When it comes to gambling, there are 2 sides in which Asian families stand. One side holds the stance that gambling is bad, the other side fully embracing it as part of the culture. My parents were on the latter and met because of a good old game known as Poker. As fate would have it, they got married and I was their first born.
So with this said, I thought I'd share a few interesting facts about the major Asian Gambling Markets (APAC), being that it's in my blood and all. :)
China (1.4BN population)
Singapore News - More Singapore residents are gambling, with those aged 18 to 29 showing the biggest jump, from 28 per cent in 2014 to 41 per cent last year. The study by the National Council on. The Tourism Statistics (Monthly Visitor Arrivals, Monthly Hotel Statistics, Annual Tourism Receipts, Annual Cruise Statistics) have been shifted to the Singapore Tourism Analytics Network (Stan) website. Explore Stan to find out more. The population of older adults (defined as persons aged 65 years and older) in Singapore has grown. While in 1965 they comprised 2.5% of the population, this proportion had increased to 11% in 2014 (Statistics Singapore Population Trends, 2014). Gambling activities also differ significantly in the cultural groups within this population. Singapore Casino Gambling Statistics are safe and trustworthy. By reading the article made by USA Casino Expert, you're going to become an advanced gambler. You're going to learn about the types of Australian gambling sites, how to choose a safe and secure casino, games on the website and gambling laws of Australia.
'Currently, China's Tencent will have an estimated 13 percent of the global $99 billion game business in 2016 with lots of room for major growth in the future of the industry. '
- 2016 Gaming revenues: $24.4Bn in China, USA $23.6Bn, Global 99.6Bn
- 740M Active Internet Users, 446.3M Gamers
- 157M spend money on games (payer-to-player ratio of 35%, which is below the 40% average of Asia Pacific)
- Since 2012, the Chinese mobile market has grown by over $2BN annually.
Expected ARPU mobile apps $0.55.
Macau (649,100 population)
'Macau almost two years of continuous declines in monthly gambling revenues but as of the beginning of 2016 have not continued to drop sharply and have stabilised with some reading that as the market finally bottoming out'
- Two-thirds Macau gambling revenues come from junket operators that bring VIP clients, mainly from China. China's crackdown on VIP junket operators catering to the mainland's wealthy has led to the severe downturn. Revenues for 2015 totaled just over $28 Billion, a 38 percent drop in only 24 months.
- 1 in 5 locals work in a casino (20% of population)
- Gaming mecca of APAC has 40 casinos, 8119 casino table games, 92 poker tables and 26,087 slot machines.
Taiwan (23.5M population)
'Opinions among Taiwan's residents are mixed when it comes to gambling, which is one reason why the government is acting extremely cautiously in moving forward. The other predominant factor is determining if tourism will increase with gambling venues. Taiwan possibly legalizing gambling is an important development due to its potential impact on Macau.'
- Gambling in Taiwan is regulated by strict laws
You can bet on the Taiwan Sports Lottery, the only source for legally betting sports but odds aren't on par with their online offerings so bettors prefer online gambling websites that offer Mahjong, baccarat, slots, Chinese chess, sports, casino and in-play gaming, and much better odds.
Hong Kong (7.5 Million population)
'I think HK is a good market for soft launch of apps or games that want to go international. It is a small market in terms of population and therefore it gives you quick feedback. Smartphone and mobile internet penetration is also very high. Most people are also bilingual so you can get away with just having the English version for certain apps and games, and can then decide to localize it fully after you get satisfactory metrics.'
- Horse racing has most spectators. Next in line include Football, Basketball, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Cycling, Running, Cricket, Dragon Boat Racing, and Rugby.
- 80% of the adult population here is said to have engaged in gambling
- Most of the gambling in Hong Kong is said to occur online, although there are a lot of land based options as well, both legal and otherwise.
- Mahjong is allowed to operate for RMG & 60+ mahjong clubs in operation in Hong Kong and they are licensed and regulated.
- Unlucky Numbers in Hong Kong include 1, 4 and 7.
