JURISDICTION UPDATES December 2014 Edition
JAY CHUN ON MACAU DOWNTURN:
Healthy correction • Special Focus pg.28 • Last Words pg.50
MACAU
Staffing costs outstrip revenues pg.30
PHILIPPINES City of Dreams Manila a game changer? pg.6
VIETNAM
Abuzz with projects, debate continues pg.21
MACAO GAMING SHOW ‘14 SPECIAL REPORT p.36
MESSAGE 3
Celebrating Macau
M
acau celebrates its 15th anniversary of
lack of liquidity and scandals in the junket market that
the official handover from Portugal to
controls VIPs, to a softening Chinese economy.
China on 20 December. China’s President
The fact is that, whatever the reason(s), a market
Xi Jinping will visit the enclave this
correction was due and the dizzying growth rates
December and participate in ceremonies marking both
were unsustainable. Having participated in the Macao
the inauguration of the re-elected Chief Executive
Gaming Show in November, AGB can attest that there
of Macau, as well as commemorating the handover
is plenty of life and optimism in the market yet, and
anniversary.
the casino operators themselves do not seem unduly
The President’s visit is widely seen as an endorsement
concerned. Indeed, a correction away from the decades-
of Macau and he will be greeted with much fanfare. His
old business model of the casino agent, or junket, is
“gift” of increased opening hours for the China-Macau
likely ultimately a beneficial one for the operators.
border crossing is already in place. However, his visit
As the year draws to a close, AGB also has much to
may conceal undercurrents of concern.
celebrate - the launch of our new logo and brand, the
The tiny territory has been punching above its weight
hosting of several successful industry networking
ever since the liberalization of the casino industry. The
events, the launch of the All Asia Dealers Tournament
gambling mecca became the fourth richest territory in
alongside G2E Asia next May, and almost two years
the world in 2014, overtaking Switzerland with a per
of publishing essential Asian content for gaming
capita GDP of over $91,000.
executives everywhere.
Aside from a dip in 2009 during the financial crisis, the
Next year will see more new announcements and
world has watched astounded as gross gaming revenue
partnerships as we continue on our path to be your
continued to expand at a vertiginous pace off impossibly
trusted partner in the Asian gaming industry.
high bases. GGR has risen by an average of 30 percent
So let’s banish negativity and darkness in true
annually for the last ten years, with the first quarter in
Christmas tradition, and join Macau in celebrating
2014 topping 100 billion patacas ($12.5 billion).
as only it knows how. 2015 may get off to a slow start
Then the slide started to happen. In June this year GGR
in GGR terms, but we’re predicting it’s going to be a
fell for the first time since 2009 by 3.7 percent. The
great year.
expected rebound in July didn’t happen, and from there
Happy 15th Anniversary Macau - and happy holidays to
on in it has got worse and worse, with October seeing a
you all. l
Rosalind Wade
Luis Pereira
record 23.2 percent decline and November 19.6 percent lower than a year prior.
On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief
Various factors have been blamed, from the FIFA World
Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira
Cup, to President Xi’s anti-corruption campaign, to a
PUBLISHERS
www.asiagamingbrief.com DECEMBER 2014 EDITION SERIES II • ISSUE V Jurisdiction updates december 2014 edition
JAY CHUN ON MACAU DOWNTURN:
Healthy correction • Special Focus pg. 28 • Last Words pg.50
MACAU
Staffing costs outstrip revenues pg.30
PHILIPPINES City of Dreams Manila a game changer? pg.6
VIETNAM
Abuzz with projects, debate continues pg.21
MACAO GAMING SHOW ‘14 SpeCIAl RepORt p.36
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Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
CONTENTS 4
NORTH ASIA
SOUTH EAST ASIA
REGIONAL SPECIAL FOCUS
PHILIPPINES
06
JAPAN
16
INTERVIEW WITH JAY CHUN
24
SINGAPORE
08
SOUTH KOREA
18
RACING
26
MALAYSIA
10
RUSSIA
19
CRUISES
28
INDOCHINA
AUSTRALASIA
GREATER CHINA
AUSTRALIA
12
VIETNAM
20
MACAU
30
NEW ZEALAND
14
MYANMAR
22
MAINLAND CHINA
34
PACIFIC ISLES
15
CAMBODIA
23
MGS SPECIAL REPORT
36
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
52
LAST WORDS
you asked. we responded.
the new neTworkInG, eduCaTIon and BusIness InsIGHT. POWERED BY
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SOUTH EAST ASIA 6
PHILIPPINES
CoD a game changer ? a special in-room menu crafted by Chef Nobu.
further retail space, a theatre and nightclub.
The resort, developed with local partner Belle
In recent years, the Philippines’ improving
Corp., will feature a wider range of entertainment
economy, and a young, working population with
options than currently available in the Philippines’
higher spending power and consumer confidence
other casino resorts.
have made it a promising destination for tourism
Venues will include Manila’s first branded
and business. The country’s GDP improved 6.4
Family Entertainment Center, a venture with
percent year-over-year in the second quarter
Hollywood film studio Dreamworks.
of 2014, according to the Philippines’ National
“DreamPlay by DreamWorks” mixes education
Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).
with entertainment using Dreamworks
Per capita gross national income grew by 5.5
characters, such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda
percent in the quarter. Despite being in the early
and the team from Madagascar. The company
stages of development, the gaming industry in
claims the concept, which will open along with
the country is expected to pull in $4.5 billion by
the resort later this year, will be the first of
2018, double the 2013 levels, according to J.P.
its kind in the world.
Morgan. About 45 percent of that additional
The resort will also boast a live performance
growth is likely to be driven by City of Dreams.
central lounge inside the casino and a nightclub
There are challenges, however. Casino operators
situated at the Fortune Egg, an architecturally-
have to contend with regulation, high taxes,
unique dome-like structure, which will be
a conservative Catholic majority with vocal
accented with creative exterior lighting design.
leadership, and delays in the roll-out of
Aside from these, the company has collaborated
infrastructure projects.
he resort, scheduled for a soft opening
with Michael Van Cleef Ault to bring nightclub
The pros for operators include a larger domestic
in December, will be by far the largest
brands Pangaea and Chaos into the Philippine
market than Singapore and Macau. The local
in the country with more than 365
market.
mass market is strong and makes up about
gaming tables, 1,700 slot machines
It will be the second integrated resort to
46 percent of revenue at present, helping
and 1,700 electronic table games.
open in the Philippine Amusement & Gaming
counterbalance the more volatile VIP sector.
“We believe the entry of MCP, with its City
Corporation’s (PAGCOR) Entertainment City,
Despite political tensions stemming from
of Dreams Manila opening at the end of this
a gaming and entertainment complex built
maritime territorial disputes, tourist arrivals
year, will be a game changer to the industry,”
on 8 km² of land on the reclamation area of
from China remain high, increasing 8.53 percent
JP Morgan analysts wrote in a recent note.
Manila Bay. Bloomberry Resorts’ $1 billion
in the first half of 2014. Tourist arrivals from
“Locally, its diverse non-gaming offering with
Solaire Resort and Casino began operations
other countries have also risen – the Korean
well-branded hotels, as well as clustering effect
there in March 2013. Universal Entertainment
market contributed the biggest share of arrivals
with Solaire would finally help Entertainment
Corporation’s Manila Bay Resorts is expected
at 23.14 percent, while tourist arrivals from the
City to build the critical mass.”
to be completed in 2015 while Genting Hong
U.S. rose 7.63 percent.
