Asia is home to some of the biggest gambling markets in the world, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the way. From bustling casinos in Macau to underground gambling dens in the Philippines, the region is a hub for gamblers looking to hit it big.
Here are the 20 biggest gambling countries in Asia, ranked by the total amount of money wagered each year:
1. China: China is the largest gambling market in Asia, with a total annual turnover of over $36 billion. Despite strict gambling laws in the country, Chinese gamblers are known to flock to Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub.
2. Japan: Japan is home to a thriving gambling industry, with an annual turnover of over $31 billion. Pachinko, a popular Japanese gambling game, is a major driver of the country’s gambling economy.
3. South Korea: South Korea is another major player in the Asian gambling market, with an annual turnover of over $30 billion. The country has a number of casinos catering to both locals and tourists.
4. Philippines: The Philippines is a hotbed for gambling, with an annual turnover of over $27 billion. The country is home to numerous casinos, as well as online gambling sites that cater to players from around the world.
5. Singapore: Singapore has emerged as a major gambling destination in recent years, with an annual turnover of over $24 billion. The city-state is home to two integrated resorts that offer a wide range of casino games and entertainment options.
6. Malaysia: Malaysia is a popular gambling destination in Southeast Asia, with an annual turnover of over $23 billion. The country has a number of casinos and betting outlets that cater to both locals and tourists.
7. Hong Kong: Hong Kong is a major gambling hub in Asia, with an annual turnover of over $21 billion. The city is known for its horse racing and lottery games, as well as its bustling casinos.
8. Vietnam: Vietnam is a fast-growing gambling market, with an annual turnover of over $19 billion. The country has several casinos that attract both locals and tourists looking to try their luck.
9. Thailand: Despite strict gambling laws, Thailand is still a popular destination for gamblers, with an annual turnover of over $17 billion. Many Thais participate in underground gambling activities, despite the risks involved.
10. Indonesia: Indonesia has a thriving gambling industry, with an annual turnover of over $16 billion. The country has a number of casinos and betting outlets that cater to both locals and tourists.
11. India: India is a rapidly growing gambling market, with an annual turnover of over $14 billion. The country has a long history of gambling, with games like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar being popular among players.
12. Taiwan: Taiwan has a thriving gambling industry, with an annual turnover of over $12 billion. The country has a number of casinos and betting outlets that cater to both locals and tourists.
13. Macau: Macau is known as the “Las Vegas of Asia,” with an annual turnover of over $10 billion. The city is home to some of the world’s largest and most luxurious casinos, attracting millions of visitors each year.
14. Cambodia: Cambodia is a popular gambling destination in Southeast Asia, with an annual turnover of over $9 billion. The country has a number of casinos that cater to both locals and tourists.
15. Myanmar: Myanmar has a growing gambling industry, with an annual turnover of over $8 billion. The country has several casinos that attract players from around the region.
16. Laos: Laos is a small but thriving gambling market, with an annual turnover of over $7 billion. The country has a number of casinos that cater to both locals and tourists.
17. Nepal: Nepal is a popular gambling destination in South Asia, with an annual turnover of over $6 billion. The country has several casinos that attract players from around the region.
18. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has a growing gambling industry, with an annual turnover of over $5 billion. The country has a number of casinos that cater to both locals and tourists.
19. Bangladesh: Despite strict gambling laws, Bangladesh is still a popular destination for gamblers, with an annual turnover of over $4 billion. Many Bangladeshis participate in underground gambling activities, despite the risks involved.
20. Pakistan: Pakistan has a small but thriving gambling market, with an annual turnover of over $3 billion. The country has several casinos that attract players from around the region.
Overall, Asia is a diverse and dynamic gambling market, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the way in terms of total turnover. With the region’s booming economy and growing middle class, the gambling industry in Asia is poised for continued growth in the coming years.