Children and gambling: Ireland’s legislative debate

As Wynn Resorts prepares to open the first-ever casino in the UAE, a survey conducted by Dubai Casinos reveals varied opinions on its potential impact on Ras Al Khaimah. This landmark development, set to launch in 2026 on Marjan Island, has sparked significant interest and debate among locals.  

In January 2022, Wynn Resorts announced the groundbreaking project that aims to transform Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism and entertainment landscape. The resort will be situated on a man-made island extending 4.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf, marking a pivotal moment in the UAE's tourism sector.  

The survey was conducted over six months with 2,000 respondents. The goal was to gauge public sentiment on how the Wynn Project might reshape Ras Al Khaimah. According to Dubai Casino, the survey exclusively targeted UAE residents, with 81 percent of respondents hailing from Ras Al Khaimah and all participants aged 18 and above.  

9 out of 10 respondents are aware of the Wynn Resorts project, highlighting the high level of public interest. 56 percent of participants believe the project will significantly boost tourism revenue and create job opportunities, reflecting optimism about economic growth. However, 29 percent anticipate only moderate economic benefits, while 15 percent foresee little to no impact on the local economy.  

Many respondents, 60 percent, expect the project to increase property values in the surrounding areas. However, 22 percent are concerned about potential decreases in property prices, suggesting mixed expectations.  

54 percent of the respondents believe the casino will draw new tourists interested in gaming, potentially boosting local tourism. About 34 percent of respondents expressed concerns about the social implications, such as gambling addiction, calling for careful regulation. Additionally, 28 percent emphasised the importance of preserving local cultural integrity through sustainable development.  

A majority, 60.8 percent, believe Dubai will remain the UAE’s top tourist destination, despite the Wynn Resorts project. However, 32.4 percent see the potential for Ras Al Khaimah to emerge as a significant tourist hub, while a small segment, 6.8 percent, remains unsure about its future standing.  

The introduction of a casino in Ras Al Khaimah has sparked discussions about its impact on the UAE’s cultural scene. Balancing traditional values with economic growth through tourism requires careful community engagement.  

The Wynn project promises to bolster Ras Al Khaimah’s economy by increasing tourism revenue and creating jobs. However, concerns about social repercussions, such as gambling addiction, necessitate proactive measures.  

Implementing a casino in Ras Al Khaimah poses regulatory challenges in the UAE, known for its strict governance of social conduct. Adapting existing frameworks to ensure responsible gaming practices is essential.  

As Ras Al Khaimah advances with ambitious growth initiatives, these survey insights provide valuable guidance for stakeholders aiming to leverage opportunities and address challenges in shaping the emirate's tourism future. 

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“We are delighted to partner again with Rush Street Interactive for another momentous launch in Delaware.” - Jacob Claesson, Evolution CEO for North America.

Evolution has revealed the exciting news of the debut of their new online live casino in Delaware on 2 July 2024. Collaborating with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., Evolution has crafted an immersive online live casino tailored for players in Delaware’s regulated gaming market. This captivating experience has been made accessible at Delaware Park Casino, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort, and Harrington Raceway & Casino.

Following a partnership with the Delaware Lottery in 2023, BetRivers expanded its presence in the local market, offering its products to individuals interested in both betting and gaming. Players can now access the Delaware Park and Harrington sites through the BetRivers multi-state platform. Furthermore, Bally’s Dover Casino Resort has introduced its standalone app, allowing players to enjoy a variety of live casino games, including Live Roulette, Infinite Blackjack, Baccarat, Craps, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Poker, and Blackjack through the platform.

The arrival of BetRivers, an online gaming platform operated by Rush Street Interactive, has significantly influenced the iGaming industry in Delaware. This platform’s entry has been instrumental in driving substantial growth and building a good environment within the market.

“BetRivers in Delaware is thrilled to offer players the chance to virtually play on Evolution’s world-renowned live tables. We are confident that the live dealer online casino will be very popular as the live dealer games offer the same level of excitement as playing in a land-based casino. “- Richard Schwartz, Rush Street Interactive CEO.

