Lotte Tour Development Co Ltd reported a significant increase in performance at its Jeju Dream Tower casino in South Korea this February. The casino’s revenue reached approximately KRW32.63 billion (US$22.14 million), marking a 44.3% increase compared to the previous year. This growth, however, follows a peak in January, with February witnessing a 28.4% drop month-on-month. The developments hold important implications for the gaming market, indicating potential adjustments in operational strategies and market positioning.
The casino noted a surge in visitors, with 43,914 people attending in February — a 25.2% increase from February 2025. Despite this growth, the number was still down 17.2% when compared to January’s visitor count, suggesting a stabilization following the New Year’s rush. The data on visitor numbers was part of a supplementary release from Lotte Tour.
A notable contributor to the improved revenue was the exceptional performance of table games. The table game sector reported sales of nearly KRW30.86 billion in February, signifying a 49.0% increase year-on-year. However, this figure was 29.4% less than January’s total, indicating the initial surge in 2026 has tempered. The increased hold rate of 20.4% in February, compared to 14.7% the previous year, was a key factor in boosting table game revenues, as a larger portion of bets was converted into revenue.
Conversely, gaming machines showed a decrease in performance. February’s revenue from machine operations dropped by 6.9% from the previous year, and 5.0% from January. While slot machines form a smaller proportion of the casino’s earnings compared to table games, these figures highlight a softer performance in this segment for the month.
The table drop — the amount exchanged by visitors for chips — rose 7.7% year-on-year to KRW151.47 billion, suggesting continued robust engagement from players compared to the previous year. However, there was a 35.1% drop from January, indicating a pullback from the early-year peak of 2026. Lotte Tour did not provide specific reasons for these shifting patterns in sales and customer behavior between January and February.
Despite the month-on-month dip, the cumulative performance for the opening months of 2026 remains strong. The total casino sales for January and February reached KRW78.23 billion, reflecting a 50.3% increase from the same period last year. The aggregate table drop for this period totaled KRW384.97 billion, a 47.1% rise year-on-year. These figures underscore the overall growth in customer spending and revenue compared to early 2025.
In addition to gaming, Jeju Dream Tower’s hotel operations have also witnessed a boost. February hotel sales increased by almost KRW6.46 billion, up 43.3% from the previous year, and 15.0% from January. The combined sales for January and February amounted to KRW12.07 billion, an increase of 20.8% compared to the previous year. While Lotte Tour has not specified the factors driving this improvement, the increased visitor numbers appear to be contributing positively to the hospitality segment.
Looking ahead, Jeju Dream Tower’s management will likely monitor market trends closely to adapt to the evolving landscape. With the initial surge at the beginning of the year and subsequent adjustments, strategies may need to focus on maintaining momentum and addressing areas such as gaming machines. Regulatory considerations and market competition are likely to play a significant role in future performance. The casino’s ability to adapt will be crucial as it positions itself in the competitive South Korean gaming and hospitality market. Further evaluations and possible strategic shifts can be expected as the year progresses, with a focus on sustaining growth amidst fluctuating visitor patterns and market dynamics.
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