GAMBLING GROWTH IN ASIA

Macau: The gambling mecca of the world

Described as the 'Gambling Capital of the World' or 'Monte Carlo of theEast', Macau, the renounced Portuguese colony and later Special Administrative Region of China which was reclaimed to China in 1999, started from scratch, building itself into a modern and dazzling city seeing a stone's-throw distance from the mainland Chinese city of Zhuhai with rush motorboat transportation available between the two cities. Macau has exploded out of the blocks in the decade since it opened its casino industry in 2002, shooting past Las Vegas interms of gambling revenue. Melding Chinese gambling customs with a western-style casino environment, Macau's casinos have fostered tycoon after tycoon and created an enclave that draws millions of gamblers yearly.

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The Venetian, Wynn Macau, MGM Cotai and the famous Lisboa are just some establishments that stand out on the skyline and are prominent cultural entities. Insane hotels and non-stop fun: what it’s like to stay at a mega-resort only experienced by the world’s richest. These mega-resorts aren’t just about gambling, with luxury hotels, Michelin-standard restaurants, theatres and even shopping malls. Guests have everything on their doorstep.

While the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge for Macau, the recovery post-2022 appears strong. As China has relaxed some travel restrictions, visitor numbers are booming again, and so are casino revenues. Macau, the gambling epicentre for Asia and the world, has put down even deeper roots.

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Singapore: The Luxury Twin Icons

Singapore is a relatively new member of the international gambling community. It jump-started itself into the super heavy weight division with the construction of its two glittering Integrated Resorts (IRs), Marina Bay Sandsand Resorts World Sentosa. These are not mere casinos but 24-hour entertainment cities, transforming luxury in Asia.

One of the best-known casino hotels in the world, Marina Bay Sands is famed for its acclaimed rooftop infinity pool and its futuristic design. Inside, its casino floor boasts thousands of slot machines and hundreds of gaming tables,where players from around the world sit and gamble. The casino component is paired with family entertainment elsewhere, like Universal Studios Singapore atResorts World Sentosa, which caters to everyone.

Singapore’s stringent licensing system means that there are only two casinos in the country, but the exclusivity adds to their cachet. They've done so much to turn Singapore into a gambling and tourism capital of the world.

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The Philippines: The Rising Hub

The premium luxury casino tourists head to Macau and Singapore, but the Philippines has tried to position itself as Asia’s most dynamic gambling hub. Okada Manila, Solaire Resort & Casino, and City of Dreams are situated in Manila’s Entertainment City and compete with the mega-resorts of Macau and Singapore in both scope and ambition.

The Philippines is also unique in its regulatory climate. PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) regulates licensing of both land-based casinos and online gambling, and the country is home to many of the top online gaming and gambling operations that cater to players in the region. The country’s loose off shore provider licensing system has helped the Philippines become a major iGaming hub serving the wider Asian market.

This mix of real-world glamour and online innovation has ensured that the Philippines is among the most powerful players in Asia’s gambling successstory.