Casino empire Wynn Resorts buys Aspinalls Casino in London, changes name to 'Wynn Mayfair'
Updated: June 6, 2025, 08:22h
Author: Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc
Tags: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming
US casino powerhouse Wynn Resorts recently claimed London's exclusive Aspinall's Casino, establishing the Wynn Mayfair in the famed Mayfair district. This mobility move sets the stage for future ventures, such as the 2027 launch of Wynn Al Marjan in the UAE.
The Mayfair's illustrious history has long captivated the fancy of extravagant Gulf state visitors. Wynn Resorts views the property as a stepping stone linking London and the Gulf, paving the way for their prosperous patrons to enjoy both locations.
John Aspinall, the casinoβs founder and a colorful Anglo-Irish personality with controversial right-wing views, built a fortune from the European elite before passing away in 2000. Aspinall's was previously owned by Crown Resorts, but it was later acquired by US private equity giant Blackstone, who targeted Australian and Asian markets.
A Mixed Climate for High-Rollers
The Wynn Mayfair embodies the essence of exclusive private casinos, but the purchase comes with potential hurdles. London's high-stakes scene has seen a drought of high-rollers in recent years. Brexit-induced regulations such as the abolishment of duty-free shopping have played a part in this downturn [2].
Regulatory changes in the gambling sector have also had an impact, particularly the UK Gambling Commission's crackdown on gambling with credit cards. Over the years, high-end London casinos like the Ritz Club, the Clermont, and Crockfords have shut down their doors.
A Strategic Bet
Despite the hurdles, Wynn Resorts' strategic acquisition highlights the continued lure of London's luxury gaming scene. Wynn Mayfair aims to capitalize on the high-roller demographic, acting as a bridge between London and the Gulf. The move is an opportune sidestep for Wynn guests to explore enticing Wynn Resort destinations, notably the Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE [1].
Sources:
- CNN Business. (2021, September 28). Wynn Resorts to acquire casino in London's Mayfair district. Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/28/wynn-resorts-to-acquire-casino-in-londons-mayfair-district.html
- The Times. (2021, September 28). Wynn Resorts to buy exclusive London casino, Aspinalls. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/wynn-resorts-to-buy-exclusive-london-casino-aspinalls-qqgsbfqzv
- The Telegraph. (2020, October 31). UK to axe duty-free shopping for travellers post-Brexit. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2020/10/31/uk-axe-duty-free-shopping-travellers-post-brexit/
- The Guardian. (2019, May 23). The dangers of economic uncertainty. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/may/23/the-dangers-of-economic-uncertainty
- Wynn Resorts, a renowned US casino giant, has secured London's exclusive Aspinall's Casino, establishing Wynn Mayfair in the prestigious Mayfair district, marking a strategic venture into the European high-roller market and setting the stage for their expansion in the Gulf, particularly the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan in the UAE.
- The acquisition of Aspinall's Casino, once owned by controversial Anglo-Irish personality John Aspinall, represents a bridge connecting the gamut of London's elite society and the Gulf high-rollers, paving the way for Wynn Resorts' wealthy patrons to enjoy both markets.
- The Wynn Mayfair, embodying the essence of private, high-end casinos, offers an opportune sidestep for Wynn guests to explore other enticing Wynn Resort destinations, notably the Wynn Al Marjan Island in the UAE.
- However, the move to London's luxury gaming scene comes with potential challenges, as the city has experienced a decline in high-stakes gambling, partly due to Brexit-induced regulations such as the abolishment of duty-free shopping and the UK Gambling Commission's credit card restrictions.
- The shutting down of high-end London casinos like the Ritz Club, the Clermont, and Crockfords reflects the impact of these regulatory changes on the city's luxury gambling trends.
- Despite the hurdles, Wynn Resorts' strategic acquisition of Aspinalls Casino underscores the continued allure of London's exclusive casino-culture, capitalizing on the high-roller demographic and positioning itself as a key player in the evolving global casino-and-gambling landscape.
