Gambling participation rising across Asia Pacific: Report
Asia Pacific has secured itself as the world’s most dynamic gambling hub, with participation rates surpassing Europe and North America. From Macau’s glittering casinos to Bahrain’s digital platforms and the Philippines’ integrated resorts, the region is experiencing intense economic and social impacts from the gambling sector.
Macau: the global gambling hub
Macau remains one of the world’s premier gambling destinations. The Sands Macao, for instance, spans across 229,000 square metres of casino and property. Other venues are continuously renovating their facilities, symbolising the city’s booming industry.
Yet despite its reputation, Macau’s gambling market has faced volatility since 2016. Revenues surged in 2014, but growth has since been uneven. In 2025, gaming taxes rose by 6.1 percent, with gambling contributing 83.7 percent of total tax revenue, according to the Financial Services Bureau.
However, heavy reliance on gaming revenues may pose risks. While government supervision ensures compliance, it also ties the economy tightly to casino performance. Factors like visitor traffic, China’s economic slowdown, and political shifts could destabilise Macau’s budget. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai has stressed that monthly revenues must not fall below MOP15 billion ($1.88 billion) to avoid deficits, according to local media outlet Macau Business.
Bahrain: online gambling despite legal restrictions
In Bahrain, gambling remains illegal in public spaces. The ban is rooted in the country’s Islamic law, which prohibits games of chance and betting. According to Article 308 of Bahrain’s Penal Code, it criminalises gambling in public, with penalties of up to three months in jail or a BD 300 ($795) fine.
Unlike some countries that regulate or license online casinos, the country has no regulatory body that oversees gambling activities.
Yet participation continues to thrive online. According to reports from Esports Insider, online casinos in the country allow users to use real-money games through VPN-friendly offshore platforms. The use of a crypto wallet, for instance, can bypass the government restrictions. They offer fast payout, strong privacy protections, and a variety of games, making it possible to play these games anonymously.
Philippines: digital growth driving revenues
According to local media reports, the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) forecasted 17 percent revenue growth in February 2025. This growth stems from electronic games and integrated resorts. Chairperson Alejandro Tengco noted that digital formats are expanding rapidly, offsetting losses from offshore operators. PAGCOR’s licensing system encourages growth while maintaining oversight.
Integrated resorts and online platforms have become major job creators, with gross gaming revenues climbing sharply in 2025. Manila’s Entertainment City is at the heart of this expansion. It is a vibrant destination that offers a mix of luxury, gaming, dining, and entertainment, positioning the Philippines as a challenger to established centres like Macau by leveraging digital formats and aggressive investment strategies.
Future outlook
As reported by local media outlets, Macau’s gambling revenue reached MOP247.4 billion ($30.9 billion) in 2025, up 9.1 percent from 2024, its highest since the pandemic, yet still below 2019 levels. Casino wins were more than double those of the Las Vegas Strip, reaffirming Macau’s growing global dominance.
Meanwhile, the Philippines reported PHP214.75 billion ($3.6 billion) in gross gaming revenue in the first half of 2025, a 26 percent year-on-year increase. Online formats such as e-games, e-bingo, and digital casinos accounted for more than half of revenues, with projections suggesting PHP480 billion ($8.1 billion) for the full year. If current trends continue, online gambling revenues could surpass traditional casino earnings, cementing the Philippines’ role as a formidable rival to Macau.
Be part of the action! Join the world’s biggest iGaming community with SiGMA’s Top 10 News countdown. Subscribe HERE for weekly updates, insider insights, and exclusive subscriber-only offers.