Melco Crown says its latest integrated resort will
Kong and Alliance Global’s Resorts World
In its 2014 Asia-Pacific gaming report, Fitch
have a strategic mix of hotel brands, ensuring a
Bayshore is expected to open in 2018. The
said the Philippine gaming sector may improve
“celebrity-inspired and fun-luxury experience.”
complex is the centerpiece of the Philippine
its global market share to around 4.5-5 percent
It will have six hotel towers, including the
government’s push to become one of the top
in the next three to five years, from the current
260-room Crown Towers hotel, which will
integrated resort destinations in the Asia
3.3 percent.
cater to the high-end VIP and premium mass
Pacific region.
It also believes the Philippines’ low-cost
market segments, and the 321-room Nobu Hotel
In the six months to June, Solaire had gaming
environment compared with other gaming
Manila, a project spearheaded by celebrity chef
revenue of PHP 10.82 billion ($241.8 million)
destinations like Macau, Singapore, and
Nobu Matsuhisa, and championed by Hollywood
up from PHP 3.81 billion in the previous half
Australia would counterbalance a relatively
actor Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer
year. The resort is now gearing up to open the
high tax regime.
Meir Teper.
second phase of its development, Phase 1a,
Melco Crown said it wanted to expand in the
The latter will feature a Nobu Restaurant where
which will include more gaming tables, but
Philippines because the country is a popular
customers can enjoy signature dishes as well as
will also widen its entertainment offering with
tourist destination and close to major markets,
With the opening of Melco Crown Entertainment’s $1.4 billion City of Dreams project, Manila’s Entertainment City complex got its second integrated resort which is seen as a potential game changer in creating a true gaming hub in the Philippines
T
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SOUTH EAST ASIA 7 including South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and China. The company also said it wanted to
CITY OF DREAMS.
“take advantage of the anticipated growth
Belle Corp and Melco Crown are scheduled
in the leisure and tourism industries in the
to open the City of Dreams casino resort
Philippines, which will cater to an increasingly
project towards the end of this year. City of
affluent and growing Asian middle class who
Dreams will also bring luxury brand, Nobu
continue to seek new travel destinations and
to the Philippines, as well as an educational
experiences.”
entertainment center in a venture with
City of Dreams is expected to have an advantage
Hollywood studio, Dreamworks. Melco has
over other resorts in its ability to leverage its
also teamed with the Ault Group to add two
strong Macau client base to attract VIP players.
renowned nightclubs - Pangaea and Chaos.
“Melco group’s long-standing relationship with
In June, Melco upped its estimate for the
Macau junkets should open the door for them to
Entertainment City resort by about a third,
participate in the market, which, underpinned
from $680 million to $832 million. The
by higher commissions and rebates, should
property will feature 365 gaming tables,
help operators tap into the Chinese VIPs,” JP
1,680 slot machines and 1,680 electronic
Morgan says.
table games upon opening, catering to both
While Melco is making moves to shift its focus
the VIP and mass market, and 950 hotel
to mass market gaming in light of declining VIP
rooms. Melco Crown Philippines posted a
revenues, especially in Macau, the company’s
net loss of P1.4 billion for the second quarter
growth strategy in City of Dreams Manila is
and a loss of P2.4 billion for the first half of
to expand both the VIP and premium mass
2014. Pre-opening costs were P736.5 million
markets in the Philippines. The company
for the three months ended June 30, 2014,
believes that Manila is well positioned to
compared with P151.1 million year on year.
cater to both segments. It expects the diverse offerings of entertainment, lifestyle and leisure to be appealing to domestic, regional and international visitors.
UNIVERSAL RESORTS Pagcor chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat Jr. has said that Universal Entertainment’s
GROSS GAMING REVENUE (Source: JP Morgan)
$4.5b $3.7b $3.2b $2.6b
Y14E
Y15E
Y16E
Y18E
PAGCOR is to penalize the local affiliate of Japan’s Universal Entertainment Corp if it fails to open a $2 billion casino-resort along Manila Bay in 2015 as planned. Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment said in September that it was likely to launch the first phase of the project in 2016, a year later than planned. Pagcor chairman Cristino Naguiat said Tiger would lose a $2.24 million guarantee that all casino operators must maintain with the regulator.
SOLAIRE RESORT & CASINO
Manila Bay Resorts would not be allowed to
Bloomberry Resorts’ Solaire Resort & Casino
resolved, including foreign equity limits on
was the first to open in Entertainment City
land ownership and bribery charges filed
and is now set to open its 200,000 square-
against Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada and
meter extension in October this year. The
his companies. Former joint venture partner,
break ground by the end of this year on the
$400 million add-on will feature more VIP
Century Properties, recently said it wants
$1.1-billion Resorts World Bayshore along
gaming sections, 300 all-suite hotel rooms,
to resume talks with Universal on their
Manila Bay. The opening has been delayed
a shopping center with 30 to 40 high-end
accord, which was terminated in March, on
to 2018. The company is also pushing ahead
shops, a 1,800-seat entertainment theater,
the original terms. Successful conclusion
with the expansion of Resorts World Manila.
3,000 parking spaces, a nightclub and more
of negotiations would put the Japanese
It has allotted $600 million for the second
restaurants. The initial outlay was boosted
company back in compliance with Philippine
and third phases of the resort to boost retail
to $680 million, $60 million more than
laws on foreign land ownership. The
space by 60 percent. It will add 1,100 rooms
previously announced. “This is definitely
company is seeking to open its $2-billion
to the existing 1,226 rooms in Resorts World
going to drive visitation to Solaire not just
gaming complex by the third quarter of 2015.
Manila’s Maxim’s, Marriott and Remington
from locals but more so from foreign VIPs
The casino will feature 2,000 rooms, state-
hotels. In a disclosure to the Philippine
going forward,” said Leo D. Venezuela,
of-the-art gaming facilities, and an indoor
Stock Exchange in April, Travellers said
director of investor relations at Solaire
man-made beach club covered by a huge
Pagcor approved new gaming capacity of 420
Resort and Casino. Bloomberry Resorts Corp.
glass dome, high-end and casual dining
gaming tables and 4,148 gaming machines.
Q3 total revenue was 5.85 billion pesos ($130
restaurants, upscale retail shops, trade halls
At end-2013, Resorts World Manila housed
million), compared with 4.11 billion the
and cinemas.
287 gaming tables for the VIP and mass
open its casino until outstanding issues were
previous year. Gross gaming revenue jumped
markets, 1,822 slot machines and 210
57.5 percent to 7.7 billion pesos. Bloomberry
electronic table games. Travellers says it has
said as of September 30, 2014, the group
RESORTS WORLD MANILA
so far used about 1.11 billion pesos ($25.5
has 58 junket operators that actively bring in foreign VIP players. Solaire Rewards Club
Travellers International Hotel Group, a joint
raised through an initial public offering on
registered 370,000 members and visitation
venture between Genting Hong Kong and
the Phase 2 expansion of the Marriott Hotel
for 2014 has reached 3.24 million.