Expected ARPU for HK social casino $1.09 on desktop. Double that for mobile iOS $2.15Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a horse racing operator and Hong Kong's largest community benefactor, operating as a not-for-profit organisation.
It holds a government-granted monopoly in providing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, the Mark Six lottery, and fixed odds betting on overseas football events. The organisation is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong, as well as the largest community benefactor. The HK Jockey Charities Trust donated a record HK$3.6 billion in 2014 to support the different needs of the society and contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong. The Club also proactively identifies, funds and develops projects which anticipate and address social issues and pressing needs in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club also provides dining, social, sport and recreation facilities to its approximately 23,000 members.
Noted The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC, Chinese name: 香港賽馬會)
Philippines (98.4 million population)
Two distinct regions for gambling purposes: 1. State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which operates all land-based and online casinos, bingo, sports betting, and betting establishments and is the sole authorized gambling operator in the country. Online casinos with the PAGCOR stamp are considered to be safe for players since that means that the casino has been verified and it operates within the law. 2. Cagayan Freeport, which is the only region in the Philippines that is not under PAGCOR monopoly
Singapore Gambling Statistics
- For companies looking to set up a gambling company in Asia, the Philippines is a very valuable gaming license to hold. The Philippine gaming industry is one of Asia's most freewheeling, attracting scores of online foreign companies over the last decade to set up servers aimed at overseas punters, and has lured investments of billions of dollars in casino resorts.
- According to Asia Gaming Brief, the Philippines is expected to be the fastest growing gaming jurisdiction in Asia, with the total size of the market predicted to reach $2.7 billion in 2015, from $2.05 billion registered in 2014.
August 2016: Until recently, Filipinos could gamble in licensed online cafes, as well as casinos, but President Rodrigo Duterte refused to renew the exclusive licence of the operator of more than 300 such cafes, PhilWeb Corp., after its permit expired on Aug 10, 2016.Duterte in a campaign to end the influence of big businesses and war on online gambling with PhilWeb, makers of supplier of electronic gambling software, the first to feel it's backlash, losing over 50% of it's share value in just a few days of crackdown. While many online gambling licences come from the Phillipines, the president said he would stop online gambling operations and ordered regulators to revoke all licenses 'soon'.Pagcor is also looking into the activities of the Philippines' special freeport zones that issue licenses to foreign online gaming firms. The Philippines is the base for most Asian international online gambling operators, who hold licenses issued by its Cagayan economic zone. These operators, forbidden to accept bets from locals, have been allowed to keep operating. 'It's business as normal for now and is unlikely to be targeted', industry executives and Pagcor said. 'We are there to bring in foreign tourists and foreign dollars'
Japan (127M population)
- Online gambling not allowed, strongly restricted & controlled but despite tight restrictions, sports betting and gambling are very popular. The government does not seem prevent people from accessing foreign gambling sites.
- Legally permitted gambling activities are lottery, scratch cards, pari-mutuel betting horse racing, bicycle and motorcycle racing, powerboat racing, and soccer toto wagers.
- There are no legal casinos in Japan but many pachinko parlours. Pachinko parlours are similar to arcade games found elsewhere in the world that are popular with adolescents playing games to win tickets and then redeeming them for prizes. Pachinko gambling is a big money business.
Singapore (5.4M population)
- Singapore has blocked hundreds of offshore gambling sites and it has become a criminal offense to gamble online on an unauthorized site.
- The traditionally uptight Asian city-state was in the news in 2011 to eclipse Las Vegas 2012 as the world's second largest gaming destination after lifting a decades-old ban on gambling and opening two new casinos last year. At the same time, the government has enacted regulations that make it difficult for Singaporeans to gamble. This sounds like a battle of sharehold for Asia's growing gaming tourism industry to allow gambling in Singapore.
Vietnam (89.7M population)
- Despite all forms of offline & online gambling, except state lottery, being illegal, international and local betting websites are easy to access and local authorities do not try to block them. Many online casinos including Bodog gaming sites accept Vietnamese currency and have localized UI.
- Gambling is widespread in Vietnam, despite being banned, and millions of dollars often change hands during football matches. In the mid 2000s, Vietnam's soccer betting market alone was estimated to be worth about $1 billion a year.
