STORY: Global casino bosses are placing their bets on a once improbable prize: gambling in the United Arab Emirates

It would mark a watershed moment for a traditionally strictly Islamic part of the Middle East, unlike neighbors Lebanon and Egypt

One of the smallest emirates, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), is said to be planning to license slots and tables

Las Vegas casino giant Wynn Resorts has also said it would build a regulated resort on a man-made island

The bigger and glitzier jackpot would be the global tourist magnet of Dubai, where gaming is currently banned

Caesars Palace, which opened in Dubai in 2018 without a casino, told Reuters it would closely examine the possibility

Quote: Anthony Costa, Caesars Palace

"Like anybody, if a license is able to be bid for, any global gaming company is going to want to be actively involved in the conversation. I think it's wonderful."

Analysts suggest gaming in RAK would likely be limited to foreigners, and part of a wider entertainment offering

Media offices for UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, did not respond to requests for comment on RAK's plan