Alliance Global Group, was scheduled to
and the Maxim’s Hotel and facilities. l
million) of the 16.8 billion pesos that it
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SOUTH EAST ASIA 8
SINGAPORE
Draconian online gambling ban
Matt Pollins*
*Matt Pollins is an international technology & media lawyer based in Singapore at global law firm Olswang, and an AGB Advisor
T
Singapore’s Remote Gambling Act is here – and far beyond the borders of the South-East Asian city-state, the gambling industry is weighing up the implications of one of the most far-reaching and restrictive remote gambling laws seen in any jurisdiction to date
he Act, passed after its second reading, criminalizes
a Singapore-customer link.” It is not yet clear whether
the entire spectrum of remote gambling activities.
geoblocking will be a minimum requirement.
The restrictions are extremely broad and will
With extra-territorial laws, enforcement is always the
be felt by operators, agents, brokers, service
challenge, which is why the Government is introducing
providers, advertising networks, payment processors,
payment blocking (via local financial institutions) and
financial institutions, ISPs – and, of course, players.
site blocking (via local ISPs) as part of the Act. The
There will be a licensing regime, but the Minister’s speeches
Government has even indicated that it could seek the
during the Parliamentary session indicate that there are only
extradition to Singapore of individuals involved in the
a couple of real candidates – Singapore Pools and Singapore
operation of offshore remote gambling services that
Turf Club. In the Minister’s own words: “The entity has to
target Singapore, although one would expect that to be
be based in Singapore so as to aid the enforcement of the
reserved for very serious cases.
exemption conditions. The exempt operator has to be a
If the service is based in Singapore then the rules apply,
not-for-profit entity which contributes to public, social
wherever the customers are based. It will be illegal to
and charitable purposes in Singapore.”
operate a “Singapore-based remote gambling service.”
Even when the licenses are handed out, casino-type
This applies regardless of whether the service targets
games will not be permitted, so Singapore customers
Singapore customers or foreign customers, so geoblocking
will have no legitimate options available to play online
Singapore isn’t a solution.
casino games. In addition, the licenses will come with
However, the Minister’s speech does raise some question
some heavy conditions, which are expected to include
marks as to exactly what types of operations would be
requirements for customers to register and provide certain
caught by the rules: “Enforcement will be targeted at
information, imposing a minimum age requirement for
those who are deeply involved in, and provide core and
registration and not granting betting on credit.
critical services in support of the illegal activities of the
It does not matter whether the services are hosted or
unauthorised remote gambling operators.” The question of
based in Singapore or abroad. By providing a remote
what types of Singapore-based service would be regarded
gambling service with a “Singapore customer link,”
as being “deeply involved in” gambling operations
operators are subject to the rules, wherever in the world
has not yet been answered and further guidance will
they are based. What’s more, the long arm of the new
be needed for services established in, or considering a
law actually requires operators based overseas to make
move to Singapore.
operational changes to comply. These include informing
In the absence of clear guidance, there is a risk that companies
prospective customers that Singapore law prohibits
based in Singapore which provide support functions to
the provision of the service to Singapore-based users,
remote gambling businesses (whether to those businesses
updating their terms and conditions and taking “such
specifically or as part of a range of clients) will be looking
other measures as far as reasonably practicable to ensure
to move away from Singapore to other parts of the region.
that the service did not, or could not reasonably have,
Other territories seeking to develop a “hub” offering in
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SOUTH EAST ASIA 9
GROSS GAMING REVENUE (Source: JP Morgan)
$7.4b $6.4b $6.4b
Y14E
$6.6b
Y15E
Entertainment & Gaming revenue $1.47b Asia, such as Cagayan in the Philippines, may
seven years.
stand to benefit.
So what happens next? The law itself is expected
The law even attempts to regulate games of
to take full effect from 2015. This gives a brief
chance (or chance and skill combined) that are
window of opportunity for organizations engaged
played for virtual credits or virtual currencies.
in the remote gambling industry, wherever
The Minister’s speech suggests that regulatory
they are based, to review the requirements and
action won’t be targeted at games such as Candy
assess what steps they need to take to comply.
Crush or Farmville: “As a matter of principle,
It also provides an opportunity for the potential
the bill does not intend to cover social games in
candidates for a license to weigh up their options,
which the players do not play to acquire a chance
which may include seeking operational support
of winning money, and where the game design
and industry experience from licensed operators
does not allow the player to convert in-game
in other parts of the world.
credits to money or real merchandise outside the game.” This suggests that “real money in but no real money out” games will not be regulated. Unfortunately, the actual drafting
GENTING SINGAPORE
Operator of the Resorts World Sentosa IR,
of the legislation is broader than the Minister’s
reported a 43 percent drop in Q3 net profit
comments suggest, which does leave some room
and warned the Asian gaming and tourism
for uncertainty. Social casino games, in particular,
industry is facing “significant challenges.”
may still wish to seek further clarification, given
The group posted a net profit of $127.1 million
the Government’s apparent concern with all
($98.5 million). Revenue declined 17 percent to
casino-related gaming: “Social casino games
$644.8 million, while adjusted earnings before
are of particular concern as they are designed to
interest, tax, depreciation and amortization
simulate real world gambling such as slots and
was S$253.9 million.
poker and replicate the experience of a casino.” Despite this being one of the most restrictive remote gambling laws ever passed, much of the Parliamentary debate focused on whether, by
MARINA BAY SANDS
Posted a 5 percent decline in Q3 revenue to
opening the door to a limited licensing regime,
$735.5 million, while casino revenue was down
the Government was somehow “condoning”
8.7 percent. The company posted adjusted
gambling activities. As such, there will be some
property EBITDA of $351.7 million, down 5.9
pressure for the law to be actively enforced –
percent. Rolling chip volume was down almost
and it certainly has teeth, with fines of up to
34 percent, while mass revenue dipped 1.6
US$400,000 and/or imprisonment for up to
percent. l
Y16E
Y18E
+12%
TOURISM RECEIPTS
+2%
INT. ARRIVALS
-3%
14H1 14H1
Senior Singapore lawmaker, Denise Phua Lay Peng, called for an increase in the casino entry levy imposed on Singapore citizens and permanent residents of the republic. She also called for the introduction of an “opt-in” system, whereby only Singaporeans who formally register an interest in gambling at the two casino resorts would be cleared to do so. Singapore Pools chief executive officer Tan Soo Nan, who oversaw a range of betting initiatives, including sports betting on the Formula One motor race, is to step aside after more than 12 years. Tan oversaw the introduction of the 24-by-7 phone betting service, expanded sports betting to include Formula One motor racing and the setting up of four sports entertainment venues that offer live betting to sports fans. He will be succeeded by CEO Seah Chin Siong on Jan 1, 2015.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SOUTH EAST ASIA 10
GROSS GAMING REVENUE (Source: JP Morgan)
$1.7b
Y14E
MALAYSIA
Gambling industry escapes tax hike The Malaysian government did nothing to help or hinder the country’s gambling industry in the 2015 budget, despite speculation that it planned to introduce a so-called “sin” tax on alcohol and gambling
T
he consumer sector can breathe a sigh
closure of many of its key facilities, such as
of relief. There were also no additional
its theme park. However, analysts predict a
gaming duties while the property
spike in visitor arrivals from 2015 thanks to
sector also escaped unscathed after
the opening of 1,300 new rooms, 3,000 new
the punitive curbs imposed last year,” RHB
car park bays, and a theme park in partnership
said in a post-budget analysis.
with US-based studio Twentieth Century Fox.
