TIG President Michael Soll is in Manila this week for client work and for the ASEAN Gaming Summit. Based on discussions inside and outside of the event, his boots-on-the-ground analysis follows:

The Philippines itself is simultaneously developing and vying to establish its gaming industry as (at least) the number two market in Asia. Recent changes include efforts to level the playing field with the privatization of PAGCOR and an adjustment of the tax rate to 35% for all operators (25% with sufficient investment). The industry here seems to have moved on from the decline of Chinese outbound travel since COVID, and is focusing on other inbound tourist markets like Korea, which is growing substantially. Also, Philippine hospitality culture is a natural, long-term benefit – the mass market customer service here is arguably better than anywhere else in the world. These factors – in combination with the continued development of both IR and regional resorts projects, and a relatively smooth player entry process compared to Singapore (much more emphasis on security than registration) – should make reaching US$6B by 2025 relatively easy. What’s still in question is how each resort will ultimately define itself against the competition.

Nearby, Thailand is hot, but not well understood. Depending on who you talk to, it is a long road ahead, or a longer road ahead, with many outstanding questions about the likely regulatory structure. But there is certainly momentum, and we will keep you posted on the latest movements of its gaming committee and any relevant responses from the “royals.”

Japan is at a crossroads. With Osaka approved and Nagasaki rejected, it’s hard to see too far into the future. The hope is that another regional project can eventually be accepted, but the industry is cold on Japan at this point, especially in contrast to accelerated development, with greater transparency and predictability elsewhere in Asia. Our sincere congratulations to Ed Bowers and Bill Hornbuckle for staying the course and getting at least MGM in the door there.

Otherwise, core themes from the conference are relatively universal across Asian gaming markets, from the importance of amenities and the introduction of digital and online gaming, to new approaches to responsible gaming.

As always, TIG will continue to stay, and keep you, abreast of the evolving Asian gaming landscape. Contact Michael Soll with any further questions or for a more in-depth discussion of the region.

The Innovation Group has represented tribes and tribal interests for more than three decades. While tribal gaming expert and EVP Tom Zitt remains actively involved in client work, ahead of next month’s Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, we wanted to highlight two indispensable team members for this sector. Chris Irwin, named a partner last year, now leads our practice as senior vice president of Native American Services. His right-hand man, Project Manager Alex Goldstein, joined TIG in 2019 where he has taken a keen interest in the tribal sector after a decade of experience in regional commercial markets. Their current work highlights the spectacular opportunity in Indian Country today and the diversity of TIG’s market expertise, as exemplified by the following list of recent Gaming Market Assessments:

• Beloit, Wisconsin for Ho-Chunk Nation
• West Valley, Arizona (including HBU and Amenities Assessment) for Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment
• Miami, Florida for Wind Creek Hospitality (Magic City Casino)
• Porterville, California, for Eagle Mountain Casino
• Hobart, Oklahoma, for Kiowa Casino

Heading into IGA, the two look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces as well as meeting new ones, learning more about emerging trends in the space, discussing the real competition tribes are bringing to commercial markets, and, admittedly, trading the cold, Colorado mountains for some Southern California sunshine. Reach out to Chris and Alex now to set up a meeting in Anaheim.