It is not surprising that the gambling activities in China play a key role in the culture of the country. Although they are illegal in the Mainland area, the betting activities inside the country bring huge revenues.
The latest reports show that the lotteries, regulated by the Chinese Government, are a source of excitement to the players and, respectively, great profits to the providers. During the last year, the total income was estimated to be more than $50 million and it increased to $30 billion in the first six months of 2014.
However, despite the rapid development of the regulated gaming markets, the illegal gambling activities are still considered to pose a threat to the growth of the legal gaming affairs and the worst of all is that players are willing to take part in gaming activities, available on the unregulated market, which is, by the way, said to be ten times more profitable than the regulated one.
The first thing that comes to mind of every player when gambling activities in Asia are mentioned, is Macau – the Asian gaming Mecca. It became even more popular gambling destination than Las Vegas and the income the gambling venues have approves of that statement. The gross revenue for 2013 was equal to over $45 billion.
Sadly, the problematic gambling industry worldwide has affected Macau as well and the local Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported a steady decline in the sales for June, July, August and September 2014.
The refined visa restrictions as well as the prohibition of the transactions from China are believed to the main reasons for the downfall. The increased number of total arrivals from Mainland China just comes to support that statement.
The project, known as “Cotai 2. 0”, is intended to help Macau’s gambling industry overcome the decline. Six luxurious casino resorts will be built but they will be accessible to the “mass players”. The gaming facilities offered will be more family oriented.
The decline in the sales is not the only issue Macau has to deal with though. Other popular gambling venues are trying to attract the players who usually visit Macau. Singapore is a vivid example. However, despite the efforts of the Singaporean authorities to seduce the Chinese players, it seems like the attempts of South Korea were more successful.The country is the indisputable leader in attracting foreign players. The right approach ensured increased revenue and boosted tourism. The most popular South Korea-based casinos offer low minimum bets as well as gaming facilities suitable for individual players, families and groups of friends alike.
Vietnam and Cambodia are also believed to become attractive destinations for Chinese players in the foreseeable future.
Another Asian country is also planning to become a major gaming hub as well. Although Taiwan was one of the countries whose authorities claimed that they would never allow a casino establishment in the country, it seems like they have changed their mind and pretty soon Taiwan might accept players from all over the world.
