Asia's casinos bet $65bn on expansion despite China slowdown

Dependence on Chinese players raises doubts about payback

Casino operators are spending billions to expand and diversify their attractions. (Photo by Manda Yeung)

ERI SUGIURA, Nikkei staff writer, and SHAUN TURTON, Contributing writer

June 18, 2019 11:37 JST

SINGAPORE/TOKYO/PHNOM PENH -- The race to woo China's gamblers is fueling an investment arms race in Asia's casino industry, with planned spending on new and expansion projects projected to top $65 billion over the coming years.

But while casino operators in Singapore, Macao and elsewhere set their sights on bigger and more lavish resorts, questions are mounting over whether there will be enough demand to go around -- particularly as China's economy slows and Japan prepares to enter the casino market.