The casino industry continues to expand rapidly in Asia, with Japan set to be the next major country to enter the sector. With gambling operators enjoying huge success courtesy of lavish resorts in Singapore, Macau and elsewhere, it is no surprise to see significant further investment planned in the region over the next few years. The rapid growth of online casinos in Japan sparked a clamour amongst consumers for brick and mortar venues to be allowed to open across the country. The Japanese government subsequently reacted to the calls by agreeing to allow new casinos to be constructed at up to three different locations. Tokyo, Hokkaido, Chiba, Yokohama and Nagoya are amongst the cities vying to host what could be the most stunning casino resorts on the continent. There have been some truly staggering venues built in Asia over the past few years and Japan can be expected to follow suit when construction begins. Read on as we look at the latest state of play regarding major casino developments across the Asian continent. Iconic Singapore venue set for huge expansion Owned by the Las Vegas Sands organisation, the Marina Bay Sands resort is undoubtedly one of the most iconic properties in Asia. The three-tower design, which was inspired by decks of cards, originally cost $5.5 billion to build but its owners are not resting on their laurels. The operator is planning to add an impressive arena, exhibition halls and a new luxury hotel tower that will take the total number of rooms to more than 3,600. Las Vegas Sands believe that the $3.3bn investment will keep the resort at the pinnacle of the gambling industry over the coming years. While the casino is a hugely important part of Marina Bay Sands, experts believe that the provision of other facilities will ensure it remains a successful venture for years to come. Operators plan massive investment in Macau Having generated Gross Gaming Revenues of nearly $38bn in 2018, Macau is firmly established as one of the most important gambling destinations in the world. Many of the main operators there are planning major new developments over the next few years, with a view to ensuring that the government issues new licenses to them when they expire in 2022. Galaxy Entertainment is leading the way with plans to expand the stunning Galaxy Macau over the next couple of years at a projected cost of HK$45bn. SJM Holdings are also planning major investment in Macau, with the Grand Lisboa Palace scheduled to open during the second half of 2020 at a cost of HK$36bn. MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts & Entertainment have also confirmed ambitious expansion plans in the region. NagaCorp ready to cash in on monopoly in Cambodia NagaCorp Ltd’s position of dominance in Cambodia is set to continue with another expansion of its superb NagaWorld casino resort in Phnom Penh. Naga 3 will feature a theme park with the latest digital rides and attractions, plus world class shopping, restaurants and much more. The venue will be the largest resort in Cambodia, further cementing NagaCorp’s status as one of the biggest casino operators in the world. The company currently has a 41-year gaming monopoly within a 200-kilometre radius of the Cambodian capital that runs through until 2035. Their gaming license runs for a further 30 years after that, and their latest multi-billion dollar investment in the area highlights their ongoing commitment to remain at the forefront of the industry in the region.