RSS 2.0 FeedAsia Nears 'Tipping Point’
Sun, May 13, 2012
Crimes, epidemics and fads all have a tipping point where their momentum reaches a critical stage, tips past a threshold and spreads unstoppably. So why shouldn't gambling have one too?
Vol. 10 • No. 19 • May 14, 2012 - Print This Issue
ASIAN GAMING Archive
Philippines Reports Strong Visitation
Sun, May 13, 2012
Visitation was up significantly in the Philippines in the first quarter. South Koreans led the way. But the highest rate of growth belonged to the Chinese. This bodes well for the four planned gaming mega-resorts at Manila’s Entertainment City (l.).
Okada Confirms Manila Investment
Sun, May 13, 2012
Universal Entertainment will invest $2 billion in a casino resort on the shores of Manila Bay, says company Chairman Kazuo Okada (in white with PAGCOR officials at groundbreaking). In addition, his slot manufacturing division, Aruze Gaming America, will build another slot machine factory in Batangas.
Macau Revenues Up 22% in April
Sun, May 06, 2012
While revenue growth in 2012 has not measured up to 2011, the bar was so high, it would have been almost impossible to continue that pattern. But even at more than 20 percent for the first quarter of 2012, some analysts are not happy.
M-I-C-K-E-Y in M-a-c-a-u?
Sun, May 06, 2012
Too much gambling is not a good thing, says the political leader of the largest gambling market in the world. Macau’s chief executive says he wants the discussion of economic diversification to include theme parks.
Third Time a Charm for Wynn
Sun, May 06, 2012
Two premature announcements that it had been granted approval from the Macau government for its Cotai land concession notwithstanding, last week’s publication in Macau’s official gazette that Wynn Macau got the formal OK was the last word. Is MGM next?
No Travel Restrictions for Macau
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Fears that China would impose travel restrictions similar to the ones that caused a downturn in the Macau market in 2009 have eased, now that there more ferry and air routes opening up for the SAR, reports Union Gaming Group.
Macau #3 in Gaming Revenue
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
The tiny special administrative region of Macau has jumped over Italy and the United Kingdom in the last year to become their third-largest producer of gaming revenue in the world, behind only Japan and the United States.
SJM Secures Funding for New Macau Casino
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Some of Mainland China’s largest bank like what they’re seeing in Macau’s booming casino industry. Several of them have agreed to pony up a combined 400 million yuan, the equivalent of US$63.5 million, as part of a package of loans to fund construction of Ponte 16 (l.) a new casino resort in the peninsula.
Opening of First Manila IR Delayed
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
The eagerly awaited opening this year of Entertainment City Manila’s first integrated resort, the Belle Grande Manila Bay (l.), is being delayed to 2013. The hitch is a government requirement that each of the massive complex’s four licensees be ready to open at least 800 hotel rooms concurrent with their casinos. Despite the postponement, optimism is running high in the Philippines over the economic benefits the massive project is expected to deliver.
Galaxy Plans Phase II
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
The success of the first phase of Galaxy Macau has spurred Galaxy Entertainment to quickly begin Phase II of the project, which will not be subject to the onerous government approvals necessary before getting something started. But a deal must be reached to expand the number at table games in the expanded project.
Vietnamese Flock to Border Casinos
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
Thousands of Vietnamese head for the Cambodian border every week to gamble in casinos and at cockfights. Police are keeping a close eye on possible illegal activity, and a crackdown may be in the works.
Singapore Gambler Told To Pay Up
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
A gambler in deep with Marina Bay Sands demanded a trial in court on the validity of his debts and waved the specter of illegal junkets. But he balked at putting up the amount at stake as security in the event he lost his case, and the court has ordered him to repay the casino.
Genting Eyes Expansion
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
Genting Singapore, the owner of Resorts World Sentosa (l.), is planning to return to the bond markets for the second time in a month to raise more funds for expansion. Japan and Korea have definitely piqued the resort giant’s interest. Word is the company also is looking to invest in Vietnam and pursue more opportunities in the United States, Australia and Europe.
LVS Designing Megaresorts for Vietnam
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson says Vietnam is ripe for large-scale casino development, and just to move things along, his company has already begun designing a couple of them, one for Hanoi and one for Ho Chi Minh City (l.).
LVS Weighs In On Vietnam’s Potential
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
Las Vegas Sands likes Vietnam’s prospects as a gaming resort destination, says the head of global development for the company. He thinks Singapore offers the Vietnamese much by way of instruction. He encourages the country to debate the issues fully.
