DANCING TO THE NON-GAMING TUNE

Asia’s land-based sector continues to attract strong investor interest, as new resorts and new jurisdictions continue to open.

Our Focus in this August 2018 edition studies the implications of this proliferation of new properties and the potential considerations for investors. We look at the practicalities, such as the right size resort for the market, what non-gaming amenities to include and how to make sure your staff is offering the best possible service.

There has been considerable debate over whether bigger is better. Around the region, from Singapore to CNMI, the mega resort seems to be the preferred operating model. We ask why, and more importantly, will this trend continue as the market develops?

In another of our featured items, we consider the merits of the various jurisdictions. Is the Asian market big enough for all and when will it reach saturation point? Which particular resorts are most at risk from cannibalization and from where?

As new resorts are built out, operators are also faced with the question as to what will appeal to clients in terms of non-gaming amenities. In Las Vegas, it has been the nightclub that has proved the star attraction, pulling in that coveted younger demographic. There are signs Asia is moving in that direction. Marina Bay Sands is bringing in the world-renowned Marquee Club from next year and Melco Resorts & Entertainment hosts the Pacha brand.

Lastly, the business is all about the people. The personal interactions experienced by visitors are likely to really make the difference when it comes to customer loyalty. But to get that level of service, employees need to be fully on board.

Marketing expert Sudhir Kale examines how operators need to drive employee engagement to ensure they are reaching their full potential. He reaches the conclusion that money can’t buy everything.

In these pages you’ll also find the most pertinent updates across 22 Asian jurisdictions.

In Macau we look at the EGM market: slot machines have long been a secondary attraction to table games in Macau’s casinos, but a combination of product innovation and evolving customer preferences suggest they are a growing influence on operator revenue.

Onto the Philippines we bring you an eGaming odyssey: almost two years after losing its license in a spat with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, gaming technology company PhilWeb Corp is back, with improved content and services.

Down under in Australia we take a closer look at Queensland where the state is set to kick start its efforts to establish new IRs four years after a previous round of bidding ended with little progress.

Keeping to Australia our Supplier Special report is dedicated to the Australasia Gaming Expo. Industry leaders from across the globe are flocking to the newly renovated Sydney International Convention Centre for the 29th edition of the show. Organizers are touting exciting new additions to the expo this year, including a Networking Zone, a new First Timers Program, and an all new AGE Seminar program. Produced by Asia Gaming Brief the educational seminars include three days of sessions covering issues in technology, gaming, hospitality, marketing, media, events, and F&B and more.

The AGB team will be in town following the seminar and the Expo. If you’d like to get in touch for a meeting write to us at AGE@agbrief.com.

See you around Darling Harbour!

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers