In a comprehensive ranking of Asian countries with the highest number of casinos, the Philippines has emerged as the leading gambling destination in the region, boasting a total of 79 casinos across the archipelago.
This positions the country ahead of other major players like Cambodia and Macau, according to data from the World Casino Directory.
Southeast Asia Leads the Pack
The Philippines’ dominance reflects the nation’s well-developed gambling infrastructure, bolstered by both local and international tourism. Integrated casino resorts such as Okada Manila, Solaire Resort & Casino, and City of Dreams have turned Manila into a regional gaming hub.
Following closely behind, Cambodia holds second place with 48 casinos, many of which are strategically located near its borders with Thailand and Vietnam to attract foreign gamblers. Macau, China, long considered Asia’s gambling capital, surprisingly ranks third with 47 casinos, a figure that underscores its focus on high-revenue, luxury gambling rather than volume.
Vietnam rounds out the top four with 40 casinos, reflecting the country’s ongoing liberalization of gambling regulations aimed at drawing more foreign investment and tourists.
Emerging and Established Players
Other significant markets include:
- South Korea (32 casinos), which maintains strict limitations on local participation,
- Japan (27), a relatively new entrant that legalized integrated resorts in recent years,
- India (21), where gambling is regulated at the state level with growing interest in Goa and Sikkim.
Even smaller nations such as Nepal (12 casinos) and Kazakhstan (11) have carved out a place in Asia’s gaming landscape, primarily attracting gamblers from neighboring regions.
The Bottom Tier
On the other end of the spectrum, East Timor features just one casino, while Armenia and Lebanon have two each. Despite their limited infrastructure, these countries reflect the broadening interest in casino gaming across Asia.
The rise of casino development across Asia, especially in Southeast Asia, signals a booming industry responding to rising middle-class incomes, relaxed regulations, and increasing tourism. While Macau remains iconic for high-stakes gambling, countries like the Philippines and Cambodia are setting new benchmarks in terms of accessibility and volume.
As gambling regulations continue to evolve, the regional race to attract both players and investors is far from over. The Philippines’ leading position in the number of casinos sets a strong precedent—and one that other nations may soon follow.
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Source: Vietnam Insider