However, the government did confirm the
The entire 1,300-room hotel expansion had
introduction of a general sales tax next year
been expected to come on stream next year.
as the government seeks to reduce the deficit.
However, Genting now expects the opening of
This is likely to lead to a rise in inflation and a
the first 500 rooms of that expansion by the
general slowdown in the economy to 5.3 percent
end of the year and the remaining 800 rooms
growth in 2015, from an estimated 5.8 percent
by mid-2015.
in 2014, RHB said.
Meanwhile, Genting Group is forging ahead
Malaysia’s only casino operator, Genting Bhd,
with its expansion plans overseas. It recently
reported a slowdown in its second quarter as
began construction on the $4.0 billion Resorts
VIP spending dropped and construction work
World project in Las Vegas, with a first phase
to revamp its Resorts World Genting property
to be opened in 2015, with themes targeting
disrupted traffic.
Asian visitors. It’s also waiting to hear on the
However, according to analysts the RM5 billion
results of two bids for licenses in New York state.
($1.6 billion) upgrade of the 49-year-old property
The company’s Genting Singapore unit has
appears to be ahead of schedule, positioning the
teamed up with China’s Landing International
operator for a pick up in earnings from next year.
Development for a resort on Jeju island in
The company is expected to see a drop in visitor
South Korea and the group is also eyeing a bid
numbers in 2014 as The Genting Integrated
for a casino license in Japan once legislation
Tourism Plan Phase 1 will force the temporary
legalizing casinos is passed. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
$1.8b
Y15E
$1.9b
Y16E
$2.2b
Y18E
GENTING MALAYSIA Y14Q3 Revenue
Leisure & hospitality
-9%
Group revenue
+5%
Malaysia’s Attorney General is seeking a revamp of gambling legislation to help clampdown on illegal online gambling. Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said his Chamber will submit a proposal to amend and update Malaysian laws with regard to online gambling. “The current laws cover gambling, but not virtual gambling. The problem is that many illegal gambling activities are done online. We need to have a new set of laws or amend the old laws,” Gani Patail has said. Berjaya Corp is seeking casino joint ventures in South Asia, looking for growth outside of its home country. The company also plans to the sell shares in its environment services division in Singapore to raise funds for growth in the business. Berjaya is interested in finding a partner for a gaming project in South Korea and wants to join a consortium in Japan.
AUSTRALASIA 12
Packer highlights importance of Asia Asia’s ballooning middle class will provide enormous opportunities for Australia’s tourism industry and Crown is investing heavily to take advantage of changing demographic trends
I
CASINO GAMING REVENUE (Source: CIMB)
Y13 Y14E Y15E
$3.5b $3.6b $3.7b
Aristocrat Entertainment says it’s reviewing its operations in Japan after its business there held back profit in the third quarter due to regulatory and other issues. Aristocrat chief executive Jamie Odell said the company still had two games to release in Japan, but recent and pending regulatory changes made the market uncertain. The group is reviewing its options. Chris Morris, the new owner of the Jupiters Townsville casino in the Australian state of Queensland plans a $17.4 million overhaul of the property to bring in more tourists. Morris plans to improve the design and put in more bars and restaurants. The Australian millionaire bought the casino from Echo Entertainment for $70 million.
n a recent speech to shareholders, Packer
for a license to redevelop the Queen’s Wharf in
pointed out that the domestic economy
Brisbane in the Northern State of Queensland.
is soft at best, highlighting the need for
It’s competing against a rival consortium made
operators to attract the Asian tourism dollar
up of Echo Entertainment and Hong Kong
to fill multi-billion resorts being planned from
interests Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East
Sydney to Queensland.
Consortium International. Both groups interested
“By 2030, two thirds of the world’s middle class
in the Brisbane license have now submitted their
will come from Asia Pacific, up from just under
detailed plans to the Queensland government,
one third in 2009. There are over 300 million
which is expected to make a decision early next
middle class consumers in China alone - equal
year. The state government is also offering two
to the entire population of the USA,” he said.
regional licenses.
near Cairns, while ASF Consortium plans a $7.5
By 2030, China is expected to have 1.4 billion
However, the size and scope of the proposed
billion development on the Gold Coast.
middle class consumers compared to 365 million
developments has raised eyebrows both from
However Fung’s plans have been thrown into
in the USA and 414 million in Western Europe.
local environmentalists and some academics
doubt after his bid to buy Reef Casino Trust fell
China is also by far and away the world leader in
who fear the resorts will have a major impact
through after failing to provide information
tourism expenditure, having grown its tourism
on fragile ecosystems and risk becoming white
crucial to gaining regulatory approval by his
spend 10 times from $13 billion in 2000 to $129
elephants should they fail in attracting the
November 28 deadline. Fung has said that a
billion in 2013.
much vaunted Asian dollar.
comprehensive review of the Aquis project will
“That is an extraordinary figure that investors
The local population is sparse and by far the
be conducted, but that he had recently signed
should keep in their mind as we move forward
preferred gambling option for most Australians
an extension on the option of the core site at
as a business to meet this growing tourism
remains the humble pokie machine. Also, there
Yorkey’s Knob.
demand,” he said.
are new integrated resorts springing up across
“The extension reflects our commitment to
Crown is planning a six-star resort in Barangaroo,
Asia, at a much shorter flying distance from
push ahead with AQUIS but also acknowledges
Sydney aimed at the VIP market. It is also bidding
mainland China than Australia.
the increasing complexity and difficulty of the
as part of a consortium with Asian investors,
Hong Kong billionaire Tony Fung’s Aquis Barrier
approvals process and the fact we may need some
including Chinese property developer, Greenland,
Reef plans an $8.15 billion ($7.6 billion) resort
more time than first anticipated,” Fung said. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
AUSTRALASIA 14
GROSS GAMING REVENUE
NEW ZEALAND
SkyCity eyes South East Asia growth SkyCity Entertainment Group plans to focus on Southeast Asia to boost revenue growth, after reporting a 55 percent surge in business from the region in the first quarter
forward to growth in the second half of 2015,” says chief executive Nigel Morrison. SkyCity Entertainment hopes to boost its share of the Australasian market for high-rollers
-0.3%
Casino spend Y13 $520m
+2.1%
Lottery spend NZ$432m
+3.1%
Racing board FY14 $2.8b
+6.7%
Scientific Games has won a contract from the New Zealand Lotteries Commission to provide instant games for Lotto New Zealand. Under the terms of the agreement, Scientific Games will work with Lotto New Zealand to grow sales of the Lottery’s instant game portfolio. It will also provide marketing support and creative services. The seven-year contract began in September 2014 and includes a one-year extension option.
from 5 to 8 percent to 15 percent following the Adelaide Casino redevelopment. But the Auckland casino was key in overall revenue in the first quarter, up 12.4 percent with international business rising 4.1 percent to NZ$1.39 billion.
A
Pokies spend FY14 NZ$826m
Auckland grabbed the lion’s share of international t its annual meeting in Auckland, the
business at 64 percent, followed by Adelaide at
country’s only listed-casino operator
18 percent and Darwin at 16 percent.
reported good growth across core
Overall first quarter mass gaming (machines
businesses, buoyed by robust growth
and local tables) revenue was up 5.4 percent.
