Where culture meets casino: The growing trend of weddings at integrated resorts
From colorful pre-wedding celebrations to lively music-filled parties, and from grand receptions to festive after-parties, casino resorts are becoming a popular choice for weddings among Indian and South Asian families. These aren’t just places to play games—they’ve blossomed into glamorous destinations where luxury meets endless entertainment. With stunning hotels, fine dining, and beautiful event spaces all in one place, casino resorts offer everything needed to create unforgettable wedding celebrations.
One of the biggest draws is their 24/7 service, perfect for the multi-day festivities that are part of many South Asian weddings. These beautiful, luxurious venues give you more than just a pretty place — they create a special experience where classic traditions mix perfectly with modern style. Picture exchanging your vows in an elegant, welcoming space, and then just moments later, enjoying the fun and energy of a casino right there.
As this trend grows, casino resorts are redefining what a wedding destination can be — combining tradition, style, and excitement all under one roof. To learn more about this rising trend, SiGMA World caught up with Nagesh Mekala, CXO and Management Consultant – Multiple Global Gaming Companies, who shares his insights on why casino resorts are quickly becoming the go-to choice for many couples.
SiGMA World: How are casino resorts using their gaming and entertainment options to attract weddings and other big events?
Nagesh Mekala, CXO and Management Consultant: Casino resorts, particularly Integrated Resorts (IRs), are increasingly positioning themselves as comprehensive lifestyle destinations rather than being solely focused on gaming.
Properties such as City of Dreams Cyprus, Okada Manila, Hoiana in Vietnam, and Hann Resorts in Clark represent substantial investments that combine luxury accommodations, entertainment zones, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, fine dining, and travel-tourism infrastructure — all within a single land-based complex.
In this context, casinos become part of a larger ecosystem that appeals to a wide audience, including those planning weddings, corporate events, and other significant celebrations. These venues offer not just state-of-the-art gaming experiences but also world-class hospitality and customised event services, making them ideal for hosting grand events beyond the traditional casino demographic.
SiGMA World: How does 24/7 entertainment help make casino resorts a more attractive choice for event planners?
Mekala: The 24/7 operational model of casino resorts adds significant value for event planners by offering unparalleled flexibility in scheduling and access to services.
This is particularly beneficial in the context of Integrated Resorts (IRs) that cater predominantly to Asian markets, where weddings and traditional ceremonies often span multiple days and involve diverse cultural functions such as mehendi ceremony, sangeet ceremony, engagement, haldi ceremony, receptions, cocktail & bachelor parties, and the wedding itself.
Similarly, for corporate gatherings including partner meets, business conferences, shareholder meetings, and informal get-togethers, the ability to access world-class venues, dining, entertainment, and hospitality services at any hour creates a seamless and elevated experience.
By being operational around the clock, these resorts ensure that guests and event organisers have the freedom to plan according to cultural customs and business priorities without being restricted by conventional timings — making them a highly attractive choice for both social and corporate events.
SiGMA World: How important is the mix of luxury and casino amenities when it comes to drawing high-end events?
Mekala: The blend of luxury and casino amenities plays a pivotal role in attracting high-end events to integrated resorts.
Today’s event planners and upscale clientele are looking for more than just functional venues — they seek immersive experiences that combine sophistication, entertainment, and convenience.
Integrated Resorts, with their premium accommodations, fine dining, spa and wellness facilities, designer retail, and 24/7 gaming, provide a holistic environment that caters to both leisure and business needs. This unique combination creates a compelling value proposition for hosting elite weddings, VIP gatherings, incentive trips, and corporate events.
The presence of casino amenities enhances the allure for guests seeking entertainment and exclusivity, while the luxury offerings ensure comfort, elegance, and personalised service — factors that are essential when curating memorable, high-caliber events.
SiGMA World: What kind of gaming do guests usually go for during weddings — casual fun or serious play?
Mekala: During weddings hosted at casino resorts, the gaming experience is generally approached as a form of light-hearted entertainment rather than intense or high-stakes play. While a few guests may engage more seriously, the majority participate for casual enjoyment, viewing it as a social activity that complements the celebratory atmosphere.
