Published on: November 18, 2025, 05:22h.
Updated on: November 18, 2025, 05:22h.
- Wynn is among the leading casino stocks this year
- Diversity in geographic presence plays a significant role
- It stands out as the only bright point on the Las Vegas Strip
Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) has seen its shares rise by 39.61% year-to-date, marking it as one of the top-performing stocks in the gaming sector while emphasizing the benefits of its geographic diversity.
Currently, this positive momentum is heavily supported by Wynn’s Macau division, which has thrived amid a resurgence in gross gaming revenue (GGR) from the Chinese casino hub. The revival in Macau suggests a potentially prolonged phase of leadership for Wynn among gaming stocks.
“In Macau, demand is steadily recovering, with Wynn’s prestigious brand set to capture a significant mid-teens percentage of gross gaming revenue in 2025,” states Morningstar analyst Dan Wasiolek. “We anticipate upcoming developments will enhance attractions and accessibility in Macau, bolstering the destination’s appeal and affirming our positive long-term outlook on Macau.”
Wynn’s Macau segment has provided a substantial boost at a time when its competitors, Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ: CZR) and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), face challenges related to weak performance on the Las Vegas Strip.
Potential Gains from UAE Expansion
While Wynn’s performance has benefitted from Macau this year, the special administrative region significantly contributes to the operator’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) and total revenue. Reducing dependency on Macau could reinforce Wynn’s long-term investment potential.
This is where Wynn’s United Arab Emirates (UAE) project comes into play. Nearly completed, Wynn Al Marjan Island is crucial for Wynn’s strategy to diversify their portfolio beyond Macau, according to Wells Fargo analyst Trey Bowers in a recent note to clients.
The strong performance of the stock in 2025 may indicate that investors are beginning to recognize the significance of the UAE opportunity, which cannot be overlooked. Expected to launch in early 2027, the $5.1 billion Wynn casino resort is anticipated to establish a unique position in a market that some analysts believe could emerge as one of the world’s top five gaming destinations.
“We forecast that Wynn’s managed property in the UAE will open in 2027 and generate returns around the high-teen percentage mark by the decade’s end, reinforcing the company’s narrow moat rating,” adds Morningstar’s Wasiolek.
Wynn Las Vegas Operations Shine
Historically, Wynn has been primarily associated with Macau; however, this perception is set to shift with the upcoming UAE venue. Nevertheless, the operator’s flagship resort on the Las Vegas Strip has proven to be a vital factor in its stock’s performance this year.
Recent statements from management concerning the success of Wynn and Encore Las Vegas contrast sharply with comments from executives at Caesars and MGM. This indicates that Wynn’s focus on high-end clientele has insulated it from the vulnerabilities affecting budget-conscious visitors to other properties on the Strip.
Wells Fargo’s Bowers notes that due to its status as the city’s top luxury casino hotel, Wynn Las Vegas is likely to continue capturing market share from its rivals.