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The globally renowned British television quiz show, "The Chase," has expanded its reach to the international sports betting and iGaming industry, marking a milestone for entertainment and gaming enthusiasts worldwide. This expansion is the result of a strategic partnership between Entain, a prominent global sports betting and gaming group, and Playtech, a leading provider of platforms, content, and services in the online gambling industry.

Hosted by Bradley Walsh, "The Chase" has gained popularity in the UK, with a daily viewership of approximately four million. Its distinctive format involves contestants competing against a professional quizzer, known as the "chaser," for a cash prize, offering an electrifying and competitive gameplay experience.

The Entain-Playtech collaboration has led to the launch of an exciting new live game show hosted by Playtech from its live studio in Riga, Latvia. Initially introduced to Entain's UK customers, the game has now expanded its presence to regulated markets in Canada, Brazil, and Belgium. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce the game to Italian and South African players through Entain's brands in the near future.

The live game show offers various engaging features, including a plinko board and two bonus features, ensuring an immersive gameplay experience until the thrilling "Final Chase" segment.

ITV Studios, as the game's host, is expected to profit from licencing its brand to the gaming sector, especially since it has shown impressive revenue generation within its first month of release.

"The Chase Live has been our most anticipated game release in 2024. We have been working with the teams at Entain and Playtech for many months on bringing one of the UK's most successful and popular gameshow brands to the live casino space." - Steve Watling, SVP Gaming, ITV Studios Global Partnerships

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The Department of Veterans Affairs has declared that the number of active or retired members of the US army showing signs of problem gambling is rising significantly. In some regions of the US, more than 10 percent of military members are problem gamblers.

Concerned about the surge in gambling addiction within the US army, the Department of Veterans Affairs initiated research on the issue. Currently, the army is conducting a large survey, with results expected by the end of 2024. Preliminary findings indicate that military members are not only more vulnerable to gambling-related disorders compared to civilians, but are also less likely to report them and seek help.

Heather Chapman, a clinical psychologist and director of the national gambling treatment programme for the Department of Veterans Affairs, told CNBC: “All of a sudden, we started to see a lot of people with gambling problems calling and asking for some help.”

A 2017 report revealed that over 3,100 slot machines were installed in US military bases abroad. These slot machines are viewed as a recreational activity that boosts troop morale - and generate more than $100 million in revenue per year for the army. Soldiers as young as 18 can gamble in some of these foreign countries. Meanwhile, slot machines are not permitted on military installations within the US.

Many gambling operators actively target the military. In Washington state, seven casinos opened less than 20 minutes away from one of the largest military bases in the US. Additionally, casinos and sportsbooks often send targeted promotions to military members, especially around Independence Day. Some casinos even offer free-play to soldiers.

However, as awareness of the issue grows, some operators have stopped targeting military members altogether. Others have gone further by funding programmes to address the problem.

Dave Yeager, a former Army Staff Sergeant, published a book to help other military personnel facing problem gambling: Fall In: A Veteran with a Gambling Addiction. In this book, he explains how his addiction cost him his family and his position in the army, detailing incidents such as stealing petty cash and bankrupting his family to fuel his addiction. Yeager shares how some counsellors and commanders in the army failed to understand the severity of his illness.

His book also covers his journey toward recovery. Kevin Wensing, a retired US Navy Captain and Veterans Advocate, said, "Dave is an inspiration for millions who have become collateral damage from gambling and continue to be tempted by the massive advance of online sites that feed addictive behaviour. His story is a beacon of hope and the lessons he offers will help all who are committed to raising problem gambling awareness and providing the needed tools to avoid harm."

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates two treatment centres and collaborates with many civilian-run programmes across the country. To encourage soldiers to seek help for gambling addiction, the military has reiterated that no soldier will be penalised for coming forward and seeking treatment. Additionally, the Department of Defence now uses the annual health physical to look for signs of gambling addiction.