Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | August 2013 30 IN FOCUS few decades and the political climate that engendered have in some ways been good for its gray-area gaming sector. In certain parts of the country, especially in the capital, Yangon, the power structure has lent itself to the development of informal and less- than-transparent arrangements. And the insurgencies in the so-called Black Zones have allowed for development that normally would not be allowed by the national government. In terms of scale, Myanmar’s gaming industry is on a par with that of Cambodia. The country has an estimated 60 gaming establishments. While most are small-sized slot parlors with spartan surroundings, there are also considerably larger establishments offering high-stakes table games for VIPs coming in from neighboring countries. The industry in its current form is highly profitable and demonstrates strong underlying demand both from locals and Myanmar has quickly become one of the most promising destinations for international capital. The hope is that Myanmar could one day become the next Thailand. There are clears parallels. It is an overwhelmingly Buddhist country, blessed with natural beauty and a friendly population.