People are gambling. Despite more and more prohibitions and restrictions adopted with each passing year, players are looking for any opportunity to try their luck. The creation of gambling zones was aimed at enabling customers to gamble while ensuring maximum control over these establishments.
Gambling Zone: Review
The gambling (or gaming) zone is a specially designated area, where gambling establishments are allowed (in countries that prohibit gambling), but their operation is strictly regulated by law. In the article below you will find out about the types of gambling zones and the locations of the largest of them.
Las Vegas Gambling Zone
Las Vegas, ranking first in the world in the number of casinos, is considered to be the “heart and soul” of the gambling business. In 1931 gambling was officially legalized in Nevada, and 10 years later the first casino called El Rancho Vegas was opened in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, the establishment has not survived until today.
The number of Las Vegas casinos has been growing every year and now amounts to 120 – Circus Circus, Flamingo and Wynn Las Vegas are the biggest of them. In addition, the number of licensed casinos in Las Vegas exceeded 1,700. No wonder the gambling business in Las Vegas is the primary source of tax revenues.
About 40 million tourists visit Las Vegas establishments every year. However, tourists are attracted not only by casinos: various concerts, night clubs, sports competitions, beauty contests finals, and theatrical performances take place all year round.
Unfortunately, Las Vegas has not been spared the tragic events. On October 1, 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire on visitors of Route 91 Harvest music festival – he was shooting into the crowd from the nearby hotel. That incident caused the deaths of 59 people, and over 500 were injured.
Gambling in Macau
Macau is located in China and is the only place in the country where gambling is legal. This business brings large profits to the city budget – almost 70% of the total tax revenue.
Gambling in Macau has been allowed since 1847, but the first casino was opened there 115 years later – in 1962. That was when the Sociedade de Turismo e Diverses de Macau (STDM) syndicate became the holder of the gambling monopoly for 50 years.
After the STDM’s monopoly expired in 2002, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (a subsidiary of STDM), as well as MGM, Galaxy Entertainment Group, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts were entitled to organize gambling in Macau.
Currently, there are 4 thousand gaming machines and 850 gaming tables in 33 operating gambling establishments. More than 30 million tourists become Macau’s casino customers every year. The most famous casinos are Wynn Macau, Grand Lisboa, Galaxy, The Venetian, Studio City, and others.
Gambling in Singapore
Gambling business in Singapore was legalized in 2005 when a 40-year ban on gambling was lifted by local authorities. Currently, there are only two casinos operating in Singapore – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa (both were opened in 2010).
Marina Bay Sands consists of three 55-story towers with indoor pools located on their roofs. The complex houses a luxury hotel, an exhibition center, a museum, two ice rinks, two cinemas and seven restaurants.
Resorts World Sentosa Casino Complex is located on the same name island. The building has all kinds of entertainment and pleasure including a casino, various hotels and restaurants, malls, Marine Life Park and the world’s largest aquarium.
Atlantic City Gambling Zone
This is the second-largest gambling zone in the United States after Las Vegas. After the first casino was opened there in 1978, Atlantic City has become the place of the greatest significance for gamblers.
Borgata entertainment complex is the most visited place in Atlantic City. It includes a casino area of 80 thousand square meters, 200 gaming tables, and more than 4 thousand slot machines. In addition, the complex houses a big hotel, night clubs, and restaurants. In 2017, this gambling establishment’s profits reached $800 million.
Tropicana casino ranks second in Atlantic City in terms of profitability and attendance. Its income for 2017 exceeded $385 million. A year later total winnings in the Tropicana online casino increased to $42.5 million, which allowed this establishment to outrun the Harrah casino.
As the profits from the gambling business in Atlantic City have been constantly growing, local authorities are planning to increase the number of casinos in this gambling zone.
Gambling Zones in South Korea
There are several gambling establishments in South Korea, but the citizens can play only in one place – Kangwon Land. All other casinos are for foreigners only. However, South Korea is considered one of the most promising regions for gambling business development. According to the Korea Casino Association, the turnover of casinos for foreigners increased by 15.9% for the last year and revenues amounted to 204.78 billion Korean won ($190.7 billion).
The largest casinos in South Korea are situated in Seoul. However, the largest number of gambling complexes is located on Jeju Island (there are currently eight of them). The most popular of these establishments are the Jeju Shinhwa World, Paradise Casino Jeju Grand and Jeju Sun.
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