Blackmail Alleged In Korea Game-Rigging Scandal
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
The plot thickens in the game-fixing scandal that has rocked South Korea’s Kangwon Land casino (l.). The latest from police includes charges that crooked gamblers attempted to blackmail the casino’s management.
Japan Inches Toward Legalization
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
The Japanese Diet could debate the merits of legalizing casinos as early as this year. A bipartisan group of lawmakers has already identified Tokyo and Osaka as preferred sites. However, concerns over problem gambling are expected to loom large.
Sands Opens Cotai Central to Huge Crowds
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
Sands Cotai Central debuted last week with a measure of hype and excitement not seen in Macau… well, since the opening of Galaxy Macau at this time last year. Cotai Central is 30 percent larger than its neighbor, the Venetian Macao.
More Slots Headed to Cambodia Casino
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
Cambodia’s Poipet casino market will be getting bigger this year following a deal to bring hundreds more gaming machines to a new venue at the popular border crossing for players from Thailand
Macau On Track for Another Banner Month
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
Macau’s hot hand is expected to continue this month, with a lively holiday season and this week’s Cotai Central opening expected to draw fresh hordes of visitors from Mainland China and Hong Kong
Korean Casino Uncovers Cheating Scam
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
A sophisticated scheme to rig baccarat games was in operation for at least three years at South Korea’s Kangwon Land casino hotel (l.), according to authorities. The inside job involved maintenance staff that installed a camera in a card shuffler. A player in on the scheme reportedly won millions.
Singapore Goes Slow on Junkets
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
In extending tentative licenses to two junket operators, Singapore authorities steer clear of Macau’s established promoter networks—and that may not be a bad thing. Marina Bay Sands says it will not employ
Cotai Central Opens
Sun, Apr 08, 2012
The long-awaited opening of Cotai Central, the newest—and possibly last Macau development—of Sands China will happen this week, with the company adding market share and non-gaming amenities in pursuit of Sheldon Adelson’s dream of a Cotai Strip.
PAGCOR Project As Tourism Magnet
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
The Entertainment City Manila project (rendering at left) from PAGCOR is hoping to draw 1 million visitors annually from outside the Philippines. If achieved, the number would represent 10 percent of the tourism department’s goal of 10 million foreign tourists a year by 2016.
Cotai Concession Confusion
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
The battle for the two land concessions that the government will grand in the Cotai region of Macau got more convoluted last week as Wynn Resorts announced that it has already made a down payment and SJM expressed confidence it would win one grant. And Melco Crown officially requests a casino at its Studio City project (l.).
MGM Target of Latest Casino Leaks Attack
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
The website casinoleaks-macau.com has issued another salve, this one aimed at MGM Resorts that challenges Nevada regulatory authorities to investigate who the company is doing business with in Macau as VIP operators. The VIP lobby at MGM Grand Macau at left.
April 11: Cotai Central Opens
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
The long-delayed debut of what is now known as Cotai Central will occur on April 11. It’s possible that this development will complete the dream of owner Las Vegas Sands, but with uncertainty about future land concessions, you never know.
A Bridge Too Far
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
A Thai official is pressing the government to prevent Thais from crossing the “friendship” bridge into Laos in order to gamble. He claims that crime is high in the town of Savannakhet because Thai citizens lose all their money at the casino and resort to crimes to return to Thailand.
Galaxy Phase II
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
The second phase of the Galaxy Macau project will include many mass market amenities that will drive business—and revenue—to the company’s most successful project. Galaxy’s chairman, Lui Che Woo (l.), is a richer man because of it.
PAGCOR Leader Defended by Tourism Exec
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
A leading tourism official in the Philippines has come to the defense of PAGCOR Chairman Cristino “Bong” Naguiat (shown at left in Wynn Las Vegas) for accepting complimentary accommodations at Wynn properties in Macau and Las Vegas from former board member Kazuo Okada.
Foreign Dealers Ruled Out in Macau
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
The government of Macau has refused to loosen its policy of only allowing Macau citizens to become dealers, which has created a severe labor crunch in the SAR where unemployment hovers around 2 percent.
Laos Bans Economic Zone Gambling on Chinese Border
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
Laos has decided to do away with the casino component in future special economic zones. A nightmarish experience in Boten Golden City led the government to the decision. No word yet on the future of the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone, where the Golden Dome casino (l.) is located.
Vietnam Casinos Still Off-limits to Locals
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
The media hype surrounding billion-dollar casino resort proposals for Vietnam was stopped short recently by statements from that nation’s minister of planning and investment. Minister Bui Quang Vinh reminded all hopeful participants that locals are still banned by law from entering casinos.
