Home to Kuwait’s famous man-made waterfront, Green Island is set to undergo a major redevelopment which could reshape the site for a new generation.

It is part of Kuwait’s wider plans to modernise its entertainment, tourism and leisure sector rather than a move that will radically change the country’s identity.

However, if the government is willing to shift its stance towards gambling, it could be the perfect response to the United Arab Emirates’ ambitious Wynn Resort project.

The UAE caused a stir in September 2023 when they established a new organisation to oversee the commercial gaming industry.

Kuwait has yet to follow in their footsteps, but may need to reconsider their position if they want to keep pace economically with their Gulf counterparts.

Intriguingly, gambling operators already have a presence in the county. The best online casino in Kuwait operates under a license issued in another jurisdiction.

If the government was willing to take inspiration from developments elsewhere in the region, it has the perfect location to create a vibrant gaming and entertainment resort.

Kuwait’s Family-Focused Vision

Kuwait’s decision-makers are open to introducing more commercial activities and services on Green Island to cater to local and international visitors.

Jahra Entertainment Hall will feature exciting new additions such as bowling facilities, family attractions, video games, health clubs, restaurants, cafes and educational facilities.

It doesn’t take much to work out that Kuwait is focusing more on strengthening its tourism sector rather than triggering cultural or religious alarms by incorporating gambling.

On paper, that approach makes sense. Upgrading the leisure facilities will encourage people to spend more time and money at Green Island. However, the Kuwait government is missing a trick.

The Wynn Effect Has Changed Regional Thinking

The UAE has changed the way other Gulf countries think about casino resorts and tourism.

The idea of allowing casino gaming in the Middle East previously seemed unrealistic because of political, cultural and legal barriers.

However, the UAE changed that by legalising gambling, creating a national regulator for commercial gaming and approving the Wynn resort project on Al Marjan Island.

But even though discussions that were once theoretical have become grounded in reality, other nations in the region have not followed their lead.

The Wynn resort will be an economic game-changer, fuelled by luxury accommodation, fine dining, shopping, commercial gaming, entertainment venues, convention facilities and international events.

That mouth-watering line-up will attract tourists from every corner of the globe, and will undoubtedly contribute sizeable revenue to the national economy.

The success or failure of the UAE’s Wynn Resort could have massive implications for gambling, not just in the country but across the wider Middle Eastern region.

All indications point to it being a massive success. If that happens, it may be only a matter of time before other countries take a page out of the UAE’s playbook.

Flutter Entertainment Could Help Kuwait Think Differently

If Kuwait ever decided to seriously explore regulated gaming, legislation and other legal paperwork may be the least of its worries.

Governments entering newly regulated gambling markets are concerned about social responsibility, consumer protection and maintaining public trust.

However, collaborating with an experienced international operator such as Flutter Entertainment could help Kuwait create a licensed and regulated gaming market.

The company recently invested a further £1.5 million into responsible gambling and player safety, launching a new dedicated centre at one of its major offices.

Located in Leeds, the ‘Centre of Excellence’ is a place for collaboration, learning and experimentation in the field of responsible gambling and customer protection.

The move is part of a wider focus on responsible gaming tools, with Flutter setting itself a target of three-quarters of its customer base using these tools by 2030.

Flutter’s new hub hosts the company’s 450-strong customer safety team, and serves as an area for them to develop and test technological capabilities in this field.

Their expertise could potentially help Kuwait to implement responsible gambling measures alongside regulation. That experience will come in handy if Kuwait eventually decides to test the waters.