Local election that began Sunday mark the latest milestone that could trigger a decision on Japan’s casino license applications. The current legalization push has gone on for a decade, with two applications from Osaka and Nagasaki submitted last April for three available licenses.

So far, there’s been no indication of when the national government evaluation process will finish. Sources in Japan expect decisions will be announced in months, if not weeks, with the strong possibility of a new round of bidding for unawarded license(s) to follow the decision. But the smart money likely would have said the same thing a year ago.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for Gaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

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No sunset in sight for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) targeting mainland China. (Photo by Muhammad Cohen)

In 2019, 1.7 million Chinese tourists came to the Philippines, spending an estimated US$2.3 billion dollars. China Outbound Tourism Research Institute CEO Wolfgang Arlt estimates nearly 1.2 million Chinese travelers will visit the archipelago this year, heavily back loaded toward the second half. That’s about two-thirds of the 2019 total of 1.74 million.

Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) continue targeting mainland China, and it may cost the island nation couple pay a steep price. China claims it has a secret travel blacklist for countries that encourage its citizens to gamble, and a Philippine senator says his country is on the list. If that’s true, the cost of POGOs would be exorbitant.

On spending, Arlt says, “Nobody has a reliable way for a forecast.” China’s rich saw a 10% wealth decline during the pandemic, but pent up demand could overcome that loss, at least temporarily. Conservatively, Chinese travelers would spend US$1.3 billion in the Philippines this year, unless the blacklist stops them from visiting. Weigh that against the estimated US$80 million in government revenue and plus reported illegal activities that POGOs generate.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at largefor Clarion’s iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

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The end of China’s Zero Covid policy and new concessions for Macau’s incumbents don’t signal the end of its problems. The once and future top global casino destination faces a Beijing regime that’s skeptical, if not downright hostile, toward gambling. Switching Macau betting to mainland China’s currency, the renminbi, might help assuage concerns over funds illegally leaving the mainland via casinos.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

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Even in extremely challenging times, Macau got seven bidders for its six casino concessions. Unfortunately, authorities didn’t use their leverage wisely to clean up a glaring conflict of interest and remove an underpeforming licensee.

Promised casino operator non-gaming investment will be most effective if targeted toward comprehensive efforts among all stakeholders to boost Macau’s destination appeal. But absent a government mandate, don’t bet on that happening.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

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Warmest regards for Felix Unger Day, this year celebrating New York City, where FU Day and I were born. New York has begun the process of issuing up to three casino licenses for New York City and the downstate area.

Resorts World Catskills hasn’t done much to brighten the Borscht Belt. (Photo credit: Muhammad Cohen)

New York State has a dismal track record on casinos, largely compiled under ousted governor Andrew Cuomo. Issuing three downstate licenses virtually ensures any new NYC casinos won’t be worthy of the greatest city on earth.

And, as Oscar Madison’s secretary Myrna Turner might have told Mistuh Em, “New York City without a casino is like a fish without a bicycle.”

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for ICE365, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

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