Wynn Resorts has officially entered the UK market following the successful acquisition of an exclusive Mayfair casino from Crown Resorts.
Previously known as Aspinall’s, the London venue was acquired by Wynn in January. After receiving approval from the UK Gambling Commission, the company has now opened the doors of the rebranded property — Wynn Mayfair.
Located in one of London’s most prestigious districts, the new casino features 20 table games in the main gaming area, private gaming rooms, and a bar and restaurant offering premium service.
The venue’s history dates back to the 1960s, when it opened as a private members’ club called the White Elephant Club. In 1992, gaming entrepreneur John Aspinall transformed the site into a casino. Over its 60-year history, the establishment has hosted a number of famous guests, including Rod Stewart, Roger Moore, Richard Burton, and Princess Margaret.
Gateway to the UAE
As Wynn Resorts continues to grow its presence in Europe, the company is simultaneously reinforcing its strategic position in the Middle East. The acquisition of a casino in London’s Mayfair district supports the brand’s broader plans ahead of the launch of the Wynn Al Marjan Island resort in the UAE, which is scheduled to open in early 2027.
Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts, emphasized in an interview with Inside Asian Gaming that the London property is seen as “an extension of the Al Marjan casino floor,” noting that the UK is frequently visited by affluent clients from the Middle Eastern region.
“It’s a great way to jumpstart a database into the opening of Wynn Al Marjan,” he noted. “It caters to a very high-end customer, and it doesn’t take many of those to ultimately earn a return on that business.”
Wynn became only the second operator to receive a gaming license from the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA). The $5.1 billion resort, which will include 1,000 hotel rooms and a large-scale entertainment complex, is expected to open in 2027.
During the company’s Q1 2025 earnings report, Billings also estimated the UAE market potential to be between $3 billion and $5 billion.
Additionally, he mentioned that Wynn is closely monitoring developments in Asia and is considering expansion into new markets such as Thailand and Japan, should land-based casino gaming be legalized in those countries.
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
