It might surprise many in the US to know that Macau, China not Las Vegas, Nevada is the largest gaming capital in the world and that gambling is growing in Asia at the fastest pace in the world. Although governments in Asia enjoy the gambling revenues, they try to limit the social problems to tourists in remote areas of their countries.

Still officially frowned upon by most Asian governments, legalized gambling was not that much of a stretch for many of its citizens since Asia already had a big gaming market, most of which was illegal. Asia’s rise from poverty to the creation of consumers with cash to spend on entertainment has also been a driving force.

Macau and Hong Kong got a head start in gambling by having casinos under the Portuguese and the largest racetrack in terms of money wagered under British rule. When Hong Kong and Macau became Special Administrative

Regions of China, the People’s Republic of China pledged it would allow the capitalist systems there to continue and allowed its residents to travel there by dropping its travel restrictions.

By allowing the continuation of gambling in Macau and Hong Kong, it seems China hopes to have the best of both worlds. Jobs, tax revenue and economic growth from legal gambling isolated in its outer border regions and not on its mainland where gambling is still a sin punishable by death

Countries like Singapore see gambling as a way to increase tourism but they limit participation by those who cannot afford it with a $60 entrance.

South Korea has also expanded its casino market in an effort to compete with Macau and attract wealthy Japanese customers to its casinos around Seoul and its Jeju Island gambling paradise

“If 11 foreigners visit a casino, they will spend the equivalent of one exported car.” South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo noted.

While there are plenty of betting hubs for foreigners, only one South Korean casino allows local citizens to participate. However, since the casinos are difficult to reach, almost no foreigners make the effort and the only casino that is making money is the one the government allows local citizens to use.

Vietnam took this to the extreme by authorizing gambling in a remote northern village only reachable by miles of muddy roads. Since locals are not allowed to gamble, the casino stands empty.

In Malaysia, only gambling places controlled by the government are legal to those who are over the age of 16 and non-Muslim.

The Genting Highlands just outside Kuala Lumpur is the only legal, land-based casino in all of Malaysia, a hilltop complex only reachable by car or cable car.

At one time, there was talk of Cambodia becoming a new Macau. Ideally situated between Macau and casino development in Singapore, money poured in. Several offshore islands near Sihanoukville and Kampot were sold to developers, with plans for additional hotels and casinos.

However, early in 2009, the Prime Minister, Mr. Hun Sen, announced that all gambling outlets, bar the mega Naga casino in Phnom Penh, and others at chosen sites around the country, were to close forthwith, effectively banning any more growth.

The Philippines created about $69.58 million US in casino business early in 2011, all thanks to their gambling-favored laws that permit both traditional and online gambling establishments. This legalized gambling in Philippines not only attracted gamblers but also international investors to its economy, something the Philippines lacked. We haven also seen many other online gambling establishments such as Party Poker rise which may not necessarily be country specific.

Even though participation by Asians is being discouraged, gambling in Asia is spreading out as an industry in several countries gradually turning Asia into the hub of gambling tourism.

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