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Asia is the biggest and most populated continent on planet earth. It also has several countries with different cultures and regulations that affect its approach to gambling. With over 40 countries, it is expected that there will be differences in terms of how they approach gambling despite being one of the largest gambling markets in the world. While many of the Muslim Asian countries have banned gambling, many of the non-Muslim countries have strict to moderate laws in gambling although most have none on online casinos.
With the development of technology and the popularity of mobile devices, online casinos are taking away customers from most brick-and-mortar casinos. This is opening up the world of casinos to many Asians who are limited by laws and lack of casino infrastructure in their own countries. Despite the grey area around casino regulations, there are some Asian countries popular for gambling. Here is a sneak peek.
Japan
One of the countries where gambling is gaining fame is Japan. Despite its strict ban on gambling, Japan has one of the most lucrative gambling games in the world, Pachinko. Players have spent close to $200 billion on Pachinko in Japan while boasting about 9 million players. Also on the horizon, Japan has commissioned the construction of three integrated resorts which the cities of Wakayama Prefecture, Nagasaki Prefecture, Osaka Prefecture and the city of Osaka and Yokohama are potential candidates. Some types of betting are legal such as sports betting, scratch cards and lottery. Despite its history with gambling, Japan is slowly opening up to the fun, entertainment and revenue it could bring to them. Technology has really ramped up in the country, and some of the most popular online casinos can be found here.
Macau
As an autonomous area in China, Macau has been able to develop into the gambling capital in the world even overtaking the popular Las Vegas in the US. it is obvious on site that the city is devoted to gambling with several options of grand casinos including The Parisian Macau, the Venetian, The Grand Lisboa and the MGM. Each casino offers a unique cultural experience with a variety of options beyond gambling such as resorts. Most popular for these resorts is the islands Cotai Strip. Despite Macau’s popularity in the casino world, other Asian countries are vying for the top spot.
The Philippines
When people think of the Philippines, they imagine a vacation spot. But that is not all it has to offer. Philippines is seeing a booming gambling culture that is stealing some shine from Macau. It boasts some modern mega casinos such as Resorts World Manila located in the capital, Manila. It is the original integrated casino offering shopping centres, entertainment options and top of the range dining. While at the resort, you have access to 300 live tables and 1500 gambling machines. It would not be a complete city destination without some other casinos. These include Solaire resort, Resorts World Bayshore and Hyatt Regency Manila.
Singapore
This is a strange contender because it has just two casinos compared to Philippines 20 plus casinos and Macau’s 38 plus casinos. Even with a hefty ban, sixty percent of its gamblers are Singaporeans. That says something, doesn’t it? The casinos stand out for their luxurious offerings that have it ranked among the top 10 casino destinations. The most popular casino is the Marina Bay Sands built in 2010. It has 700 gambling tables, 2500 gaming machines, a shopping mall, theatres and the Sky Park platform. The other mention is the Resorts World Sentosa Casino on Sentosa island with 500 gaming tables, a waterpark and aquarium.
South Korea
Another country where casinos are illegal for citizens is South Korea. as a giant in technology, it is expected that they boast great tech-based gaming machines and gambling tables. The Grand Walkerhill Casino in Seoul is the most popular casino with many several gaming machines offerings. Most other casinos are modest given the illegality for locals.
Conclusion
Asian countries have mixed feelings about gambling but are slowly becoming more liberal in their approach to the gambling world. Many popular casinos are found in Asia and for the gambling enthusiast, this is an obvious destination given all the options. Even without the gambling, there are lots of other options to keep you entertained.
