In this article, we look at the 20 Biggest Gambling Countries in Asia.
Asia-Pacific Gambling Market
The gambling market in the Asia Pacific region depends on regulatory framework, tourism, and local demand. In particular, casinos in Macau, Singapore, and the Philippines are heavily dependent on tourism and attract gamblers from all around the world. You can also take a look at the 20 Biggest Gambling Cities in the World. Macau is often referred to as the gambling capital of Asia and has always been an attraction for gamblers in China. The gambling market includes live casino, baccarat, blackjack, poker, slots, and other casino games. The gambling industry contributes to the local economy through taxes, tourism spending, and community development. Most of the casinos are integrated into hotels, resorts, restaurants, retail shops, cruise ships, and other tourist attractions.
Online Gambling Market
According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the online gambling market is estimated at $93.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44% to reach $153.21 billion by 2029. The rise in mobile phone usage, internet, and online payment gateways has significantly increased access to online gambling services. About 71.6% of players prefer mobile gambling. Additionally, technological advancements like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are enhancing the online gambling experience. Key companies such as DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) lead the market and compete on various factors, including its offering, the quality of gambling content, user experience, brand equity, personalized payoffs, and platform accessibility. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) is a vertically integrated sports betting company that offers a range of products including gambling and digital media. DraftKings Sportsbook operates mobile and retail sports betting in the United States and Canada. The company also runs iGaming under the DraftKings brand. Additionally, DraftKings now also owns Jackpocket, a leading digital lottery app that offers daily fantasy sports in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. You can also take a look at the 15 Best Gambling Stocks to Buy Now.
For the three months ending March 31, 2024, DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) reported revenue of $1.17 billion, marking a 53% increase year over year. The growth was primarily driven by promotion, strong customer engagement, acquisition of new customers, and the expansion into new jurisdictions. Monthly Unique Payers (MUPs) increased by 23% to 3.4 million and average revenue per MUP increased by 25% to $114 compared to the previous quarter. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) has $1.2 billion cash and expects to generate over $400 million of free cash flow in 2024, revenue for the financial year 2024 is forecasted between $4.8 billion to $5.0 billion with year-over-year growth of 31% to 36%. The company is expanding its market rapidly, following the launch of its Sportsbook in North Carolina on March 11, 2024, the company now offers mobile sports betting in 25 states, covering approximately 49% of the U.S. population. Commenting on financial results Jason Robins, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) said:
“DraftKings’ performance in the first quarter of 2024 was outstanding, reflecting healthy revenue growth and a scaled fixed cost structure that positions us to drive rapidly improving Adjusted EBITDA. We successfully launched our online sportsbook in Vermont and North Carolina with highly efficient customer acquisition. Looking ahead, we remain committed to maximizing shareholder value through continued innovation, operational excellence and disciplined capital allocation.”
On May 23, DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) completed its acquisition of Jackpocket Inc., one of the leading digital lottery apps in the United States known for its innovative digital lottery services, technology infrastructure, and strong brand presence. DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) is focused on integrating Jackpocket into its operations and leveraging its customers to engaging real-money gambling offerings. The acquisition also empowers DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) to integrate the U.S. lottery market and enhance customer lifetime value. Commenting on the event Jason Robins, CEO and Co-founder of DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ:DKNG) said:
“Today we are announcing the completion of our acquisition of Jackpocket and the commencement of our value creation plan. We are well-prepared to quickly launch cross-sell programs, further improve customer acquisition efficiency, and continue to innovate and differentiate with our overall product portfolio for our customers. We look forward to continuing to deliver enhanced value to our customers and shareholders as we integrate Jackpocket into the DraftKings ecosystem.”
The gambling market in the Asia Pacific region is poised for significant growth, driven by a robust regulatory framework, thriving tourism, and strong local demand. However, the surge in mobile phone usage, internet access, and online payment gateways has further propelled the online gambling sector, with innovative technologies. With that in context let’s take a look at the 20 biggest gambling countries in Asia.
Pixabay/Public Domain
Our Methodology
To compile our list of the 20 biggest gambling countries in Asia, we consulted the World Casino Directory database. We considered the number of casinos and the number of casino hotels as our primary metrics to determine the biggest gambling countries in Asia. We prioritized the number of casinos for our rankings and, where the number of casinos for two countries were the same, we used the number of casino hotels as the tiebreaker. The countries are ranked in ascending order of the number of casinos they have.
