Inside Asian Gaming

2021 年 3月 IAG JAPAN 43 マカオの行政長官、賀一誠氏は昨年、オンラインゲーミングの規制は「研究中」であるとメディアに対してコメントした demonstrate its ability to implement the appropriate checks and balances necessary to assure the Chinese government of its compliance with national anti- corruption policies and the fight against channeling of funds via illegal means. At the same time, it could potentially convince Mainland authorities that “allowing” funds from nationals’ online play to flow to a controllable, regulated environment rather like Macau would be preferable to its being pocketed by operators across Asia (as happens today). Is it worth it? Would an online operation without Mainland players be worth it? I don ’ t believe that ’ s the right question to ask (or at least the right way to put it). Instead, what should be acknowledged is that there is no other way around it. And on the numbers alone Asia has huge potential with a population of around 4.7 billion – much more than Europe where online コラムニスト Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng told media last year that online gaming regulation was “being studied.” gaming is already hugely successful. Irrespective of limitations (nations not allowing their nationals to play on offshore gaming platforms) there is no doubt that opportunities for online gaming growth in Asia are substantial. Just by way of example, and if my math is right, if online gaming revenue reached just 9% of Macau’s 2019 GGR, it would cover the salaries of all of Macau ’ s public servants (based on the Macau 2020 budget). PHILIPPINES MODEL This discussion would not be complete without a word on the possibility of play by locals. I see no reason why they shouldn ’ t be allowed. Locals, with some exceptions, can play in Macau’s brick-and-mortar casinos 24/7. Locals, without exceptions, can play on offshore websites. Indeed, Macau does not prohibit or restrict access to gaming