The Top Asian Countries for Casino Gambling
What Are the Top Asian Countries for Casino Gambling?
Across Asia, gambling remains a popular pastime with deep cultural roots. While legal restrictions exist in some nations, major casino development continues, attracting visitors from around the world.
Below are leading Asian countries where locals and tourists flock to try their luck at the tables and slots according to BetCasinoSingapore.
Macau
Known as the Las Vegas of Asia, Macau boasts over 40 casinos and high-rise resorts. Major operators including Las Vegas Sands, MGM, and Wynn have invested billions in lavish gaming facilities.
With an estimated $28 billion in annual revenue, Macau surpassed Vegas as the world’s top gambling destination.
Macau’s casinos range from opulent Venetian-style palaces to smaller local gambling halls. Table games like baccarat and sic bo that appeal to Asian gamblers dominate the floors. The Cotai Strip also offers entertainment, restaurants, and luxury shopping.
Singapore
Though gambling was banned for decades, Singapore now has become a regional casino hotspot. The Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa integrated resorts opened in 2010, dramatically expanding offerings.
Their massive gaming floors combine blackjack, roulette, slot machines, poker and other table games.
With restriction on local residents, the casinos largely cater to tourists and visiting businessmen from Southeast Asia and China.
High-end amenities including celebrity chef restaurants, theaters, museums, infinity pools, and luxury hotels make them popular destinations.
Cambodia
Cambodia has become a major Asian gaming and tourism hub. Dozens of casinos operate mainly in border towns, capital Phnom Penh, and coastal Sihanoukville. Most cater to neighboring Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese tourists with lower minimum bets.
Some critics express concern over growing addiction problems among Cambodians attracted to the casinos.
However, the huge foreign investment and tourist dollars they bring in make the government reluctant to impose restrictions. NagaWorld in Phnom Penh is among the largest casinos.
Philippines
The Philippines has over 20 casinos, primarily across the capital Manila and tourist center Cebu. Philippines President Marcos first allowed gambling to boost tourism in 1976.
Operators include both local companies like PhilWeb Corporation and foreign brands like Okada and Travellers International.
Pagcor operates several properties including popular Casino Filipino venues. Family-friendly resorts with theme parks like Resorts World Manila also draw tourists with gambling alongside entertainment options.
The Philippines imposes strict exclusions of citizens under 21 from casinos to limit social problems.
South Korea
Though dominated by lottery, horse racing and cycle betting, South Korea has a small number of casinos for foreign guests.
The largest is Paradise Casino in Busan. However, Kangwon Land in the mountains is the only casino where Korean nationals can legally gamble.
Gambling remains a controversial issue, so growth is limited by strict laws. However, Korea has discussed integrated resorts to boost tourism. For now, cruise ships offer gaming when sailing in international waters away from Korean ports.
Whether in massive mega-casinos or smaller local establishments, Asia offers ample gambling opportunities.
Macau, Singapore, Cambodia, Philippines, and South Korea each present unique gaming cultures and atmospheres for visitors to experience.
As regulations evolve, even more Asian countries may open doors to casinos and integrated resorts in the future.