Australian Casinos Lose VIP Gamblers to Asia

Australia's strict gambling reforms aim to curb money laundering, but they may be pushing high rolling tourists to more lenient Asian markets instead. As Star and Crown casinos adjust to newly enforced rules, international players are heading to destinations like Macau and Singapore for more discreet, high stakes gaming.

Australian casinos once thrived on VIP visitors drawn to luxury gaming experiences, but a recent crackdown has changed the game. Regulatory bodies imposed tighter controls after investigations found criminal misconduct and money laundering across major casino operators. Measures like mandatory player cards and capped betting limits have attempted to address problem gambling but the fallout has been sharp. Casinos are seeing a drop in big-spending international players, some of whom now view Australia as unviable for serious gambling.

The impact is significant: Macau remains the largest casino market in Asia with 31 properties, Singapore and the Philippines boast world-class facilities like Marina Bay Sands and Okada Manila, while even nations like Laos and Cambodia now appear to offer more balanced regulation. Australia's carded play policy, recently rolled out in Victoria and under review in NSW, has raised concerns about illegal gambling migration due to the strict limits that don't extend to pubs and clubs.

As other regions refine their responsible gambling frameworks, Macau institutes staff training, player tracking, and formal support services - Australia may be overcorrecting in its attempt to clean up the industry. Experts worry the nation risks losing control of its gambling economy while failing to address underlying problems, perhaps opening the door to unregulated alternatives.

With the Asia Pacific casino market expected to hit over US$140 billion by 2030, Australia's current stance could weaken its position permanently. Meanwhile, jurisdictions once seen as problematic are now setting benchmarks on compliance, player protection, and regulatory balance.

Source: The Australian, GGRASIA, NCBI