Casinos on Jeju Island in South Korea have shown little enthusiasm for proxy betting on their casino floors, so the idea is off the table for now, according to a report in GGRAsia.
Son Minho, assistant director of the Jeju Tourism Industry Division, told the news outlet the island’s casinos are uninterested in proxy bets for several reasons.
First, they’re taking their cue from inland casinos, which have passed on proxies, or wagers placed by gamblers from a remote location. Second, he said, “It might cause diplomatic and technical troubles if adopted,” a reference in part to the negative view of online gambling by countries including China. “Lastly,” he said, “the pandemic is over,” and with it, the pressing need for online gambling. “The Jeju casino industry isn’t pursuing it anymore,” said Son.
The island government is weighing whether to issue new land-based casino licenses. Jeju Province currently has eight licensed venues. Newly elected Governor Oh Young-hun has not yet taken a stand on the issue; his predecessor, Koo Man-sub, opposed further growth of the industry.
Meanwhile, Son said Jeju authorities and casino officials will soon visit Osaka, Japan to help promote Jeju as a casino destination. Japan has been an important feeder market for South Korean casinos.
Osaka is planning its own US$10 billion integrated resort (IR) with casino, a project of MGM Resorts International and the Orix Corp. But that complex isn’t expected to open until 2030 at the earliest.
Even then, said Son, “Contrary to what many South Korean news outlets have reported, an Osaka IR would not be a zero-sum game, but a great chance to extend the size of the east Asian casino industries.”
Jeju tourism officials also plan promotional tours to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, which have or will have direct flights to the South Korean island.
