The world’s gambling industry is tentatively betting that the United Arab Emirates may become the first Gulf state to legalize casinos — a move that could see it eventually surpass Singapore as a center for gambling.

Senior government officials say there are no imminent plans to allow gambling, but casino operators, consultants and lawyers familiar with the matter say there have been early discussions and a change is being considered. Wynn Resorts Ltd., the Las Vegas-based hotel and casino operator, last week unveiled details of a planned $3.9 billion gaming resort in the country, without explicitly saying that it would involve gambling.