The Best Destinations in Asia For Avid Gamblers

Asia is a vast continent with so much history and culture you could spend a lifetime and never see all the inspiring wonders that Asia has to offer. With the amazing architecture of the Taj Mahal in India to the stunning Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the perfectly clear water beaches of Thailand, the Highlands of Malaysia and Vietnam, and the delicious and cheap street food of the region, Asia has something for everybody. There are many reasons why young and old choose to visit Asia year after year, and now there is a new reason, gambling. With casinos, both land based and on water, during your trip you can still find time between visiting temples and relaxing by the sea, to go to one of the many and luxurious casinos Asia now has to offer.

For years the region didn’t have much to offer in terms of gambling opportunities, now that is changing. India and Macau are at the forefront of casino development and other countries are trying to catch up and develop their own lucrative gambling scene. If you have been to Las Vegas or Monte Carlo too many times and are looking for something new and exciting, then Asia should be your next gambling destination. All the casinos have the same games you are used to playing, such as slots, card games, and roulette, many have Asian origin games that you can learn and test yourself playing. Below is a list of some of the best destinations you can gamble in Asia.

An Up And Coming Gambling Destination – India

Within India, there is a growing gambling industry that if it is allowed to flourish will have the potential to be one of the largest gambling markets in the world. Currently, there are only 3 states that allow casinos, Goa, Daman, and Sikkim. Goa has the most casinos with 10 fully registered legal casinos, 6 are land based and 4 are floating casinos that ply the Mandovi River. Daman recently opened its first land based casino with investors Deltin Group looking to expand within the Union Territory. Sikkim also boasts 2 casinos with a view to allowing more to open in the future.

There are strong views on gambling in India, many in favor and many opposed, it is safe to say that the debate will continue but with so much money at stake, especially with online casino gambling being so popular, it is hard not to see other states following the lead of the first three. You can visit India all year round, enjoying the beaches of Goa and the mountains in Sikkim bordering Bhutan. India has it all, and now you can visit a casino and take a break from sightseeing for the evening to play your favorite casino games.

Macau, China The New Gambling Capital of The World

If you are unfamiliar with Macau you should be, Macau has overtaken Las Vegas, Nevada to become the most lucrative gambling hub in the world. Whilst Las Vegas boasts 144 casinos, the city has an annual GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue) of $6.4 billion USD, one third of which comes directly from casinos. Macau as of 2019, had 41 legally registered casinos in a much more confined space, yet generates $28.04 billion USD, making over four times that of Las Vegas. With nearly half of the customers coming from mainland China, where there has been an economic boom for the last 20 years, many Chinese are happy to take a trip to Macau and spend their time and money gambling.

But Macau has more to offer than just gambling. Until 1999 Macau was administered by Portugal until its handover to mainland China, the influence of Portuguese architecture is evident throughout the city. The Ruins of St. Paul’s cathedral is one of the main tourist draws in the city. Senado Square (Senate Square) is where most people start their sightseeing, a historic pedestrian friendly place in the heart of Macau with some of the finest Portuguese and European buildings in all of Asia. There are many tourist friendly places to visit in Macau and most are fairly close to each other and can be visited without transport.

The Philippines a Country That Has It All

Located in Southeast Asia the Philippines is a fantastic holiday destination, with golden sandy beaches, coral reefs teeming with aquatic life, jungles, and highlands for trekking there is something for everybody to enjoy. And now fast becoming one of Asia’s most visited places to gamble. Casino and hotel complexes such as the huge Resorts World Casino in Manila and the Solaire Resort are now attracting visitors who normally try their luck in Macau. Two other casinos have also sprung up in Manila, the Hyatt Regency Manila, and the opulent Resorts World Bayshore, which are great places to stay for vacation and play the tables or slots until the early morning.

Countries in Asia Where Gambling is Illegal

There are still countries in Asia where gambling is either heavily restricted or completely banned, the reasons for this include religion or social taboos regarding gambling, although it is still possible to use sites for your gambling pleasure. The following are countries that you should visit in your lifetime, just not for gambling purposes.

• Singapore: The city state of Singapore does have a national lottery, although land based sports betting establishments are illegal. Walk-in casinos are permitted and the Marina Bay Sands is the most popular.

• Cambodia: A country that has had problems with gambling in the past, the solution the authorities have decided upon is to ban gambling for its citizens, the same as Singapore state lotteries are the only legal way for residents to gamble. The country does have many casinos, but only allows entry to foreigners.

• Qatar: This small wealthy country has a full ban on gambling, lotteries are banned also. But many people do still gamble online using sites based in other countries using VPN technology.

• North Korea: All gambling activities are banned by the government, anything that seems like western decadence is forbidden. Although just like Cambodia visitors are allowed to gamble.

Many other countries in Asia, mostly Islamic states, have banned gambling for their citizens. Underground casinos exist but it is not recommended that you visit any, or you may have a longer and more expensive holiday than you planned, courtesy of the police and courts.

Summary

Other countries in Asia do allow gambling, but you should check local laws and regulations before deciding to visit them if your reason for going is to gamble.