Gambling in Asia

While many religions and moralists may object to the act of gambling, it could not be denied that, through proper legalization and monitoring, benefit nations as a whole. Illegal gambling may pose problems to a society, but as many nations are slowly discovering, its legalization coupled with proper controls can, in fact, turn out to be a better solution.

Around the world, Western countries like the United States of America This, however, does not mean that Asian countries are missing out on this big opportunity. Already countries like Macau are advancing in their ‘gambling industry’, reaping about US $ 2.5 billion in the beginning of year 2011. Of course, Macau, otherwise known as the ‘Monte Carlo of the Orient’ is quite unique, having gambling since the legalization 1850s and still is the only Chinese territory that fully allows gambling. In fact, gambling is what boosts its tourism sectors, making it the Macau’s biggest source of income Best10Gambling.

Other countries, having seen the beneficial benefits, slow but surely followed suit. In Malaysia, it is legal for gambling as long as it is operated under government permit or license; gambling at homes or public places are considered as illegal However, the legality of gambling are also restricted to certain age and religions – one should be a non-Muslim and over the age of 18 in order to enter any legal gambling premises. By far, Genting Highlands’ casino resorts are still the largest group of ‘tourists’, most of them from neighboring countries.

One of these neighboring countries is to Singapore, who used to be an anti-gambling nation. As a result, most gambling Singaporeans will travel to Malaysia and some come home with a fortune. Pressured to retain those income within Singapore as well as boost the tourism industry, Singapore finally lifted its gambling ban in the year 2005 and the very first Singapore casino was opened to public in the beginning year 2010. The billions of dollars poured into this economy certainly did not disappoint; Not only is the casinos vastly improved the country’s tourism but it also predicted that Singapore may take over the last Vegas’ spot of the world’s second largest gambling hub.

But there is yet another up and coming Asian country that will try to sing Singapore on its glorious seat, and may just as well do so successfully. The Philippines generated about US $ 69.58 million in gambling industry in the beginning of 2011, all thanks to their gambling-favored laws that allow both offline and online casinos. There is no precedence or law that prevents the legitimization of online gambling. This is not surprising as gambling not only brought in tourists and income, it is also also indirectly brought into foreign investors, something that the Philippines is lacking. However, legal online gambling sites are limited to only foreigners while Filipinos can gamble away at any government owned sites

With more Asian countries, gradually opening up the idea for an industry for legal gambling, it may not be long before Asia is the main port in gambling tourism. Even now, the Asia market is slowly growing and for more than one integrated experience – from travel, sightseeing, and all the way to gambling.

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