GMB / G3 Newswire