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20 Biggest Gambling Countries in Asia
20. Turkmenistan
Number of Casinos: 1
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia permits legal gambling. Florida Club & British Pub Casino is the only casino located in Ashgabat the capital and the largest city of Turkmenistan. The casino is a full-service entertainment center and also includes a pub, restaurant, and dance hall.
19. Lebanon
Number of Casinos: 2
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
Lebanon, also known as the Switzerland of the Middle East, allows legal gambling. There are two casino establishments in Lebanon. Beirut is the largest gambling city in Lebanon, hosting the largest casino in the country called Casino du Liban, located in Maameltein. The casino has 56 table games, 6 poker tables, and 423 gaming and video poker machines.
18. North Korea
Number of Casinos: 2
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
Although gambling is prohibited for North Korean citizens, two casinos exist in North Korea for the Chinese tourist market – the Imperial Hotel & Casino in Rason and the Pyongyang Casino in the Yanggakdo International Hotel in Pyongyang.
17. Armenia
Number of Casinos: 2
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
Gambling options in Armenia are limited to casinos. Yerevan the capital, has 2 casinos called Shangri La Yerevan and X.O. Club that offer 12 table games and 85 gaming, slot, and video poker machines. Armenia’s gambling market is steadily growing and is attracting both locals and tourists alike.
16. Laos
Number of Casinos: 3
Number of Casino Hotels: 1
The casinos in Laos are often part of larger hotel and resort complexes, providing a full range of entertainment options. Despite its small size, the gambling market in Laos attracts visitors from neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Thailand. Laos has 3 casinos and 1 casino hotel. The Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort Casino is located about 60 km north of Vientiane and the Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino in Savannakhet Province near the Thai border are some of the most popular casinos in Laos.
15. Myanmar
Number of Casinos: 5
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
Myanmar’s gambling market is emerging, although gambling is legal in Myanmar most of the casinos are located in border areas to attract foreign visitors from Thailand and China, where it is not legal to gamble. There are 5 casinos in Myanmar and they offer games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. Treasure Island Resort & Casino located in Kawthaung is the largest casino in Myanmar and has 22 table games and 150 gaming and video poker machines.
14. Malaysia
Number of Casinos: 5
Number of Casino Hotels: 7
Malaysia’s largest casino, Resorts World Genting, also known as Casino de Genting, is a mountaintop casino resort complex around 30 miles from Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia’s gambling market is centered around the Genting Highlands and includes hotels, theme parks, and entertainment facilities. Malaysia has 5 casinos and 7 casino hotels.
13. Sri Lanka
Number of Casinos: 8
Number of Casino Hotels: 2
Sri Lanka has 9 casinos and 2 hotel casinos and its gambling market is developing rapidly. The casinos are primarily located in Colombo and offer a range of gaming options. The largest casino in Sri Lanka is Casino Marina Colombo which is located in Colombo.
12. Georgia
Number of Casinos: 10
Number of Casino Hotels: 9
Georgia, located in Central Asia, has legalized gambling. There are two cities with gambling facilities, offering a total of 10 casinos and 9 hotel casinos. Batumi is the largest gambling city in Georgia and has 5 gambling facilities whereas the largest casino in the country is Casino Adjara, situated in Tbilisi, which has 50 table games and 295 gaming and video poker machines.
11. Singapore
Number of Casinos: 10
Number of Casino Hotels: 9
Singapore’s gambling industry began with the launch of Singapore Pools in 1968 to combat illegal gambling. Singapore’s gambling market is known for its two large integrated resorts: Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa which contribute significantly to the country’s tourism and economy. There are 10 casinos and 9 casino hotels in Singapore.
10. Kazakhstan
Number of Casinos: 12
Number of Casino Hotels: 2
Kazakhstan has 12 casinos and 2 hotel casinos spread across six major cities. Kapchagay is the largest gambling city in Kazakhstan and has seven gambling facilities. The country’s largest casino, Kazino Tornado777 features 18 table games and 180 gaming and video poker machines. Some of the popular gambling centers in Kazakhstan include international hotels such as Swissotel, Ritz-Carlton, Royal Tulip, InterContinental, Hilton, Ramada, and Ibis.
