Lotte Tour Development accelerated the premium expansion of Jeju Dream Tower after expanding its rolling chip program and increasing gaming capacity inside the largest casino resort on Jeju Island. Korean brokerages estimate that the new VIP strategy could add more than KRW100 billion annually in additional revenue, equivalent to approximately US$67 million, strengthening South Korea’s position as one of Asia’s fastest-growing tourism-driven gaming markets.
The expansion is focused on the international VIP segment. The rolling chip programme is designed to attract high rollers and junkets through commission-based premium turnover systems, a model historically dominant in Macau and other Asian gaming hubs. South Korea’s competitive advantage comes from taxation: while Macau operates with gaming taxes close to 40%, South Korea maintains a gaming tax burden near 15%, allowing operators to offer more aggressive incentives to international premium players.
Jeju Dream Tower significantly expanded gaming capacity during 2026. The number of gaming tables increased from 149 to 169, with additional expansion already planned, while slot machines grew from 287 to 371. The resort also expanded VIP baccarat areas, premium comps and complimentary room programs for high-value players. Currently, between 45% and 50% of the resort’s 1,600 hotel rooms are allocated to premium gaming customers, with the potential to increase to 60%.
Financial performance continues to accelerate. During Q1 2026, the company reported revenue of KRW156.2 billion, while operating profit reached KRW28.8 billion, representing growth of 122%. Casino revenue climbed to KRW118.6 billion, up 40%, while visitor volume reached 150,553 guests, an increase of 37%. Table drop surged to KRW573.9 billion.
The project is led by Co-CEO Kim Ki-byung under the supervision of South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and licenses granted by the Jeju provincial government. South Korea maintains a highly regulated casino model where most casinos operate exclusively for foreigners, with Jeju benefiting from visa-free access for Chinese visitors and continued growth in luxury integrated resort tourism across Asia.