In March 2012, the Wall Street Journal reported: Vietnam is emerging as the latest Asian nation to loosen a straight-laced attitude to gambling, with the Finance Ministry saying it plans to legalize sports betting. The move, partly inspired by Singapore's success in reinventing itself as a casino hub in recent years, followed discussions about easing restrictions on gambling in other major markets, such as Japan, and underscored the speed with which the gambling world's center of gravity has shifted toward Asia.
South Korea (50M population)
- Gambling activities are illegal and it is a crime for Koreans to gamble outside the borders although some state controlled gambling activities are allowed, like horse racing, lottery and betting on some sports.
- Many online casinos/gaming sites internationally support easy payment options and have localized UI and language support.
- South Korea has 16 casinos where only tourist can enter. The only casino that allows South Koreans to gamble is Kangwon Land Resort & Casino, located in the northern part of the country.
Expected ARPU mobile iOS $2.36, Google $1.43 with RPGs having the strongest market share
Thailand (67M population)
- Gambling is regulated by multiple laws and though most of it is illegal Thailand offers 2 forms of legal gambling: horse races in Bangkok (which is usually addressed to high society) and the national lottery, which is a big deal all over the country and most people in the country can access.
Citizens of Thailand are able to play online and then visit personally the casinos from the neighboring countries to collect their money.
Malaysia (29.7M population)
- 60% Muslim population under Sharia law that forbids gambling. Some legal forms of gambling exists though such as Online gambling.
- Main gambling websites used by locals are licensed in Philippines and offer poker, casino games, sports, etc. and in Europe, which provide global coverage and a vast array of sports and casino games, like online slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette or live casino and poker.
- Other heavy Muslim Islamic law countries (Brunei, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bahrain, Middle East) also similar to Malaysia.
India (1.25BN population)
- Rapid growth in their gambling markets and is currently in top 5 fastest 2016 because of it's rise in economic middle class and growing adoption of internet access
- Cricket is the most bet on sport in India and most punters choose regional websites that provide easy payment options.
For more on APAC Gambling Markets, Game Design and Social Casino follow me on Twitter.
A decline in gaming revenues suggests that Singapore's casinos may have to look to other avenues for growth.
Sponsored Post
The Marina Bay Sands casino has become an iconic mainstay of the Singapore skyline. Moshe Safdie's 57-story structure is an architectural sensation. Three high-rise towers hold the 1.2-hectare SkyPark aloft, offering panoramic views over the city. But there are signs that not everything is as stable as it seems in Singapore's casino sector.
Singapore's evolution into a casino and resort destination
Rewind to the 1990s. Singapore had already carved out its status as one of Asia's tiger economies. Businessmen and women arrived in their droves each week. But few would have chosen the city-state as a holiday destination.
Singapore approached its tourism drive in the same way it approaches other social and economic challenges; with ruthless efficiency. It needed to give the businessmen and women a reason to stay.
In 2010, Genting Group opened its Resorts World Sentosa, a luxury casino and resort complex complete with a Universal Studios theme park. Ten weeks later, Las Vegas Sands opened Marina Bay Sands. The two resorts immediately gave visitors a reason to stick around.
The resorts injected cash and jobs into the city
Since 1997, international tourist arrivals have more than doubled. In 2017, 17.4 million tourists arrived in Singapore, tripling the city's population, and contributing to 4% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa played a central role in this uptick in tourist figures. In their first year in operation, the resorts reaped a combined US$5.1 billion in gambling revenue. They generated approximately 45,000 jobs, many of which came from the local work pool. Las Vegas Sands chairman, Sheldon Adelson, made a point of focusing recruitment drives on Singaporean talent.
The tides may be turning for Singapore's casinos
Recently, there have been indicators that Singapore's casinos may be heading for a financial wobble. In 2016, both the Resorts World Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands saw their revenues decline. The Marina Bay Sands posted revenue declines on a year-on-year basis for five consecutive quarters. The Resorts World Sentosa saw its downturn last for seven straight quarters.