New Zealand has vowed to crack down on online gambling overseas, which the country’s horse racing industry claims is robbing the sport of a vital source of funding. The country’s racing minister, Nathan Guy, told the New Zealand Racing Board’s annual meeting this week that tackling the problem would be his number one priority for the current term. The New Zealand Racing Board estimates as much as $300 million ($236.5 million) may be lost each year to overseas online bookmakers.
in Auckland and strong momentum, especially
The casino operator witnessed “good growth”
in the second half of financial year 2014.
from Chinese players, a “core target VIP market”,
International business turnover grew strongly,
with turnover from Chinese domiciled players
“exceeding” NZ$ 6billion ($4.76 billion).
up more than 400 percent on the previous
But costs of redeveloping the Adelaide casino
period last year.
and the continued “significant appreciation”
Overall, SkyCity Entertainment reported a 55
of the New Zealand dollar over the financial
percent increase in international business to
year (to June 30) led to a 4.3 percent fall in net
NZ$2.2 billion.
profit to NZ$287.6 million.
Morrison said the planned NZ$350 million to
However the outlook was favorable. Overall,
$380 million capital expenditure on the new
first quarter revenues were up 6 percent over
six-star hotel together with additional gaming
The win rate from international business for
the previous financial year, despite disruptions
facilities and VIP rooms in Adelaide should enable
the first quarter was 1.72 percent compared
to the Adelaide property.
the international growth to equal Auckland’s.
to 1.45 percent in the same quarter last year.
“We expect disruption to continue in Adelaide
Over the past four years international VIP table
Morrison said the international business was
for the remainder of first half of 2015 while we
game return has risen from NZ$15 million to
returning a margin of between 15 and 20 percent
complete the redevelopment and then look
NZ$90 to NZ$100 million currently.
net profit. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
AUSTRALASIA 15
PACIFIC ISLES
GROSS GAMING REVENUE
Casino interest in Tinian heats up
SAMOA Y14E $10M
As details are finalized for Saipan’s first casino, attention has now turned to its smaller neighbour Tinian, which is seeing a flurry of Asian investor interest
other direct costs that will ultimately cost the government about $15 million in lost revenue, it said. Breaking his silence in a letter to a local newspaper, Hee K. Cho admitted he had financed the campaign. “They also have intentions to distribute a second pamphlet and I will be involved in that one as well.”
B
Insiders say it’s hard to tell how the people
est Sunshine, a unit of Hong Kong-
would vote had the issue gone to a referendum,
listed Imperial Pacific beat rival bidder
with the community divided. Some see the
Marianas Stars Entertainment to win
economic benefits, while opposition is being
the license in July.
fueled by reports of corruption.
Saipan law does not allow for gambling facilities at the island’s airport, while gambling could be possible on nearby Tinian and Rota, according to an analysis of the concession program and leasing strategies in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The study was carried out by consultant Ricondo & Associates and commissioned by the Ports Authority. So far no gaming facilities have been developed at CNMI airports. DFS Galleria in Saipan—now rebranded as T Galleria Saipan - has been talking to casino developer Best Sunshine about constructing a new $100 million plus hotel in Garapan on Saipan. DFS Group Limited executive vice president for strategy and market development, Lamonte James Beighley, confirmed that DFS and Best Sunshine had had “initial discussions on this potential partnership.”
The award was dogged by controversy, with
Meanwhile, Best Sunshine continues to evaluate
both sides trading accusations of bias and
one of three sites for the luxury casino resort.
Marianas Stars seeking a court injunction to
The company is eyeing the current site of the
stop the whole process.
Mariana Resort in Marpi. Its public land lease
However, despite promises made in its campaign
expires in four years, but the owners want a
to provide handouts to all residents in the form
new 40-year lease.
of a $10 million contribution to be distributed
Under the terms of the Best Sunshine license
through cash vouchers, Best Sunshine still
accord reached in August, the company has eight
faces local opposition.
years to fully complete the project, though the
A group known as Citizens for a Cleaner CNMI
the agreement sets out a detailed timetable for
has distributed anti-casino pamphlets around
a phased implementation.
the island, accusing the company of talking up
Within 24 months, it needs to develop an initial
its share price and calling tax breaks given by
gaming facility consisting of a five-star 225
the government unheard of.
room hotel. Within 36 months, it has agreed to
The group had sought 16,000 signatures to force
construct an 800-room four or five-star luxury
a referendum overturning the decision. It’s
hotel, a $100 million themed entertainment
resort. An inconsistent power and water supply
unclear who is behind the campaign, though
facility, a wedding chapel and 10,000 square
may create further challenges.
some sources said it was bankrolled by Hee K.
metres of gaming space, among other facilities.
The Marianas Visitors Authority estimates that
Cho, the owner of a rival resort on nearby Rota.
On completion, the complex will have at least
the 2,000-hotel room integrated resort could
The group claims Imperial Pacific profited by
2,229 hotel rooms, 200 villas, 17,000 square metres
have a $1.8 billion economic impact to the CNMI
making statements about its intentions for
of gaming space, 23 food and beverage outlets,
if the hotel rooms are fully booked. The IR will
a casino on Saipan in February, before a bill
1,050-square metre fitness area, 1,900-square
double the current available rooms. MVA projects
was even introduced to legalize casinos. The
metre spa facility, and the entertainment facility.
that the CNMI will have to increase its number
comments ultimately sent the company’s stock
Best Sunshine is now required to provide its
of visitors by approximately 451,000 in order
to a record high of $2.78.
proposed implementation schedules to the
to fill up all the additional rooms.
The group also points out that the granting of
Development Plan Review Committee within
Still, Best Sunshine parent Imperial Pacific
an exclusive license for 40 years with no tax is
60 days of receiving the license, which sets an
is optimistic about its prospects on Saipan.
unprecedented and will lose the government
October 12 deadline.
The group is winding down, or seeking to
revenue. This, the group said, “is a first in
Some industry experts have expressed concern
sell, some of its poorly performing Chinese
casino industry history.”
over the scale of the project, saying the company
food businesses to focus on Saipan and other
Best Sunshine will also be exempt from
may find a serious shortage of labor to staff the
gaming businesses. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
NORTH ASIA 16
JAPAN
Casino bill in tatters; neighbors to benefit? The absolute “best-case” scenario for the passage of Japan’s long-delayed framework legislation to open up its casino market is late 2015, making it a real possibility Taiwan will beat its neighbour to open the first integrated resort
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
S
peaking at the Macao Gaming Show,
targeted 20 million foreign tourists by 2020
Dr Kazuaki Sasaki, assistant professor
and 30 million by 2030. That compares with
at the Nihon College of Economics in
just over 10 million in 2013.
Japan, said the “absolute best case”
The market was seen to have the potential to
scenario would be for a revised casino bill to be
become the world’s third-largest gambling
presented before the next extraordinary session
hub, with CLSA forecasting revenue could rise
of Japan’s Diet this time next year.
to $40 billion by 2025. As a result most of the
Sasaki is one of the few researchers specializing
world’s major casino operators were lining up
in the gaming industry in Japan and is Director
multi-billion dollar projects in an attempt to
of Gambling at the Gaming Academy in Japan.
win a coveted license.
