Wynn's Strategic Crown London Purchase Praised by Industry Analysts
Wynn Resorts has acquired Crown London, a prestigious members-only casino in London's Mayfair District, in a strategic move that analysts view favorably despite the venue's modest cash flow. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025.
Man at casino entrance
The acquisition's primary value lies in its potential to drive high-end clientele to Wynn's upcoming UAE integrated resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, scheduled to open in early 2027. Crown London, formerly known as Aspinalls, caters to affluent VIP gaming customers from London, Asia, India, and the Middle East.
CBRE Equity Research analyst John DeCree highlights the purchase as a strategic customer acquisition tool, particularly noting Crown London's regular Bollywood Night events that attract Indian gamblers—a key demographic for UAE tourism.
The deal could prove instrumental in building Wynn's global database and enhancing brand recognition ahead of its groundbreaking UAE casino resort launch. The UAE gaming market is projected to become the world's fourth-largest once fully operational, though analysts suggest this potential hasn't yet been reflected in Wynn's stock valuation.
Wynn CEO Craig Billings emphasized the acquisition's role in establishing presence in a global gateway city and creating a direct channel for guests to visit their resorts, particularly the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.
The Crown London purchase represents a departure from typical US casino operator acquisitions but could significantly boost Wynn's international presence and help drive traffic to its UAE development, which will be the first casino resort in the Arab world.