This year, Australian casino developers have set a special focus on attracting gamblers from Asia. Crown Casinos and Echo Entertainment are especially interested in appealing to high roller players from China, but there is mounting competition that may compromise this business plan. Macau is becoming the hottest new international gambling capital.
Gamblers from around the world have been drawn to this location, where luxury casinos and resorts are being built. As such, it has presented steep competition for Australian casino developers, as they continue to compete for the same target audience.
This month, the Philippines have entered the competition, as the $1 billion Solaire Resort and Casino opened up in Manila. It is the first luxury gambling venue in the city, and developers are now recognizing Manila as a gambling destination. Solaire is home to 300 table games and 1200 pokies. The property also includes a 500-room hotel, a 1800-seat theatre, a nightclub, spa and eight restaurants.
It is certainly a luxury gambling destination, and provides a good idea of what future gambling destinations in Manila will look like. Now, Australian casino developers like Crown Casinos and Echo Entertainment have yet another location to compete with. The companies want to attract players from Asia, but this will become increasingly difficult as more casinos open up in Manila and Macau.
It is entirely likely that Asian high rollers will begin to choose to stay close to home when they want to gamble. Gaming industry officials in Macau are also feeling threatened, as Manila may attract more developers. In Macau, operators must pay a 40% tax while Manila charges just 15%.
As such, more gaming operators may choose to build their new venues in Manila, which could detract from Macau’s potential to be the biggest gambling destination in the world.
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