The framework legislation was designed to
Japan has a wealthy population of about 127
lay the groundwork for what is expected to
million, who already spend about $153 billion
become the world’s third-largest gambling
every year in the country’s pachinko parlors,
market. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has backed
making the local market a key draw.
the bill as part of his efforts to boost tourism
Both LVS and MGM have been vocal about their
arrivals. However, his strength in parliament
plans to bid for a casino license in the country.
and therefore his ability to push the bill past
MGM outlined its plans for a “uniquely Japanese”
opponents concerned about problem gambling
resort in the city of Osaka, in which it would be
and organized crime, was hit by the resignation
prepared to invest about $5 billion.
of two cabinet ministers over an unrelated
MGM Resorts’ president Bill Hornbuckle gave
corruption scandal.
a presentation of the project at the Mizuho
Abe was pushing the bill as a key component
Convention Centre in September and stressed
in his efforts to boost tourism revenue. Under
the resort will be a multi-faceted entertainment
his so-called “Abenomics” growth policy, he
centre, with gambling just one part of the equation.
NORTH ASIA 17
PACHINKO/PACHISLOT ANNUAL REVENUE
PACHINKO/ PACHISLOT ANNUAL REVENUE
$153b
(Source: Japan Productivity Center)
CASINO GAMING VENUE ESTIMATE Y1
$10b (Industry median estimate)
CASINOS ESTIMATES $40b
$18.4b $9.4b
He said the project could create 10,000 jobs.
makes a major difference to the amount it is
MGM says the casino resorts have the ability
prepared to invest in any given market.
to boost tourism arrivals by about 5 million
Taiwan is also seen as a promising market, and
more than the government’s stated 2025
the political momentum to pass legislation
target of 25 million and 10 million more than
legalizing casinos there seems to remain intact as
the government’s 30 million target in 2030.
long as gambling is restricted to outlying islands.
Caesars Entertainment said it may be prepared
Dr Day-Yang Liu, director at the Center for the
to spend $5 billion in Japan, while LVS has
Study of Lottery and Commercial Gaming at
mooted a potential total of as much as $10
the National Taiwan Institute of Science and
billion. Boyd Gaming, Wynn Resorts, Genting
Technology said he was optimistic that the
and Melco Crown Entertainment are among
gaming bill, now on its second reading, could
the other names all said to have been eyeing
be passed by June of 2015.
a Japan license.
However, he warned that the market is likely to
The indefinite postponement of the Japan bill
be strictly regulated and will be more likely to
has lead to questions as to where that money
resemble the situation in Singapore than Nevada.
may be invested, if anywhere, as an alternative.
There will be a limited number of licenses and
The general consensus appears to be that
a strong emphasis on non-gaming facilities.
neighbouring South Korea would be a major
“It will not be like Macau,” he said, but
beneficiary. However, the current ban on local
nevertheless the introduction of casinos will
access to the casinos may act as a deterrent.
“help the outer islands dramatically to boost
LVS has said it would be prepared to spend
tourism and their economies.”
billions on a resort there, but not if locals were
Dr Liu also said that at present in Taiwan
not allowed access.
there are no specific proposals outlawing
MGM has also said that allowing local access
locals from casinos. l
Y20E
Y25E
Y30E
(UBS)
(CLSA)
(UBS)
Pachinko parlor operator, Niraku Corp., is reported to be preparing a $100 million initial public offering on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the first IPO of a foreign company there since December last year. The planned IPO is expected in the first half of 2015, although full details on the sale are yet to be revealed. Steve Wynn says he’s ready to enter Japan: “We will step up and bring our capital, experience and imagination to the table,” he told AGB recently. Wynn argues that his track record in Macau and the US puts Wynn Resorts as a strong contender in obtaining a license in Osaka or elsewhere in Japan. “Its not about the money” he added.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
NORTH ASIA 18
GROSS GAMING REVENUE (Source: JP Morgan)
$3.8b
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea throws weight behind IRs The South Korean government is counting on integrated resorts to help it to achieve its tourism goals and has called for a concerted effort to expedite the approval process
T
he government is preparing a master
China, such as Shanghai.
plan for IR projects and is streamlining
South Korea’s Paradise Entertainment is
the casino license bidding process
likely to be best placed to benefit from market
during the second half of this year.
growth, as it will enjoy first mover advantage
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
when its IR opens on Yeongjong in 2017. The
(MCST) aims to nearly double inbound tourist
company which is building a $1.1 billion resort
visits to 20 million in 2017 from 12 million in
with Japan’s Sega Sammy broke ground on the
2013, according to Standard Chartered research.
project in November. Caesars Entertainment in
Notably, it plans to achieve this by easing visa
March was also granted preliminary approval
regulations for China travellers and opening
for a $2.2 billion resort on the island with the
more tourist attractions.
Lippo Group.
The U.K. bank expects the government to seek
So far, the South Korean market has proved
to create casino clusters with the new licenses
more resilient to the slump in VIP revenue
likely to be granted on Yeongjong island. It sees
currently affecting Macau.
2 to 3 new licenses being allowed there.
According to September figures, Paradise Group
“We expect Yeongjong to be centre stage for
had a 17 percent jump in revenue in the month,
IR development in Korea, which could expand
while Macau declined 11.7 percent.
into a major tourist destination in northeast
UBS said the strong results were driven by China
Asia,” the note said.
visitors, with mass growth up 25 percent and
South Korea is seen as potentially one of the
Chinese VIPs up 17 percent, helping to offset
biggest gambling markets in the world, due to
a decline in Japanese visitors by 10 percent.
its close proximity to China. Standard Chartered
Despite the opening of the government to
estimates the foreigner only market could
support the development of IRs, the governor
quadruple from 2013 levels by 2020 to generate
of Jeju island in the south continues to present
revenue of about $5.2 billion.
opposition, raising question marks over
In 2013, China supplanted Japan as Korea’s top
Genting Singapore and Landing International
visitor source. Chinese visitor arrivals continued
Development’s planned $2 billion project there.
to report strong gains this year with a 46 percent
The companies had been scheduled to break
increase in the first seven months and are set
ground in June, though the ceremony has
to beat a projected 5 million for the full year.
been delayed.
Backed by this growth, the Chinese accounted
Governor Won Hee-ryong has called for stricter
for 1.35 million visits to Korea’s foreigner-only
guidelines on casino and other foreign investment
casinos - about half of the total.
to the honeymoon island, saying the tougher
Standard Chartered expects growth to continue,
rules could mirror those adopted by Singapore.
with a 15 percent compound annual growth
The calls would include a revision to taxation
rate from China through 2016. The bank says
policies on casinos to improve transparency
Korea is seen as being a more convenient
of the gambling industry and boost the
destination than Macau from cities in northern
local economy. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
$3.1b $2.7b
Y14E
$2.9b
Y15E
Y16E
Y18E
Y20E Foreigner-only casino revenue $5.2b (Source: Standard Chartered.)