Border Crossings, Transportation May Aid Macau
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
A proposal to construct a single immigration point between Macau and Chinese Mainland could cut wait times in half. At the same time, another proposed light rail line could connect Taipa and Cotai with new Hong King-Zhuhai bridge (l.).
Junkets Eyed in Macau—Again
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
Attention is returning to the junket operators in Macau once again after a rogue website makes charges that many of the operators continue to be controlled by the Chinese triads. A Nevada regulator is noticing and a new State Department report says the SAR remains vulnerable to money laundering. (Entrance to MGM Grand Macau’s VIP rooms at left.)
Las Vegas Sands Sued Over Macau
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
A company that describes itself as a former partner of Las Vegas Sands in the development of its Macau casinos has filed a $375 million suit alleging that LV Sands failed to fulfill its agreement
Okada Takes Offensive
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
Charging the Wynn Resorts is a “fiefdom” controlled by Steve Wynn, Universal Entertainment and its head, Kazuo Okada (l.) responded to his ouster from the Wynn board and the forced purchase of his 20 percent company share. But did he even deny the allegations?
PAGCOR Loses Licensing Role
Sat, Mar 17, 2012
Repercussions from the Wynn-Okada battle have motivated the Philippines’ legislature to resume the licensing role it surrendered to PAGCOR in 2007. Meanwhile, PAGCOR the operator set a new all-time monthly revenue record in February, according to PAGCOR head Cristino Naguiat Jr. (l.).
Galaxy Macau Opening China Rouge
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
Macau is getting a new members-only club at Galaxy Macau. The exotic China Rouge, where “business and pleasure sit cozily together,” will celebrate with a grand opening on March 30.
Vietnam Slowly Approaching Gaming Policy
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
The finance minister of Vietnam recently went to Singapore to gain information on sports betting, which Vietnam may introduce. There was no mention in the media of any visit to Singapore’s IRs, even though Sheldon Adelson recently announced plans to build two IRs in Vietnam’s biggest cities.
Calm Before the Storm?
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
Wynn Resorts moves to officially remove Kazuo Okada from its board of directors as a result of an investigation by the firm led by former FBI Director Louis Freeh (l.). Macau regulators launched an investigation, while Philippine legislators vent their displeasure with a ban on Wynn operating in their country.
PAGCOR Investigation Won’t Harm Entertainment City
Sat, Mar 10, 2012
The dust kicked up by the Wynn-Okada feud has reached the Philippines, where Okada is building a $2 billion resort at PAGCOR’s Entertainment City. PAGCOR chairmen are accused of accepting free hotel rooms from Okada. An investigation could end PAGCOR’s role as an operator but will not affect Entertainment City.
MGM to Build Shanghai Bellagio
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
In another of the non-gaming hotels it is building around the world, MGM Resorts last week announced it had reached an agreement with a Chinese company to build a Bellagio hotel in Shanghai.
Race for Cotai Sites Heats Up
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
MGM China and SJM both report “advanced” talks with the Macau government on the land concessions necessary before they can begin to build their long-awaited casino projects in the SAR’s Cotai region. And Wynn issues, then withdraws, release about Cotai.
February Revenues Up 20 Percent in Macau
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
For the 12th consecutive month, gaming revenues in Macau exceeded $20 billion. The month of February was short, devoid of holiday and a difficult comp with February 2011, but it was still 20 percent higher than last year.
Vietnam Advised to Reject Casinos
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
Not everyone in Southeast Asia is a fan of casinos. A former state committee deputy chair in Vietnam would rather see foreign investment in areas like technology and conservation than gaming.
Sands Draining Macau Employment Pool
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
Macau is finding it increasingly more difficult to find good help, or even enough help. The labor demands of the casino resorts are straining local talent resources. Sands China’s recent efforts to find another 500 employees for its Cotai Central property (l.) are not helping the situation.
Singapore Reviewing Casino Control Act
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
Singapore’s IRs have been an undeniable success economically. Now the government wants to be sure that things in the social area are also fine. To that end, and for other reasons, Minister S. Iswaran (l.) is reviewing the Casino Control Act to see if it needs tweaking.
PAGCOR Faces Congressional Grilling
Sat, Mar 03, 2012
The spillover from the Wynn-Okada feud has impacted the reputation of the Philippines and its casino regulatory/operation agency, PAGCOR. Last week, Congress tried to get to the bottom of it. Cristino “Bong” Naguiat (l.) says Wynn is only looking to derail competition in Asia.