Australia losing casino revenue to Singapore & Macau, expert warns
Australian casinos are losing ground to Asian rivals as more burdensome domestic regulations drive away high-value international gamblers, with experts warning that overly strict rules may be harming the industry without effectively addressing problem gambling.
Once known for attracting wealthy foreign patrons, Australia’s casino industry is now facing a sharp decline in international play. High rollers are instead turning to markets such as Macau, Singapore, and even emerging gaming hubs in Cambodia and Laos, where regulatory approaches are viewed as more balanced.
‘Australia turning unviable’
Andrew W Scott, CEO of Inside Asian Gaming, said Australia’s response to recent money laundering and misconduct scandals, particularly those involving Crown and Star casinos, has tipped too far. “Australia is way tougher than pretty much anywhere in the world now,” he said. “The pendulum has swung too far. The industry is becoming unviable, and it’s not really tackling the core problems.”
For example, the state of Victoria has mandated electronic carded play for all visitors to casinos, enabling the tracking of gambling activities. Nonetheless, critics, including Crown Resorts CEO David Tsai, contend that the rules are inconsistent, pointing out that comparable restrictions are absent in pubs and clubs. In addition, New South Wales is also considering similar regulations.
Similarly, former Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) head Michael Phelan warned that heavy taxation and strict rules may push gamblers towards unregulated offshore platforms, opening doors for organised crime.
Meanwhile, in Macau — Asia’s largest casino market — a two-decade-long overhaul has led to stronger anti-money laundering laws and a structured system for responsible gambling. The territory, once seen as a hub for illicit activity, is now being praised for its effective regulation.
Why the spotlight’s on Macau
“Macau has become the gold standard of casino gaming,” Mr Scott added. “It took them 20 years to get there, but they now have staff training, treatment centres, and strong compliance.”
Junkets, once a significant source of concern in Macau, have been drastically curtailed. Meanwhile, new frameworks in Singapore, South Korea, and Vietnam restrict local access but have also led to unintended consequences, including the rise of illegal or offshore gambling operations.
Experts say while the intent behind Australia’s regulatory overhaul is justified, its implementation may be counterproductive. “You’re getting the worst of both worlds,” Mr Scott said. “An unsustainable industry and unresolved social harms.”
Across Asia, the casino sector continues to grow. The Asia-Pacific market, valued at nearly US$99 billion (€92 billion), is forecast to reach over US$140 billion (€130 billion) by 2030. However, Australia is unlikely to contribute much to this growth. As neighbouring countries refine their regulatory regimes, concerns are mounting that Australia risks being left behind, both economically and in terms of effective gambling governance.