Genting Hong Kong will pay $117.2 million to invest in a 50/ 50 joint venture with China’s Landing International Development to manage a casino in the Hyatt Regency Hotel on South Korea’s Jeju Island. The casino is one of the eight gaming licenses in Jeju under the Tourism Promotion Act. The casino is now under renovation and is expected to reopen in January 2015 with around 30 gaming tables and 16 slot machines. The joint venture will operate the Jeju Casino under Genting Trademarks. Bloomberry Resorts, the owner of the Philippines’ Solaire Resorts & Casino, is considering a casino acquisition in South Korea. “Korea is just one of several prospective jurisdictions outside the Philippines that Bloomberry is looking at, but there is nothing definitive at this point. It is part of the company’s ordinary course of business to continuously evaluate potential opportunities offshore.”
NORTH ASIA 19
RUSSIA
Gambling regions expand, but projects face delays Russia now has a total of six legal gambling zones, following the addition of Crimea and Sochi in July, however the expansion of facilities has not kept the same pace, with construction delays and other complications plaguing development
I
SUMMIT ASCENT GROSS GAMING REVENUE (Source: Goldman Sachs)
Y16E
$375m
Y20E
$1.7b
Russian authorities have shut down more than 72,000 illegal gambling houses and 1,000 underground casinos in the five years since Moscow banned gambling, except for in designated zones, according to reports. Prosecutors jointly with other law enforcers have checked more than 108,000 facilities and have confiscated more than 980,000 units of gambling equipment.
n September, Bermuda-based Summit
about poor infrastructure and illegal gambling.
Ascent Holdings said the construction of
The gambling zone envisaged 15 casinos and 30
its Primorye resort has been pushed back
hotels, with a capacity to host 3,000 visitors by
again “due to unforeseen obstacles” and the
2020. The first was scheduled to open in 2010.
opening is now due in the second quarter of 2015.
The Siberian Coin finally opened in November,
Construction was to be completed in April
ahead of the opening of the Altai Palace Hotel
2014, and if the new target date of the first
Resort next year. Located in a remote region near
quarter of 2015 is met the project will be a year
the China/Kazakhstan border, the casino launched
behind schedule.
with 16 gaming tables and 20 slot machines.
“Subject to the time taken for usual commissioning
Primorye in the Russian Far East was seen as
formalities, such as government inspection,
the most promising of the zones and has also
approval and the issuance of the occupation
attracted interest from Hong Kong-listed
permit, etc., the casino hotel is now expected
Nagacorp. The company plans a $350 million
to be fully operational sometime in the second
integrated resort, gaming and entertainment
quarter of 2015. FGCE does not anticipate any
complex near the port city of Vladivostok.
further delays and remains confident that it
The region’s main draw is seen as its close
can complete construction of Phase 1 within
proximity to major Asian cities, such as Beijing.
previously estimated total capital expenditures,”
US-based research firm, Gaming Market Advisors,
the company told the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
has estimated that the region has the potential to
However, Summit chairman Lawrence Ho told
generate $5.2 billion by 2022, while the Russian
the local governor in September that work was
government also offers one of the lowest tax rates
now progressing well and he expects the first
in the world to attract investors.
hotel to open in March next year.
In the west of the country, the zones of Sochi
The company said there had been delays in
and Crimea are seen as potentially in direct
getting design approval from local authorities,
competition to each other.
slow delivery of equipment and delays in getting
Sochi, which hosted the Winter Olympics earlier
mentioned that closure was possible, but that
approval for foreign workers. There are now 150
this year, has many purpose-built and currently
no final decision had been made.
workers on site and this will increase to 450 at
under-used facilities. At a recent conference
However, in the longer term analysts are more
the peak of construction.
experts predicted that a gambling zone could
optimistic about the prospects for Crimea
Gambling has been banned across Russia since
be up and running in three to five years.
which, before the current conflict, had a long-
2007 except in specific zones. The four original
In 2013, about 4 million tourists visited Sochi,
established tourism industry.
gambling regions were Azov (Krasnodar),
with that number expected to have risen 30
Government officials there say foreign investors,
Yantarnaya (Kaliningrad), Primorye (Far East)
percent in 2014 due to visitors coming to the
including from Asia, have expressed interest
and Siberian Coin (Altai).
Olympics. It’s forecast to drop off again next year.
in Crimea, though gave no names.
Siberia had ambitious plans for Russia’s biggest
The opening of Sochi as a gambling zone has also
Crimea’s acting governor Sergey Aksenov told
casino complex, combining gambling with eco-
cast doubts over the future of Aznov-City the
state-owned Russian news agency TASS that
tourism, but international investors have shown
only region currently up and running. Russia’s
he expects to begin implementation of the
little enthusiasm for the project amid concern
deputy Prime Minister Dmitriy Kozak recently
Crimean zone project next year. l
The Russian Premier Football League and the International Centre for Sport Security have signed a partnership to protect the country’s top football league from corruption and from threats to safety as the country prepares to host major sporting events such as the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The RFPL and ICSS will work together on a number of events, initiatives and training programs designed to enhance sport safety, security and integrity.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
INDOCHINA 20
VIETNAM
Country abuzz with project but locals debate continues Vietnam has been buzzing in recent months with talks of new projects and longdelayed developments finally set to progress, although foreign operators are still waiting to hear whether casinos will be opened to locals, which is seen as the real catalyst to kick-start growth
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
V
inaCapital, an asset management
“In 18 to 24 months after we commence
firm focused on Vietnam, said in
construction in mid-2015, the resort will be
October that it’s finalizing talks
operational,” he was cited as saying.
with a foreign investor partner
To make it more attractive to prospective
and expects to start construction soon on its
investors, VinaCapital proposed that the
$4 billion integrated resort in South Hoi An.
local authorities reduce the size of the
“We expect to start construction on this
project from 1,538 hectares to 1,000 hectares.
development in mid-2015. We are determined
The developer also asked for permission to
to develop it because this is a very big tourism
extend the project’s lifetime to 50 years and
project,” Don Lam, co-founder and CEO of
for the ability to add 20 more gaming tables
VinaCapital told Vietnam Investment Review.
for a total of 90.
The company is seeking a partner to replace
Vietnam is currently finalizing new legislation
Malaysia’s Genting Bhd, which pulled out in
on the country’s gambling industry and may
2012, effectively putting the development on
open up casinos to locals amid reports Hanoi
the backburner.
is losing about $800 million a year from its
Earlier this year, the firm said U.S. company
nationals crossing the border to Cambodia to
Peninsula Pacific would be stepping in to fill
gamble. Debate continues on the issue and
the void. However, the report said it now
whether to impose entrance fees, or even
appears likely that Peninsula Pacific has also
potentially a form of means testing before
withdrawn. Lam wouldn’t reveal the name of
locals are allowed to gamble.
the new investor as the agreement has not yet
In the meantime, several other locations around
been signed.
the country are being touted as possible casino
INDOCHINA 21
GROSS GAMING REVENUE MIN E
$275m
MAX E
$300m
LOST to Cambodia E
$800m
DONACO Y14E Hotel/gaming revenue
+33%
VIP
+67%
Slot machines
+144%
Visitation OCT14 Tourism arrivals 6.6m China Arrivals
destinations as officials seek to boost tourism
the Mekong Delta, as part of plans for a special
and the local economy.
economic zone.
A senior Vietnamese banker recently weighed
Chairman of Kien Giang Province, Le Van Thi,
into the casino debate, urging for a development
was cited as saying that the move to expand
on the central island of Ly Son and an islet off
followed approval in 2004 by Prime Minister
its coast.
