Poker Writer
Poker is coming to the Middle East. The United Arab Emirates’ in-progress casino, Wynn Al Marjan Island, appears to be positioning itself to have a robust poker room with the hire of Wynn Las Vegas’ Director of Poker Operations, Ryan Beauregard.
The first-ever casino in the UAE will be one of the most luxurious resort destinations in the world. The resort’s opening has been postponed indefinitely from its 2027 timeline due to the regional conflict between Iran and the U.S. But despite the delay, the resort looks to be establishing a presence in the poker market.
Beauregard Going From One Desert to Another
Beauregard is taking the position of vice president of poker operations and sporting events at Wynn Al Marjan Island. His X account has the new position updated in his description. He made the move after 11 years at Wynn in Las Vegas, where he became one of the most prominent poker directors in the industry as head of one of the world’s most popular rooms.
The Wynn Al Marjan Island resort is currently hiring for its card games room manager. Job openings first started appearing in March when Beauregard made his first post about taking a new role.
Wynn Poker is coming to Al Marjan Island. First we build the environment, and now we build the team. We are driven by a passion for the game, and the desire to create exceptional experiences for each of our guests. If you are a proven leader and share our DNA, the opportunity to join Wynn Al Marjan Island has arrived. Work with the best, be the best.
It will not be Beauregard’s first international poker venture. Prior to his time in Vegas, he was the senior poker manager at Wynn Macau from 2008 to 2015. That poker room recently closed, part of a market-wide trend of shrinkage.
Two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner Nathan Gamble congratulated Beauregard on his new job. He added that he is sure poker will take off at the new venue, given the strength of Beauregard’s career so far.
Prior to his time in the poker world, Beauregard attended Arizona State University in the ’90s, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration and Management in 1998.
Andrew Ormsby will take on the open director of poker operations role at Wynn Las Vegas, stepping up from his current operations manager position, which he has held for the past eight years.
Poker Window of Opportunity in the UAE
Currently, there are no poker options in the Middle East, with gambling being strictly illegal in Muslim countries. The UAE’s decision to build a casino marks a big shift from regional norms, breaking several rules once considered untouchable. It signals the tides shifting toward a more “western” set of social norms.
With no regional poker competition, Wynn Al Marjan Island has the potential to become a major player in the poker world. Just 45 minutes from Dubai, the man-made island would attract players from around the world, particularly high rollers, who would immediately flock to the new, luxurious poker location (assuming all regional issues are eventually resolved).
The strong Wynn Poker brand would go a long way toward attracting players. It would also be closer to players from the Middle East, India, or Central Asia, who would have a shorter trip than the ones they currently make to other gambling destinations. However, the game’s growth in the region may remain hamstrung due to laws against gambling for UAE citizens and those of nearby countries.
One can imagine the location hosting high-roller tournaments in the coming years, especially with an experienced hand like Beauregard’s guiding the ship.
Image credit: ELPHNT/Wikimedia Commons (license)
