Forecast gaming in Asia.

Globalysis: .Forecast today of expected gross gaming revenue (GGR) in the Asian region for calendar year 2006. Forecast estimated that legal casino gaming revenue in Asia would rise to USD$13 billion in the calendar year 2006 from an estimated figure of USD$11 billion in calendar year 2005; this would represent an approximate 20% increase year over year. Some of the cited success factors for Asia which will contribute to the positive growth are macro-economic growth, the liberalization of casino gaming where it is already allowed, continuing large-scale capital investment into markets like Macau, and ever-increasing consumer disposable income.

New market (legalization) opportunities will also be a positive contributing force to the industry over the coming years. These potential new markets cited in the report include Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan. A sizeable amount of liberalization will occur in the South Korean marketplace in 2006 and this will drive inbound visitation from higher-tier Japanese consumers. Forecast gaming in Asia. Publ 20060105