Gaming And Gambling Tourism Trends (2024)
The gaming and gambling tourism sector is growing and appealing to millions of people worldwide. This is a trend where fans travel to various high-profile arenas and casino destinations to try their luck in various games. Initially, when people thought about gaming and gambling tourism, the first place that came to mind was Las Vegas.
However, over the last couple of years, more hubs have emerged offering more than just traditional casino games. In this article, we will look at gaming and tourism trends that are taking over in 2024.
The Rise of Destination Casinos
In 2024, integrated casino resorts are gaining more traction by offering a mixture of games and luxury. These resorts are more common around Asia, specifically in Macau and Singapore, where you can get five-star dining, accommodation, and exclusive entertainment.
Countries in South Asia, such as the Philippines and Vietnam, are starting to invest heavily in casino infrastructure to attract international visitors. A good example is the Corona Resort & Casino Phu Quoc in Vietnam, a $2.1 billion establishment that was started in 2019.
The Middle East is also tapping into this market. Wynn Resorts, a renowned gambling giant in the US and Asia, is constructing a $5.1 billion themed entertainment hub in Ras Al Khaimah, which is set to open in 2027.
Another trend is themed resorts, which merge gambling and a storytelling approach to create unforgettable experiences that appeal to a wide range of travelers beyond gamblers. These appeal to families who want to get the best of both worlds. When you are at such resorts, you can log in to an online casino and get the ultimate gambling experience even without sitting at a table or using an actual gambling machine.
Esports and Gaming as Travel Opportunities
Esports and gaming conventions have redefined gaming and gambling tourism in 2024. As competitive gaming is becoming more popular, events like The International and League of Legends World Championship are attracting fans, especially the young generation, to host cities.
The 2024 League of Legends series had 14,700 spectators and 6.8 peak million viewers, which shows how many tuned into these events. These events boost local economies and position cities as hubs for gaming culture and innovation.
Apart from eSports games, conventions like Gamescom are attracting fans who want to experience the latest game technology, meet developers, and mingle with fellow enthusiasts. The 2024 Gamescon, which was held in Germany, was attended by over 335,000 people, and online streaming views surpassed 310 million.
Sustainable and Responsible Gaming Tourism
As gaming and gambling tourism continue to grow, more travelers are becoming environmentally conscious, and casinos have started prioritizing green initiatives like waste reduction programs and energy-efficient infrastructure.
Resorts have also started embracing responsible gambling practices, just like online platforms. There are educational programs and self-exclusion options to promote gambling awareness. This is a good balance between having fun and protecting your well-being.
Conclusion
Gaming And Gambling Tourism trends in 2024 are evolving to meet the needs of modern-day tourists. More destinations are established that offer well-rounded entertainment that appeals even to the younger destinations. We can only expect to witness more changes in 2025.