Non-China VIPs key target for Asia casinos: marketers
Non-China VIPs are key target for Asia casinos. China has been exercising a zero-tolerance approach to community infection since the Covid-19 pandemic. Chinese authorities have also emphasised a crackdown on citizens travelling overseas for casino play or being involved in online betting. The country has amended its criminal code to outlaw anyone assisting others in such activity from March 1, 2021. South Korean and Vietnamese expats living, working and owning businesses in destination markets will be a battleground in Asian markets. Hoiana, a casino resort in Vietnam, has a foreigner-only casino and has launched luxury hotel accommodation on a phased basis.
Hann Casino and Resort in Clark, Philippines, is expanding and rebranding the former Widus Hotel and Casino complex. The resort is not yet to capture a solid Chinese market. Domestic gaming growth in the Philippines and the size of the domestic markets in Australia, Malaysia and Singapore are sustainable. Macau's ambition to reduce its long-standing reliance on gamblers from mainland China and Hong Kong will be difficult to achieve in medium term. Megabrands Asia's Mr Clayton believes Macao's government needs to work closer with casino operators to change the way it markets Macua outside China.
