Wynn Resorts Buys Aspinalls Casino in London, Renames It 'Wynn Mayfair'
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Posted on: June 6, 2025, 07:44h. Last updated on: June 6, 2025, 08:22h.
Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilcRead MoreGaming BusinessRegulationTribal Gaming Wynn dives into London's high-roller pool with Wynn Mayfair*
- *Expansion strategy ahead of Wynn Al Marjan 2027 debut
In a strategic move, US casino heavyweight Wynn Resorts has snatched up Aspinall's Casino, rebranding it as the posh Wynn Mayfair, nestled in the heart of London's plush West End. With a $5.2 billion UAE resort, Wynn Al Marjan Island, slated for a 2027 launch, Wynn eyes this prize as a bridge between London and the Gulf's high-stakes crowd.
Aspinalls has long been a haven for Gulf high rollers, and Wynn aims to capitalize on this link to some of the world's richest clientele, extending service to them not only in London but also back in their homeland. As the deal was announced in January, Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings remarked: "Acquiring this iconic property gives us a foothold in a global gateway city and creates a pathway for Wynn guests to explore our resorts, particularly Wynn Al Marjan Island."[1]
History of the Wynn Mayfair
Established in the 1960s by the flamboyant zoo king, John Aspinall, Aspinalls was born from Europe's decadent nobility's pockets. Aspinall's death in 2000 sparked speculation in The New York Times, suggesting he might have evenly redistributed the wealth in Britain as much as liberals' social programs.[2] Crown Resorts purchased Aspinalls as part of its European expansion plans in 2011. The company was later taken over by US private equity giant Blackstone, which is now streamlining the property portfolio to focus on Australian and Asian markets.[3]
London's Thinning High-Roller Market
Housed in two early Georgian townhouses, the exclusive Wynn Mayfair remains one of London's most private casinos. However, the transaction doesn't come without a gamble—London's high-roller scene has dwindled in recent years, with wealthier Arab visitors thinning out. The UK government's decision to scrap the duty-free shopping scheme for international tourists after Brexit could be a factor. Beforehand, tourists could claim back the UK's 20% value-added tax (VAT) on purchased goods.[2] Casinos have also felt the pinch of regulatory changes, such as the UK Gambling Commission's ban on gambling with credit cards.[3] Recently, several swanky London private casinos—like the Ritz Club, the Clermont, and Crockfords—have shut their doors.
[1] Wynn Mayfair[2] Aspinall's Casino[3] Blackstone[4] Crown Resorts[5] Wynn Al Marjan Island
- The high-rollers of the Gulf will find a new dwelling with Wynn's acquisition of Aspinall's Casino and its rebranding to Wynn Mayfair in London's West End, as it seeks to connect with the Gulf's wealthy elite.
- With the upcoming launch of Wynn Al Marjan Island in UAE in 2027, Wynn Resorts is using Wynn Mayfair as a bridge to cater to its exclusive clientele in both London and their home countries.
- The casino-culture is ever-morphing, and London's private casinos, including Wynn Mayfair, have faced a decrease in the high-stakes market due to factors like changes in duty-free shopping schemes, regulatory crackdowns, and the closing down of establishments such as Ritz Club, the Clermont, and Crockfords.
- In the casino-and-gambling landscape, casino-personalities and their strategies remain critical, as exemplified by Wynn Resorts CEO Craig Billings who sees the Wynn Mayfair acquisition as a strategic gateway into the global market.
- Aspinalls Casino, initially established in the decadent 1960s by the flamboyant John Aspinall, has seen multiple transitions—from European nobility's pockets, to Crown Resorts' expansion plans, Blackstone's portfolio streamlining, and now to Wynn Mayfair, reflecting the ever-evolving casino-games industry.
