Perhaps, Las Vegas is the first destination in your mind when asked about casinos. But Asia is also thriving. And with all the sights and sounds that a tourist can enjoy, this shouldn’t be an afterthought.
So, where to go, punters? Here are the places that you will be entertained while betting some moolah!
Photo: travelling king
- Macau
The Las Vegas of Asia and the gambling capital of the world – Macau! From smaller casinos to the grandest, options abound here. Around 40 casinos are operating here and with a total gaming revenue of MOP 23.79 bn for the first five months of 2022, about 2.9 billion USD.
As per the report of The Conversation – this former Portuguese colony is China’s answer to Las Vegas but has long surpassed the City of Lights as the world’s casino capital, with revenue from gambling receipts exceeding the entire state of Nevada back in 2010. Aside from playing and betting, you can also see the city’s well-preserved colonial architecture while appreciating its rich past. As listed by Planetware, some of the spots are – the Ruins of St. Paul, Senado Square, A-Ma Temple, Fortaleza do Monte (home of the Macau Museum), Maritime Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf, Macau Tower, Giant Panda Pavilion, Guia Fortress, Coloane Island, Hac Sa Beach, Taipa Island, Kun Iam (Temple of the Goddess of Mercy), etc.
Photo: g3newswire
- Malaysia
It’s a tricky situation in Malaysia. According to Finding Beyond, because of Sharia laws, Muslims are not allowed inside the only casino in the country. But they are about 60 percent of the population. So, the country is relying mostly on tourists. And you’re one of them.
According to the World Casino Directory, Malaysia is home to a single casino, three turf clubs and numerous off-track betting facilities. International casino operator Genting Malaysia Ltd recorded total first quarter revenue of MYR1.72 billion (391.3 million USD).
Aside from betting, there are other attractions in Malaysia. As listed by Planetware, here are the top spots in the said country – Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kuantan, Perhentian Islands, Borneo Rainforest, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara, Kota Kinabalu, Batu Ferringhi, Ipoh, Malacca City and Tioman Island.
Photo: ggrasia
- Philippines
Solaire Resort and Casino, Resorts World Manila, City of Dreams, Okada Manila – you know these names. The Philippines is slowly becoming the biggest competitor of Macau, according to Finding Beyond.
Citing data from PAGCOR, there are a total of about 50 operational casinos in the Philippines as of 2017, reported the IMF. Added AG Brief, Philippines’ licensed casinos produced a total of P30.1 billion (USD 575.6 million) in gross gaming revenue in the first quarter of 2022.
Aside from gaming, you can also experience and enjoy the country’s beaches and natural resources at full view. Among the most popular are – Boracay, Palawan, Batanes, Sagada, Caramoan Islands, Vigan, Siargao, etc.
Photo: gamblinginsider
- Singapore
Singapore has only two known casinos but where it lacks in quantity, it makes up in quality. Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa are acknowledged to have the luxurious feel. Case in point, as mentioned by Focus GN, Marina Bay Sands’ beach venue is famous for being the most expensive standalone casino property as well for having the longest infinity pool in the world.
As mentioned by Focus GN, the two Singapore operators reported their total revenue in 2019 was approximately US$3.35bn.
Aside from casinos, you can also visit other attractions, as listed by Touropia – Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Night Safari, Gardens by the Bay, Clarke Quay and the Orchard Road.
Photo: 7luck
- South Korea
Aside from music and K-drama, this beautiful land is an interesting place to visit, too! But here’s a warning – gambling in South Korea is illegal. Lawbreakers can face imprisonment when caught in the act. However, according to News Patrolling, tourists traveling in the country are free to gamble and visit all 23 casinos.
According to Focus GN, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has reported that South Korean casino revenue for the year 2021 was US$975.39m.
And while at it, you can personally see the places you only saw on TV series and films – Jeju Island, Gyeongju, Seoul, Suwon, Busan, Hwaseong, Gunsan, Gwangju, Chuncheon, Andong, Daegu and Gangneung.
There are many reasons why you would want to gamble. Perhaps, the number one reason is its entertainment value. You want to enjoy it, right?
So bet and live life by enjoying the sceneries. But if covid is a concern, you can also check online casinos. Oriental Game is a site you can explore. It has live dealer games, sports betting solutions and other related entertainment packages.
So, travel now! Or bet online!
Sources:
https://findingbeyond.com/2020/12/24/popular-countries-across-asia-passionate-gamblers/
https://gamblersdailydigest.com/gambling-capital-of-the-world/
https://theconversation.com/how-macau-became-the-worlds-casino-capital-108866
https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/macao-macau-mco.htm
https://www.planetware.com/malaysia/best-places-to-visit-in-malaysia-mal-1-6.htm
https://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-singapore/
https://handluggageonly.co.uk/2019/02/19/12-best-places-in-south-korea-to-visit/
https://www.worldcasinodirectory.com/malaysia
https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/bop/2018/pdf/18-23.pdf