Operators in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) gambling market are seeking new ways to grow, with Momentum Group, Fanatics and Wynn Resorts making significant moves in iGaming and land-based sectors, respectively.
Momentum has teamed up with Fanatics in the UAE for a strategic joint venture in the country’s iGaming market.
The two parties have come to combine the UAE operator’s regional expertise, regulatory standing, and operational depth, with the product knowledge, technology, and speed-to-scale capability of the global digital sports platform.
Meanwhile, Wynn Resorts is developing its live entertainment offering at the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort through a partnership with Punchdrunk, an immersive theatre company.
As part of the collaboration, an original stage production will be created exclusively for Wynn and directed by Punchdrunk’s Artistic Director and Founder, Felix Barrett, in cooperation with Wynn Resorts Chief Executive Officer, Craig Billings.
Momentum and Fanatics joint venture
Following approval from the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), Momentum’s existing UAE commercial gaming licenses and operations will be part of the Fanatics joint venture, allowing for its licensed platforms to be enhanced with a customer experience, technology and sustainable long-term growth strategy.
Through the joint venture, Momentum and Fanatics intend to:
- Invest in technology, product and customer experience.
- Advance industry standards for responsible gaming and player protection.
- Expand access to world-class regulated gaming products in the UAE.
- Contribute to the wider development of the UAE’s digital economy.
Scott Burton, Chief Operating Officer of Momentum Group, noted: “The UAE has built one of the world’s most carefully regulated commercial gaming markets, and this joint venture is a reflection of the confidence that brings.
“Combining Momentum’s regional experience with Fanatics’ global product capability creates a partnership well placed to grow alongside this market for the long term.”
The joint venture represents Fanatics’ strategic entry into the UAE commercial gaming market. The operator’s sportsbook is online in 23 US states and the District of Columbia, while its casino offering is available in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Conor Grant, President of Fanatics Gaming, added: “The UAE is establishing one of the most thoughtfully regulated commercial gaming markets in the world, and Momentum has demonstrated what a responsible, credible operation within it looks like.
“We are entering this market for the long term, committed to building something genuinely category-defining together.”
Wynn Al Marjan Island and Punchdrink
Wynn Resorts’ partnership with Punchdrunk will bring immersive theatre to the MENA region, debuting with the opening of Wynn Al Marjan Island in 2027, inspired by the traditional Las Vegas revue-style show.
The original stage production aims to engage with audiences, blending performance styles, theatrical worlds and audience perspectives, featuring songs and dance and inviting audiences to choose how they experience the story.
Billings stated: “Among the dozens of unique and transportive guest experiences we offer in our resorts, entertainment has always been an essential element.
“With Punchdrunk, we are creating something entirely original for Wynn Al Marjan Island. A theatrical world that could only exist here, and one that reflects the craft and dedication to artistry at the heart of Wynn.”
In the Art Deco-influenced theatre, guests can book either a traditional seated performance upstairs or a roaming immersive journey downstairs and backstage, with each perspective offering a distinct yet complete lens on the same narrative and every part of the theatre forming part of the immersive experience.
Barrett added: “I’m thrilled that Punchdrunk is partnering with Craig S. Billings and his brilliant team at Wynn Resorts to create a brand-new show for the extraordinary new theatre at Wynn Al Marjan Island.
“We hope the production will deliver a spectacular theatrical experience, both for audiences seeking world-class entertainment and for those in search of something truly unexpected.”
