Jeju seeks new strategy to compete with Osaka casino resort
Industry leaders called for less reliance on Chinese-speaking visitors and greater investment in Southeast Asian and Japanese markets, technology and wider tourism offerings.
Key takeaways:
- Jeju opened its 10th International Casino Policy Forum on 9 November, bringing together nearly 300 participants from the industry, government and civic groups.
- Former South Korean vice minister Jeon Byeong-geuk highlighted the planned 2030 opening of Osaka’s integrated resort as a major competitive challenge for Jeju.
- Jeon urged Jeju casinos to reduce their reliance on Chinese-speaking visitors and diversify towards Southeast Asian and Japanese markets.
- Forum discussions covered sustainable casino growth, integration with tourism and entertainment, and the industry’s response to artificial intelligence.
- Jeju Casino Industry Supervisory Committee chairman Moon Seong-jong stressed the need to balance industrial innovation with public interest and social responsibility.
South Korea.- The 10th Jeju International Casino Policy Forum began yesterday (November 9) with a focus on how the island’s casino industry can stay competitive as more large integrated resorts appear across the region. The two-day event at the Jeju International Convention Centre carries the theme “Jeju Casino’s New 10 Years: The Future and Challenges of Jeju’s Casino Industry.”
The event is organised by the Jeju Casino Industry Supervisory Committee and the Jeju International Convention Centre. Close to 300 people are attending, including experts and industry representatives from the United States, Macau, Singapore, the Philippines and Japan, along with civic groups and residents.
In the keynote address, former First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Jeon Byeong-geuk said intensifying competition around major integrated resorts makes a clear differentiation strategy essential for Jeju. He specifically highlighted the need to prepare for the planned 2030 opening of an integrated resort in Osaka, Japan.
He urged the industry to reduce its heavy reliance on the Chinese-speaking market and to diversify towards Southeast Asia and Japan itself. He also urged the island’s operators to expand tourism offerings that combine food, culture and performances and to strengthen competitiveness through artificial intelligence and digital technology.
Three main sessions examined sustainable growth and coexistence with the local community, the integration of casinos with wider tourism and entertainment, and policy responses to the rise of AI in the industry. Officials from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Japanese tourism specialists shared international experiences.
Today, participants were due to visit local sites including Oedolgae, Saeyeon Bridge and the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market to explore closer ties between casino operations and Jeju’s tourism resources.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Why is Jeju concerned about Osaka’s integrated resort? The planned 2030 opening of Osaka’s integrated resort is expected to intensify competition among regional casino destinations. Jeju industry representatives believe the island needs a clearer differentiation strategy to maintain its competitiveness.
- How does Jeju plan to diversify its casino visitor markets? Former vice minister Jeon Byeong-geuk called for reducing reliance on the Chinese-speaking market and attracting more visitors from Southeast Asia and Japan.
- What strategies are being considered to strengthen Jeju’s casino industry? Discussions included combining casinos with food, culture and live performances, expanding tourism offerings, and using artificial intelligence and digital technology to improve competitiveness.
- What was discussed at the 10th Jeju International Casino Policy Forum? The two-day event examined sustainable casino growth and community relations, casino integration with tourism and entertainment, and policy responses to artificial intelligence. Participants included international regulators, industry representatives, tourism specialists and residents.
