South Korea has long been a target for Singapore-style integrated resorts. At times, it seems the government is encouraging, at others, not so much. The big issue is the ability for Korean citizens to gamble. While several large casino companies, most notably Caesars and Genting, have already announced plans for large resorts in Korea, the government still has not said whether it will permit locals to gamble. Steve Park is a veteran observer of the Korean gaming industry, which today includes seven small foreigners-only casinos and one large, but remote, casino that is permitted to host Korean customers. Park explains the dichotomy of the government’s views and what may happen now that large international casino companies are becoming involved. He spoke with GGB Publisher Roger Gros at the G2E Asia tradeshow and conference in Macau in May.
