Lotte Tour Development Co Ltd reported a strong rebound in March, with total casino sales rising 24.3% year-on-year to KRW40.40 billion (Rs.2,427 crore / US$26.8 million), reflecting robust demand at its Jeju Dream Tower resort, a foreigner-only property on South Korea’s Jeju Island. Month-on-month, revenues climbed 23.8% from February, signaling consistent growth. Table games dominated, generating KRW38.35 billion, up 24% year-on-year, while machine games contributed KRW2.05 billion, a 30.3% increase. Table-game hold improved to 20.3%, while machine-game hold remained steady at 7.5%. These results highlight Lotte Tour’s operational efficiency and the rising appeal of premium gaming experiences in Jeju.
Revenue Performance by Gaming Segment
March’s revenue growth was driven primarily by table games, which accounted for KRW38.35 billion (Rs.2,303 crore), marking a 24% increase compared with the same period last year and a 24.3% rise from February. The consistent month-on-month growth reflects both increased visitation and effective gaming management.
Machine games also delivered strong performance, posting KRW2.05 billion (Rs.123 crore), up 30.3% year-on-year and 15.4% from the previous month. This indicates rising engagement with electronic gaming options and demonstrates Lotte Tour’s success in optimizing its casino mix.
Operational Efficiency: Hold Rates
Operational efficiency remains a key factor in profitability. Table-game hold increased to 20.3% in March, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous year, indicating effective management of high-value wagers. Machine-game hold remained stable at 7.5%, reflecting consistent performance across the smaller revenue segment. Analysts note that steady hold rates combined with revenue growth signify strong operational discipline.
Jeju Dream Tower: Strategic Growth Driver
Jeju Dream Tower, Lotte Tour’s flagship resort, continues to drive growth. The property, catering exclusively to foreign visitors, has leveraged its premium positioning to attract high-spending tourists. Rising table-game revenue underscores the appeal of curated gaming experiences and the importance of foreign tourism in driving Lotte Tour’s financial performance.
Market Outlook
Lotte Tour Development’s March results signal a positive trajectory in South Korea’s casino sector. Continued growth is expected as international travel recovers and Jeju maintains its position as a high-end gaming destination. Operational efficiency, stable hold rates, and strong table-game performance provide a solid foundation for sustained revenue growth in the coming quarters.
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