Card games such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, and Rummy tend to be the most popular choices, as they are easy to understand, require minimal equipment, and are well-suited for informal group settings. These games can also be set up in versatile locations such as seaside decks, garden lawns, or poolside lounges — allowing guests to enjoy gaming in a relaxed, open-air environment that enhances the overall festive experience.
This flexibility, combined with the engaging nature of card games, allows event organisers to offer a unique entertainment option that blends seamlessly with the wedding’s ambience, without detracting from its cultural or traditional elements.
SiGMA World: Are casino resorts getting more group bookings or corporate events because of their entertainment offerings?
Mekala: The rise in group bookings and corporate events at casino resorts is closely tied to regional dynamics and the strength of the local MICE infrastructure.
In many parts of Europe — such as the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, and Bulgaria — corporate events like SiGMA, ICE, and others tend to follow a more formal structure, often hosted in five-star hotels that occasionally incorporate gaming elements or entertainment activities to enhance the delegate experience. This model is increasingly being mirrored by integrated casino resorts, which are well-positioned to offer a seamless blend of business functionality and leisure.
In Asia, the approach tends to be more experiential. Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia have witnessed a growing demand for MICE tourism with a strong lifestyle and entertainment component.
Integrated resorts in these regions are leveraging their all-in-one offerings — including gaming, fine dining, spas, nightlife, and cultural experiences — to appeal to event organisers who seek dynamic, memorable environments for both corporate and social gatherings.
By adapting to local preferences and combining high-end facilities with round-the-clock entertainment, casino resorts are successfully positioning themselves as versatile venues capable of hosting everything from boardroom meetings to lavish celebrations.
SiGMA World: How do casino resorts balance family-friendly events with adult gaming experiences?
Mekala: Many Integrated Resorts (IRs), particularly in Asian markets, strategically offer a diverse range of entertainment options to cater to different audience segments.
While family-friendly activities and general leisure attractions are thoughtfully curated, there is also a deliberate inclusion of adults-only experiences such as KTV lounges, private theatre venues (PTVs), and exclusive club spaces. These are typically positioned in dedicated, discreet zones within the resort — allowing for privacy and targeted engagement without impacting the broader guest experience.
Similarly, in Western markets such as Europe and the United States, adult entertainment offerings including strip clubs and premium nightlife venues are often integrated into or located near casino properties. These venues are usually well-regulated and tailored to mature audiences, contributing to the resort’s appeal as a comprehensive lifestyle and entertainment destination.
By clearly segmenting experiences and respecting cultural sensibilities, casino resorts are able to provide a well-balanced mix of offerings. This approach ensures that they remain attractive to both leisure travellers and event planners who may be organising everything from family celebrations to exclusive VIP gatherings.
SiGMA World: Do you think this trend will continue to grow in India and Asia, or is it more of a short-term thing?
Mekala: The trend of integrating casino resorts into the broader hospitality and entertainment landscape is expected to continue growing in India and across Asia. While India is a culturally rich and socially diverse country with deep-rooted traditions, the casino experience is currently limited to select regions such as Goa and Sikkim, where regulations permit offshore and land-based operations.
In contrast, several Asian countries — such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Macau — recognised the potential of regulated gaming much earlier. These markets have since built robust frameworks that support integrated resorts combining gaming, hospitality, retail, and entertainment, making them key regional hubs for both tourism and MICE events.
Thailand, notably, is in the process of drafting new gaming regulations. Given its global reputation as an eco-tourism and leisure destination, the legalisation of casinos there is likely to open significant opportunities, potentially transforming it into one of the region’s most attractive IR markets.
Meanwhile, Goa has already seen steady growth in corporate and group bookings at its offshore casinos, indicating a shift in how such venues are perceived — not just as gaming destinations, but as part of broader business and leisure experiences.
Overall, this is not a short-term phenomenon. With evolving regulations, growing tourism infrastructure, and changing consumer expectations, the integrated resort and casino culture in Asia — including India — is poised for sustained, long-term growth.
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