Although revenues have recovered, Singapore is in the midst of a VIP player exodus. VIP players are gamblers who deposit more than S$10,000 (US$7,250). In Q4 of 2017, the Marina Bay Sands saw a 4% decline in VIP turnover, and almost a 3% decline in mass-market table revenue. The hotel occupancy rate also dropped by 2.5 points from the previous year, despite the average room rate falling by 1% on 2016 levels.
Las Vegas Sands president and chief operating officer, Robert Goldstein, said he was 'disappointed' at the drop in gaming revenues. He added, 'I don't see why there would be any catalyst in the near future to drive that'.
The picture at Resorts World Sentosa is similar. Net profits in Q2 of 2018 were up. However, earnings before interest, taxation, debt, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 8% year-on-year. Gaming revenue also fell by 8% from Q2 of 2017. Genting did not provide information on VIP revenues.
In 2016, gaming accounted for around 75% of the total revenue at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. If the casinos cannot reverse the decline, the profitability of both casinos could suffer.
What is behind the decline in gaming revenue?
Several factors have caused a decline in Singapore's gaming revenues. Firstly, regional rivals have emerged. South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines have relaxed gambling laws in recent years. The weaker dong and peso have attracted international visitors.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Filipino gaming industry expanded rapidly. It was worth just US$1 billion in 2012. By 2016, the industry was worth almost US$2.25 billion. The Philippines has capitalised on VIP gamblers from mainland China, who can call their bets into Manila's casinos by phone.
China (1.4BN population)
Singapore News - More Singapore residents are gambling, with those aged 18 to 29 showing the biggest jump, from 28 per cent in 2014 to 41 per cent last year. The study by the National Council on. The Tourism Statistics (Monthly Visitor Arrivals, Monthly Hotel Statistics, Annual Tourism Receipts, Annual Cruise Statistics) have been shifted to the Singapore Tourism Analytics Network (Stan) website. Explore Stan to find out more. The population of older adults (defined as persons aged 65 years and older) in Singapore has grown. While in 1965 they comprised 2.5% of the population, this proportion had increased to 11% in 2014 (Statistics Singapore Population Trends, 2014). Gambling activities also differ significantly in the cultural groups within this population. Singapore Casino Gambling Statistics are safe and trustworthy. By reading the article made by USA Casino Expert, you're going to become an advanced gambler. You're going to learn about the types of Australian gambling sites, how to choose a safe and secure casino, games on the website and gambling laws of Australia.
'Currently, China's Tencent will have an estimated 13 percent of the global $99 billion game business in 2016 with lots of room for major growth in the future of the industry. '
- 2016 Gaming revenues: $24.4Bn in China, USA $23.6Bn, Global 99.6Bn
- 740M Active Internet Users, 446.3M Gamers
- 157M spend money on games (payer-to-player ratio of 35%, which is below the 40% average of Asia Pacific)
- Since 2012, the Chinese mobile market has grown by over $2BN annually.
Expected ARPU mobile apps $0.55.
Macau (649,100 population)
'Macau almost two years of continuous declines in monthly gambling revenues but as of the beginning of 2016 have not continued to drop sharply and have stabilised with some reading that as the market finally bottoming out'
- Two-thirds Macau gambling revenues come from junket operators that bring VIP clients, mainly from China. China's crackdown on VIP junket operators catering to the mainland's wealthy has led to the severe downturn. Revenues for 2015 totaled just over $28 Billion, a 38 percent drop in only 24 months.
- 1 in 5 locals work in a casino (20% of population)
- Gaming mecca of APAC has 40 casinos, 8119 casino table games, 92 poker tables and 26,087 slot machines.
Taiwan (23.5M population)
'Opinions among Taiwan's residents are mixed when it comes to gambling, which is one reason why the government is acting extremely cautiously in moving forward. The other predominant factor is determining if tourism will increase with gambling venues. Taiwan possibly legalizing gambling is an important development due to its potential impact on Macau.'
- Gambling in Taiwan is regulated by strict laws
You can bet on the Taiwan Sports Lottery, the only source for legally betting sports but odds aren't on par with their online offerings so bettors prefer online gambling websites that offer Mahjong, baccarat, slots, Chinese chess, sports, casino and in-play gaming, and much better odds.
Hong Kong (7.5 Million population)
'I think HK is a good market for soft launch of apps or games that want to go international. It is a small market in terms of population and therefore it gives you quick feedback. Smartphone and mobile internet penetration is also very high. Most people are also bilingual so you can get away with just having the English version for certain apps and games, and can then decide to localize it fully after you get satisfactory metrics.'
- Horse racing has most spectators. Next in line include Football, Basketball, Swimming, Badminton, Table Tennis, Cycling, Running, Cricket, Dragon Boat Racing, and Rugby.
- 80% of the adult population here is said to have engaged in gambling
- Most of the gambling in Hong Kong is said to occur online, although there are a lot of land based options as well, both legal and otherwise.
- Mahjong is allowed to operate for RMG & 60+ mahjong clubs in operation in Hong Kong and they are licensed and regulated.
- Unlucky Numbers in Hong Kong include 1, 4 and 7.
Expected ARPU for HK social casino $1.09 on desktop. Double that for mobile iOS $2.15Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is a horse racing operator and Hong Kong's largest community benefactor, operating as a not-for-profit organisation.
It holds a government-granted monopoly in providing pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, the Mark Six lottery, and fixed odds betting on overseas football events. The organisation is the largest taxpayer in Hong Kong, as well as the largest community benefactor. The HK Jockey Charities Trust donated a record HK$3.6 billion in 2014 to support the different needs of the society and contribute to the betterment of Hong Kong. The Club also proactively identifies, funds and develops projects which anticipate and address social issues and pressing needs in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Jockey Club also provides dining, social, sport and recreation facilities to its approximately 23,000 members.
Noted The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC, Chinese name: 香港賽馬會)
Philippines (98.4 million population)
Two distinct regions for gambling purposes: 1. State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), which operates all land-based and online casinos, bingo, sports betting, and betting establishments and is the sole authorized gambling operator in the country. Online casinos with the PAGCOR stamp are considered to be safe for players since that means that the casino has been verified and it operates within the law. 2. Cagayan Freeport, which is the only region in the Philippines that is not under PAGCOR monopoly
Singapore Gambling Statistics
- For companies looking to set up a gambling company in Asia, the Philippines is a very valuable gaming license to hold. The Philippine gaming industry is one of Asia's most freewheeling, attracting scores of online foreign companies over the last decade to set up servers aimed at overseas punters, and has lured investments of billions of dollars in casino resorts.
- According to Asia Gaming Brief, the Philippines is expected to be the fastest growing gaming jurisdiction in Asia, with the total size of the market predicted to reach $2.7 billion in 2015, from $2.05 billion registered in 2014.
August 2016: Until recently, Filipinos could gamble in licensed online cafes, as well as casinos, but President Rodrigo Duterte refused to renew the exclusive licence of the operator of more than 300 such cafes, PhilWeb Corp., after its permit expired on Aug 10, 2016.Duterte in a campaign to end the influence of big businesses and war on online gambling with PhilWeb, makers of supplier of electronic gambling software, the first to feel it's backlash, losing over 50% of it's share value in just a few days of crackdown. While many online gambling licences come from the Phillipines, the president said he would stop online gambling operations and ordered regulators to revoke all licenses 'soon'.Pagcor is also looking into the activities of the Philippines' special freeport zones that issue licenses to foreign online gaming firms. The Philippines is the base for most Asian international online gambling operators, who hold licenses issued by its Cagayan economic zone. These operators, forbidden to accept bets from locals, have been allowed to keep operating. 'It's business as normal for now and is unlikely to be targeted', industry executives and Pagcor said. 'We are there to bring in foreign tourists and foreign dollars'
Japan (127M population)
- Online gambling not allowed, strongly restricted & controlled but despite tight restrictions, sports betting and gambling are very popular. The government does not seem prevent people from accessing foreign gambling sites.
- Legally permitted gambling activities are lottery, scratch cards, pari-mutuel betting horse racing, bicycle and motorcycle racing, powerboat racing, and soccer toto wagers.
