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International Cooperation and Advanced Technologies Essential for Tackling Illegal Gambling: Research

There is a need for a multifaceted strategy, robust regulatory frameworks, advanced technological interventions, and international cooperation to address the complexities of illegal gambling, a recent criminology research report shows.

Illegal gambling is a significant problem globally, with estimates suggesting that it generates hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue each year. The lack of effective regulation and enforcement has created an environment where illegal gambling operators can flourish, often at the expense of law-abiding businesses and individuals.

The research highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling illegal gambling. This includes sharing intelligence and best practices across borders, as well as working together to develop and implement effective regulatory frameworks.

Casino Business Booming in ASEAN

When talking about gambling in Asia, the first place that usually springs to mind is Macau – also dubbed the Monte Carlo of the Orient – and it is with good reason. Often regarded as the gambling capital of the world, taxes from its casinos make up over 80 percent of the government's revenue. However, Macau's reputation as Asia's premier gambling destination could be under threat soon considering the booming gambling industry that's developing in Southeast Asia.

The gambling industry in Southeast Asia has been on the rise in the past decade. Casinos are mushrooming throughout the region with at least three planned in Vietnam and two in the Philippines. Existing casinos in the region are also seeing steady growth in revenue.

Perhaps the best-known gambling hub in Southeast Asia today is Singapore. While there are heavy restrictions on locals to enter and gamble at the casino, the tables at the Marina Bay Sands continue to be a top draw for tourists. Last week, Marina Bay Sands stated it wanted to hire an additional 1,000 workers by the end of the year.

Fastest-Growing Casino Hub

The Philippines is currently among the fastest-growing casino hubs in Asia. Despite an attack on a Manila casino in 2017 which killed 36 people, the Philippines still recorded a 7.6 percent increase in revenue for that year. Its casinos earned US$3.6 billion last year, a 22.9 percent increase on their 2017 performance.

The main gambling hub in the Philippines is also known as Entertainment City, where integrated resorts (resorts that integrate features such as convention facilities, theme parks, and casinos) like the City of Dreams Manila, Solaire Resort & Casino and Genting's Resorts World Bayshore are the main attractions.

Vietnam: A New Frontier

In Vietnam, the government there recently overturned a ruling which outlawed gaming for their local population. Besides that, casinos are among the projects planned for Vietnam's Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Phu Quoc and Van Don. These projects are expected to lead a wave of casino investment in the country. One of Vietnam's biggest ongoing casino projects is the US$4 billion Ho Tram Strip project. Upon completion, the Grand Ho Tram Strip will include five integrated resorts and a golf course.

Main Drivers of Investment

Among the main drivers of investment in casinos and integrated resorts is the growing number of Chinese tourists in the region, who make up the bulk of visitors to these casinos and resorts. With the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) well underway, accessibility to different parts of Southeast Asia is increasing. This is why Vietnam is planning to develop Phu Quoc and Van Don into a gambling hub, due to their proximity to China.

Even small casino cities such as Sihanoukville in Cambodia are thriving with property prices ballooning due to the growing number of Chinese visitors. Last month, Malaysian hotel operator WA Hospitality signed an agreement to operate the Won Majestic Casino Hotel & Resort in Sihanoukville. The property is currently under development and is slated to open in the first quarter of 2021. When completed, the complex will feature a five-star hotel, 270 apartment units, 313 grade A offices, retail spaces, a 2,500-square-metre casino, and food and beverage outlets.

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