Jamaica’s Tourism Minister, Edmund Bartlett, has reiterated government’s position that it will not be converted into a casino destination. Speaking at the Sectoral Debate in Gordon House, he said casinos would form part of the "product enrichment", which will be embedded in a mega-property development. "You will not see a casino dotting the landscape across Jamaica, and the Prime Minister has made a statement concerning this in this honorable House already.

Even though the Islamic-steeped government of Dubai rejects gambling, there are striking similarities between Las Vegas - specifically the Strip - and Dubai, one of seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates. It helps explain why Dubai World, a government-owned holding company, wanted to become a partner in MGM Mirage's CityCenter project. "Dubai has a reputation of really trying to develop much the same way Las Vegas has done but without casinos," said Bill Eadington.