9. Nepal
Number of Casinos: 12
Number of Casino Hotels: 9
Nepal’s first casino opened in 1968 and it currently has 12 casinos and 9 hotel casinos. Kathmandu has 9 gambling facilities and is the largest gambling city in Nepal. However the largest casino in Nepal, the Tiger Palace Resort is located in Bhairahawa. Silver Heritage and Millionaire’s Club are some of the most popular casinos in Nepal.
8. Russia
Number of Casinos: 18
Number of Casino Hotels: 4
Russia allows gambling and there are 18 casinos and 4 casino hotels in Russia. There are 9 cities with gambling facilities in Russia that have casinos, and horseracing tracks. Vladivostok is the largest gambling city with 8 gambling facilities, Selena World Resort & Casino is the largest casino in Russia and is also located in Vladivostok.
7. India
Number of Casinos: 20
Number of Casino Hotels: 16
India’s gambling market is diverse, with casinos primarily located in states such as Goa and Sikkim where gambling is legal. India has 20 casinos and 16 hotel casinos spread across 10 cities. Panaji in Goa has 6 casinos and is one of the largest gambling cities in India. The largest casino in India is Deltin Daman Casino, located in Daman in Gujrat. The government has highly regulated the gambling industry which attracts both residents and international tourists.
6. Japan
Number of Casinos: 26
Number of Casino Hotels: 0
The gambling market in Japan aims to attract both residents and international tourists. Japan has 26 casinos. Nagasaki Casino located in Nagasaki is the largest casino in Japan and has 220 table games and 2,200 machines. Funabashi is the largest gambling city in Japan and has two gambling facilities.
5. South Korea
Number of Casinos: 32
Number of Casino Hotels: 31
South Korea legalized gambling for foreigners and opened its first casino, Incheon Olympos Hotel Casino in 1967. South Korea’s gambling market is well-developed and has 32 casinos and 31 casino hotels primarily located in major cities and tourist areas. Casinos in South Korea offer a range of gaming options and attract both local and international visitors.
4. Vietnam
Number of Casinos: 40
Number of Casino Hotels: 29
Casinos in Vietnam are currently only accessible to foreign tourists and expatriates as Vietnamese citizens are banned from entering most casinos in the country. However, VA casino in Phu Quoc Island is the only gambling establishment in the country that allows Vietnamese gamblers. The gambling industry is progressing rapidly and several large-scale projects have been initiated over the years. The country has 40 casinos and 29 casino hotels, The Grand Ho Tram is the largest casino in the country and has over 100,000 square feet of gaming space and a five-star resort. Crown International Games Club in Danang is also a popular site for wealthy Chinese gamblers.
3. Macau
Number of Casinos: 47
Number of Casino Hotels: 59
Macau’s gambling market is one of the largest and most renowned in the world and attracts over 30 million high rollers and tourists annually with approximately two-thirds coming from mainland China, and about one-fourth from Hong Kong and Taiwan. Macau has 47 casinos and 59 casino hotels. The casinos are part of large integrated resorts that include hotels, shopping, and entertainment venues and the government ensures that the gambling industry operates within a controlled and safe environment. The gambling market in Macau significantly contributes to the local economy through tourism and gaming revenue.
2. Cambodia
Number of Casinos: 52
Number of Casino Hotels: 17
Cambodia allows gambling for foreign visitors but it is illegal for local citizens however, the law is loosely enforced. The first license was granted to NagaWorld in 1994 which is now the country’s largest casino, with over 75,000 square feet of gambling space, about 1,000 gaming machines, and nearly 200 table games. Most of the casinos in Cambodia are located in border cities where Thai and Vietnamese citizens cross into the country to play. Cambodia’s gambling sector includes 52 casinos and 17 casino hotels.
1. Philippines
Number of Casinos: 76
Number of Casino Hotels: 66
The Philippines’ gambling market is one of the largest in Asia. Gambling has been legal in the Philippines since 1976 and has been experiencing rapid growth. Prominent casinos in the Philippines include Resorts World Manila which is located near the Manila International Airport and was the first integrated casino resort in the Philippines. Other major casinos are located in Entertainment City on Manila Bay in Manila City. With 76 casinos and 66 casino hotels, the Philippines has a robust gambling infrastructure that significantly boosts the local economy through tax revenues and local employment.
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