- There are no legal casinos in Japan but many pachinko parlours. Pachinko parlours are similar to arcade games found elsewhere in the world that are popular with adolescents playing games to win tickets and then redeeming them for prizes. Pachinko gambling is a big money business.
Singapore (5.4M population)
- Singapore has blocked hundreds of offshore gambling sites and it has become a criminal offense to gamble online on an unauthorized site.
- The traditionally uptight Asian city-state was in the news in 2011 to eclipse Las Vegas 2012 as the world's second largest gaming destination after lifting a decades-old ban on gambling and opening two new casinos last year. At the same time, the government has enacted regulations that make it difficult for Singaporeans to gamble. This sounds like a battle of sharehold for Asia's growing gaming tourism industry to allow gambling in Singapore.
Vietnam (89.7M population)
- Despite all forms of offline & online gambling, except state lottery, being illegal, international and local betting websites are easy to access and local authorities do not try to block them. Many online casinos including Bodog gaming sites accept Vietnamese currency and have localized UI.
- Gambling is widespread in Vietnam, despite being banned, and millions of dollars often change hands during football matches. In the mid 2000s, Vietnam's soccer betting market alone was estimated to be worth about $1 billion a year.
In March 2012, the Wall Street Journal reported: Vietnam is emerging as the latest Asian nation to loosen a straight-laced attitude to gambling, with the Finance Ministry saying it plans to legalize sports betting. The move, partly inspired by Singapore's success in reinventing itself as a casino hub in recent years, followed discussions about easing restrictions on gambling in other major markets, such as Japan, and underscored the speed with which the gambling world's center of gravity has shifted toward Asia.
South Korea (50M population)
- Gambling activities are illegal and it is a crime for Koreans to gamble outside the borders although some state controlled gambling activities are allowed, like horse racing, lottery and betting on some sports.
- Many online casinos/gaming sites internationally support easy payment options and have localized UI and language support.
- South Korea has 16 casinos where only tourist can enter. The only casino that allows South Koreans to gamble is Kangwon Land Resort & Casino, located in the northern part of the country.
Expected ARPU mobile iOS $2.36, Google $1.43 with RPGs having the strongest market share
Thailand (67M population)
- Gambling is regulated by multiple laws and though most of it is illegal Thailand offers 2 forms of legal gambling: horse races in Bangkok (which is usually addressed to high society) and the national lottery, which is a big deal all over the country and most people in the country can access.
Citizens of Thailand are able to play online and then visit personally the casinos from the neighboring countries to collect their money.
Malaysia (29.7M population)
- 60% Muslim population under Sharia law that forbids gambling. Some legal forms of gambling exists though such as Online gambling.
- Main gambling websites used by locals are licensed in Philippines and offer poker, casino games, sports, etc. and in Europe, which provide global coverage and a vast array of sports and casino games, like online slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette or live casino and poker.
- Other heavy Muslim Islamic law countries (Brunei, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bahrain, Middle East) also similar to Malaysia.
India (1.25BN population)
- Rapid growth in their gambling markets and is currently in top 5 fastest 2016 because of it's rise in economic middle class and growing adoption of internet access
- Cricket is the most bet on sport in India and most punters choose regional websites that provide easy payment options.
For more on APAC Gambling Markets, Game Design and Social Casino follow me on Twitter.
A decline in gaming revenues suggests that Singapore's casinos may have to look to other avenues for growth.
Sponsored Post
The Marina Bay Sands casino has become an iconic mainstay of the Singapore skyline. Moshe Safdie's 57-story structure is an architectural sensation. Three high-rise towers hold the 1.2-hectare SkyPark aloft, offering panoramic views over the city. But there are signs that not everything is as stable as it seems in Singapore's casino sector.
Singapore's evolution into a casino and resort destination
Rewind to the 1990s. Singapore had already carved out its status as one of Asia's tiger economies. Businessmen and women arrived in their droves each week. But few would have chosen the city-state as a holiday destination.
Singapore approached its tourism drive in the same way it approaches other social and economic challenges; with ruthless efficiency. It needed to give the businessmen and women a reason to stay.
