It is a well-known fact that the Asian gambling sector is currently undergoing considerable revitalization. Regardless of the issues that have befallen the most popular gambling hub on the continent – Macau, the industry is developing with tremendous speed.
Asian casino industry attracts prominent overseas investors who take every opportunity for becoming available on the competitive Asian gambling market. These are the countries expected to become known as the most attractive gambling destinations on a global scale within a few years.
Singapore
Although every passionate player associates Singapore with gambling facilities of the highest class, the country quite successfully attracts new investors and attempts at expanding its gambling sector. Both Singaporean casinos – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, lure high-roller players who used to visit the Macau-based ones. These two were even defined as the most profitable casinos in the world for 2014. Despite the keen interest of investors willing to debut on the Singaporean market, gambling officials make a careful selection. Bearing that in mind, it is not too surprising that junket operators will not be available in the country.
Japan
Japanese legislators have been trying to legalize casinos several times but these plans have not been materialized. The first casino was expected to open doors for visitors by 2020 when the Olympic Games are to be held. However, last week, it was announced that the bill will not be reviewed earlier than the fall when an extraordinary parliament session will take place. If legalized, casinos might generate substantial amount of money on annual basis.
The Philippines
The last couple of months have been quite eventful for the Philippines gambling sector. People with knowledge on the matter stated that the opening of City of Dreams will have a long-term effect on the gambling industry on a global scale. Just like Singapore, the Philippines attract players who used to roll the dice in Macau. As already reported, the Philippines was not affected by the financial crisis as it relies mainly on the mass market players in order to generate stable revenue.
Vietnam
Until recently, the gambling market of Vietnam was not too appealing to investors but things have changed and within a few years the country is expected to have luxurious integrated resorts. One of them is to be built in the Quảng Ninh province and the building procedures are expected to start as soon as all paperwork is completed. The Vietnamese company Tuan Chau Group also expressed interest in establishing a casino in the country. However, investors should bear in mind that they should rely on foreign players as Vietnamese residents are currently prohibited from participating in gambling activities.
Cambodia
Despite the fact that gambling-related taxes are likely to be increased, Cambodia remains an appealing country for investors. It was announced that as many as three new casinos will be established. It seems like Vietnam-based casinos will have to deal with serious rivalry as the venues that are to be constructed in Cambodia are to be located near the Vietnamese border.
Macau
During the years, Macau has successfully consolidated its positions on the market but currently, the situation is not too optimistic given the record decrease in profits, caused mainly by the anti-corruption campaign, started by the Chinese President. It was Xi Jinping himself who recommended the economy to be diversified and more non-gambling facilities to be available. For the time being, casinos are performing quite poorly but a slight increase in revenues is expected to be posted towards the end of the year when the so-called “adjustment period” is about to end and Macau is to be given the chance to bring its old glory back.
