Gambling Retreats: The Newest Trend in Entertainment Vacations
5 Countries on the Rise for Gambling Tourism: A Look at the Future of Gaming
Modern tourism goes beyond seeing historical monuments and marveling at nature's charms in exotic locations. Such traditional tourism activities can only go so far before becoming all too familiar. The modern tourist is interested in more immersing experiences in exotic locations, as well as journaling encounters. Gambling tourism is one of the most sought-after modern pleasures today, and individuals are actively traversing borders to get a taste of it. While some regions have yet to legalize it, others have and are banking on it to help their tourism business thrive. The countries listed below are working to put in place the finest infrastructure and supportive policies for gambling tourism and are thus redefining the travel experience:
New Zealand
New Zealand established a land-based casino in 1994, far ahead of countries that have recently legalized casino gaming. Casino enthusiasts in this country are spoiled for choice, as the Kiwi Country has recently welcomed five more top-tier casino establishments. The six casinos are known for their diverse game selection, which includes everything from classic table games to slot machines and the most recent electronic gaming machines in the market. There are nearly 3,000 pokie machines in New Zealand casinos, making the industry accommodating for any type of gambler in the globe. However, New Zealand is yet to exploit its potential as a hub for gambling tourism. The country restricts the establishment of new casinos, which may limit its potential in this regard. The Kiwi Country can do better, given that it has long housed casinos and has enticing natural scenery.
Japan
Gambling is complicated in Japan. The government forbids all games of chance, and anyone caught guilty risks harsh penalties. However, the number of people indulging in illegal gambling has increased in recent years, pushing authorities to cave to pressure and embrace it by creating integrated resorts. This year, Japan approved the construction of the country's first integrated resort in Osaka as part of Japan's ongoing battle against illegal gambling. The casino facility is expected to be completed in 2029. To reduce the likelihood of problem gambling in Japan, the country has set strict regulations for Japanese citizens, including a 6,000-yen tax for every 24 hours spent in the forthcoming casino. Because of the possibilities of establishing new casino complexes in a country that already has some of the most futuristic cities, Japan will most certainly become a major gambling tourism destination in the future. It is also set to have some of the most stringent customer protection policies.
Thailand
Thailand is a hot spot when it comes to tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the country's tourism business. To attract more tourists post pandemic, Thai MPs proposed altering Thailand's gaming Act of 1935 to legalize gaming. Later, an independent group formed to investigate the viability of casino resorts identified five areas suitable for development. Thailand's House of Representatives endorsed the report. Although they have yet to be legalized, Thailand's probable integrated casinos will see the country quickly become a significant gambling tourism destination given its numerous other tourist attractions.
Singapore
Singapore, like most other Asian countries, is conservative when it comes to gambling. This hasn't stopped the country from dipping its hand in the cookie jar for the sake of its economy. Singapore abolished the country's 40-year-old gambling ban in 2005, and the Casino Control Act of 2006 authorized the construction of two casinos. Today, the Marina Bay Sands Casino and the well-known Resorts World Sentosa contribute to the country's efforts to capitalize on gambling tourism. Singapore is becoming one of the world's most popular casino gambling locations already attracting droves of global tourists. It has set a high standard, serving as an example for other Asian countries such as Thailand and Japan. Its gambling sector is expected to grow exponentially in the near future, as gaming conglomerates such as Las Vegas Sands seek to invest in the country.
The US
The United States is the icing on the cake. Gambling has been a part of the United States since the 1930s and is currently on the rise. The Las Vegas Strip sets the international standard for the modern industry. Its casino operations draw a large number of tourists every day, prompting businesses to provide additional entertainment and facilities. The traditional gambling meccas in the United States are Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno. Other places, on the other hand, are rapidly growing to cater to the increased gaming tourism. Some of the largest tourism gambling locations in the United States also feature Native American tribes, including Detroit, New York, Indiana, and Illinois. 37 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized gambling, with more on the way as states recognize the potential of gaming tourism.
Final Word
The dawn of gambling tourism is already here and is expected to grow bigger in the next decade. These countries, among others, intend to reap the greatest benefits from the brisk pastime. As the gambling scene evolves and expands, the future looks bright for anyone who intends to seek the pleasures of gambling in other jurisdictions.