In 2010, Genting Group opened its Resorts World Sentosa, a luxury casino and resort complex complete with a Universal Studios theme park. Ten weeks later, Las Vegas Sands opened Marina Bay Sands. The two resorts immediately gave visitors a reason to stick around.
The resorts injected cash and jobs into the city
Since 1997, international tourist arrivals have more than doubled. In 2017, 17.4 million tourists arrived in Singapore, tripling the city's population, and contributing to 4% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa played a central role in this uptick in tourist figures. In their first year in operation, the resorts reaped a combined US$5.1 billion in gambling revenue. They generated approximately 45,000 jobs, many of which came from the local work pool. Las Vegas Sands chairman, Sheldon Adelson, made a point of focusing recruitment drives on Singaporean talent.
The tides may be turning for Singapore's casinos
Recently, there have been indicators that Singapore's casinos may be heading for a financial wobble. In 2016, both the Resorts World Sentosa and the Marina Bay Sands saw their revenues decline. The Marina Bay Sands posted revenue declines on a year-on-year basis for five consecutive quarters. The Resorts World Sentosa saw its downturn last for seven straight quarters.
Although revenues have recovered, Singapore is in the midst of a VIP player exodus. VIP players are gamblers who deposit more than S$10,000 (US$7,250). In Q4 of 2017, the Marina Bay Sands saw a 4% decline in VIP turnover, and almost a 3% decline in mass-market table revenue. The hotel occupancy rate also dropped by 2.5 points from the previous year, despite the average room rate falling by 1% on 2016 levels.
Las Vegas Sands president and chief operating officer, Robert Goldstein, said he was 'disappointed' at the drop in gaming revenues. He added, 'I don't see why there would be any catalyst in the near future to drive that'.
The picture at Resorts World Sentosa is similar. Net profits in Q2 of 2018 were up. However, earnings before interest, taxation, debt, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell by 8% year-on-year. Gaming revenue also fell by 8% from Q2 of 2017. Genting did not provide information on VIP revenues.
In 2016, gaming accounted for around 75% of the total revenue at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. If the casinos cannot reverse the decline, the profitability of both casinos could suffer.
What is behind the decline in gaming revenue?
Several factors have caused a decline in Singapore's gaming revenues. Firstly, regional rivals have emerged. South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines have relaxed gambling laws in recent years. The weaker dong and peso have attracted international visitors.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Filipino gaming industry expanded rapidly. It was worth just US$1 billion in 2012. By 2016, the industry was worth almost US$2.25 billion. The Philippines has capitalised on VIP gamblers from mainland China, who can call their bets into Manila's casinos by phone.
The rise of gambling apps has also led to a decline in gamblers using brick and mortar casinos. Their convenience is a major draw for the local population, particularly as Singaporeans still have to pay S$100 (US$73) to visit a casino.
What does the future hold for Singapore's casinos?
As Goldstein pointed out, there is no catalyst on the horizon to bring gaming revenues back to their former heights. Although the government blocks many international gambling sites, apps continue to allow local players to gamble online. As long as players can use apps for free, the casinos will have little luck enticing local Singaporeans to their tables.
For international arrivals, those hoping to travel explicitly to gamble are far more likely to visit the Philippines due to the weaker currency.
Online Gambling Singapore Statistics
Singapore's tourist numbers offer a glimmer of hope. They continue to climb. 2017 numbers were up 6% on 2016 figures. This may not mean more players at the tables, but it will mean more visitors to the shows, restaurants, SkyPark, and Universal Studios.
The casinos are not going anywhere any time soon. But don't be surprised if Las Vegas Sands and Genting intensify their efforts to diversify their income streams.
Marina Bay Sands and the Resorts World Sentosa have successfully woven their way into the fabric of Singapore's tourism industry. They helped build the tourism sector into the vast US$26.8 billion industry it is today.
Providing visitor numbers continue to climb; the two resorts will continue to post healthy revenues, even if their gambling revenues continue to drop. The curtain may be creeping down on Singapore's brick and mortar gambling sector, but there is no shortage of opportunities to capitalise on its booming tourism industry.
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