Tourism

New Zealand’s casino industry is entering a phase of strategic expansion, supported by rising tourist arrivals, renewed investment in entertainment complexes, and the accelerating shift toward digital gaming platforms. Operators are focusing on enhancing customer experiences, upgrading gaming floors, and integrating hospitality offerings to attract high-value visitors. Regulatory authorities, meanwhile, continue to reinforce responsible-gambling frameworks to address the risks associated with increased participation.

Vietnam’s tourism sector is experiencing an exceptional rebound, setting new visitor records and prompting renewed confidence across the nation’s casino industry. As international arrivals climb to their highest levels since the pandemic, integrated resorts and gaming operators are reporting improved occupancy, stronger footfall, and higher average spending. The tourism revival is also attracting new investment interest, with market analysts revising outlooks for 2026 and beyond.

Border casinos are emerging as powerful tourism magnets, drawing thousands of visitors seeking entertainment, nightlife, and the allure of high-stakes gambling. However, alongside rising footfall and economic gains, these gaming hubs are facing mounting challenges—from the use of fake IDs and regulatory breaches to a noticeable uptick in criminal activity. Authorities are growing increasingly concerned as casinos struggle to balance profit with compliance, security, and community safety.

New Zealand’s casino industry is entering a decisive phase as regulatory reforms and expanding tourism converge to reshape its long-term prospects. The government’s emphasis on responsible gambling, transparent operations, and rigorous compliance standards is prompting casino operators to modernize their systems and adopt more accountable practices. Simultaneously, the steady rise in international visitors—driven by leisure travel, conferences, and luxury tourism—is creating new revenue opportunities.

Jeju’s casino industry is grappling with mounting competitive pressure as visitor patterns shift and rival destinations across Asia upgrade their gaming and tourism offerings. Industry analysts warn that the island’s eight foreigner-only casinos are losing ground due to limited diversification, outdated infrastructure in some properties, and escalating regional competition. Experts are urging a strategic overhaul focused on modernizing facilities, expanding integrated resort elements, and enhancing global marketing efforts.

India’s casino industry, though limited to select regions, has grown into a meaningful contributor to local economies. Legal casinos in states such as Goa and Sikkim have spurred tourism, supported thousands of jobs, and generated significant tax revenue. Their presence has transformed certain coastal and hill destinations into entertainment-driven economic hubs. At the same time, regulatory clarity and state-specific policies determine how effectively these casinos can stimulate growth.

China’s casino tourism market has experienced a turbulent yet transformative decade marked by rapid expansion, sharp decline, and a measured recovery. Macau—the core of China’s gaming ecosystem—saw unprecedented growth early in the decade, fueled by rising disposable incomes and a booming VIP sector. However, regulatory tightening, anti-corruption measures, capital controls, and global disruptions led to significant downturns. In recent years, the region has rebounded, driven by a diversified tourism strategy, mass-market players, and supportive economic policies.

Sri Lanka’s casino sector has emerged as a critical driver of tourism-led economic growth, attracting high-spending international visitors and complementing the nation’s hospitality and leisure industries. Integrated resorts and casinos contribute not only through gaming revenue but also by boosting hotel occupancy, fine dining, retail, and entertainment sectors. Strategic development of casino tourism supports foreign exchange earnings, employment, and infrastructure investment, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as a premium travel destination.

Casinos in India are gradually emerging as a niche yet lucrative segment of the tourism and entertainment sector, with concentrated activity in states like Goa, Sikkim, and Daman. These establishments, including land-based and offshore formats, contribute to employment, foreign exchange earnings, and local economic development. Regulated under state-specific licensing frameworks, casinos generate revenue through gaming taxes, licensing fees, and ancillary hospitality services. While growth is promising, social and regulatory challenges persist.

A senior executive from global gaming firm Galaxy Entertainment Group has called on Thailand’s government to reconsider its strict anti-casino stance, arguing that legalizing regulated casinos could revitalise tourism and inject fresh revenue into the economy. In his view, embracing a controlled casino sector could attract high-spending visitors, diversify tourism offerings, and generate significant tax income. Yet doing so would require robust regulation and social safeguards to prevent gambling-related harms.