Nguyen Tan Dung for the development of a
Tran Bac Ha, chairman of the Bank for Investment
tourism and international trade centre.
and Development of Vietnam, made the
The island district’s economic growth rate has
comments after the regions were connected
been 25 percent a year on average over the past
to the national power grid.
10 years. Last year the island lured 430,000
He said the 69-hectare Be Island should be set
tourists, an increase of 32 percent compared
aside for a “high-end entertainment area,”
with 2012.
with five-star hotels and casinos to attract
Meanwhile, Australia-listed Donaco International
tourists for long holiday visits, adding Ly Son
reports strong growth at its newly opened
could become the “silver island of the central
luxury Aristo International resort in Lao Cai
region in a near future.”
in the north of the country.
Ly Son and Be islands comprise some 10 square
Donaco Gaming revenue in Vietnam in the 2014
kilometers of land sitting 15 nautical miles off
financial year rose 33 percent, contributing to
the coast of Quang Ngai Province, also home to
an 80 percent gain in overall group revenue.
Vietnam’s sole refinery, Dung Quat.
The results mostly reflect revenue from the
Vietnam’s politburo has also reportedly agreed
old Aristo property. Net profit after tax was
to the opening of a casino on Phu Quoc Island in
up 52 percent. l
+8%
+81%
International cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean Cruises, are petitioning the Vietnamese government to overturn a ban that requires all shops and onboard facilities, such as casinos, to close when the ship is in one of the country’s docks. Royal Caribbean vice president John Tercek met with Vietnamese officials in early September to discuss the issue, according to media reports. Royal Caribbean is planning to increase its business in Vietnamese ports. Australian, Shaun McCamley, has been appointed president of Vietnam’s Grand Ho Tram Strip integrated resort and casino. The Grand Ho Tram Strip is located in Vietnam’s Vung Tau province southwest of Ho Chi Minh City. McCamley, an Asia Gaming Brief advisor, began his 35-year career in the casino business as a croupier in London’s exclusive Curzon House Club Mayfair.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
INDOCHINA 22
MYANMAR
Gambling bill faces uphill parliamentary road Myanmar, which is emerging from decades of political and economic isolation, is the latest Asian nation to consider opening up its gambling industry to boost government revenue
T
he country is currently drafting a
gaming and video poker machines. In the town
gambling law that is expected to allow
of Mong La, bordering China in Shan state, the
for foreigner-only casinos in hotels
casino and gaming business has been revived in
to further capitalize on an already
recent years after being shut down by Chinese
GROSS GAMING REVENUE STATE LOTTERY $1.3b
DOMESTIC HORSE RACING $258m
Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism is planning a Visit Myanmar Year for 2016 in order to further boost the country’s growing tourism industry. Deputy minister Tin Shwe says the planned campaign fits into the government’s Tourism Master plan, which seeks to develop a sustainable industry.
booming tourism industry.
officials prior to 2003. Reports say that since
However, the bill still faces considerable
the revival the city has some 20 casinos, most
parliamentary hurdles and needs support from
of which are Chinese owned. The only currency
President Thein Sein.
of trade at the gaming tables and restaurants
The drafting of the law was confirmed by a
is the Chinese Renminbi. There are reports of
director of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism,
widespread illegal operations in other areas of
U Myo Win Nyunt, and has led to increasing
the country.
speculation over the category of hotels that
Myanmar also has an official state lottery,
may be granted a license. “We haven’t issued
although many punters prefer the illegal and
any licences for casinos yet because it is still
underground lottery that is also cheaper to play.
considered a type of illegal gambling,” Win
Poverty and low incomes have meant that few
Nyunt told local media. He added a gambling
locals have the funds to play and stay at the
law was drafted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
resorts, leaving them predominantly populated
But legal sources in the capital Yangon told
by Thais and Chinese.
AGB there are still several steps before the bill
The Andaman Club Resort on the southern
in the eight months to the end of August. In
would be passed by parliament. These include a
Myerik (Mergui) archipelago had a casino and
2013, Myanmar reported 2.04 million foreign
review by the Attorney General’s Office, before
was popular with domestic travellers from
tourists, generating $926 million in revenues.
being presented to lawmakers where the bill
Yangon, as well as Thais who accounted for 80
But while travel operators welcomed moves to
would be reviewed.
percent of the clientele. The resort, previously
license casinos, there were also calls for strict
The legislation needs to pass both houses of
known as Victoria Point, was recognized as the
controls to be put in place and for efforts to be
parliament before submission to the President
only international gambling facility in Myanmar
made to close down illegal operations throughout
and if cleared would be re-submitted to the
on the Andaman Sea. However, the hotel is
the country.
joint houses for final consideration.
currently undergoing major renovations over
Also, some expressed concern over whether
The bill is expected to allow for the issuance of
the 2014/15 period and is not expected to reopen
it would be the right direction for Myanmar
casino licenses to hotels with at least three stars,
until 2015/16 during the high season.
to take when developing its tourism industry.
most likely near border crossings. Myanmar,
Laurent Kuenzle, chief executive officer of
Sean Turnell, an economics professor at
formerly known as Burma, shares borders
Bangkok-based travel agency, Asian Trails,
Australia’s Macquarie University, said: “I think
with, among others, Thailand, China and India,
says casino tourism in Myanmar could be
this is a negative development for Burma’s
which all prohibit gambling. It would also bring
attractive to Chinese tourists in particular, but
tourism sector.”
a clear regulatory framework to operations in
also to Indians and Thais. Kuenzle pointed in
“Of course gambling is an attraction already in
the country.
particular to the high number of Thai gamblers
outlying regions near China, but is much less
Myanmar is reported to have at least four
currently traveling to gamble in casinos along
so elsewhere in the country,” he said.
mainstream casinos located in the border regions
the border with Cambodia.
Turnell has closely monitored developments
of the country, though also has a great number of
Moves by Myanmar to allow licensed casinos
in Myanmar over recent years.“In my opinion,
smaller, highly shadowy facilities. The northern
comes against the backdrop of a tourism boom,
Burma should not go chasing this low rent trade
township of Tachilek, near the border with Thailand,
albeit from a lower base than most regional
with all its attendant social and cultural costs,”
has two gambling facilities. Kawthaung, at the
neighbours. Tourism Minister Htay Aung, has
he said. More attention, he adds, should be paid
southernmost tip of Myanmar, has the Treasure
forecast international arrivals will reach 3.0
to the affluent overseas travellers and educated
Island Resort and Casino, which is reported to
million by the end of 2014, after reporting a 40
and culturally aware backpacker sectors which
be the largest, offering 22 table games and 150
percent increase to almost 2.0 million arrivals
leave “a smaller destructive footprint.” l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
Hilton Worldwide made its market debut in Myanmar in October with the opening of Hilton Nay Pyi Taw, in the country’s capital city. The 202-key property spans more than 100 acres of land.
INDOCHINA 23
GROSS GAMING REVENUE
CAMBODIA
Cambodia mulls access for locals Cambodia, which stands to lose substantial casino revenue if neighbouring Vietnam opens its market to allow locals to gamble, is mulling changes to its own laws to allow Cambodians access
“W
e have thought about
outcome,” MGM Resorts recently told AGB.
Vietnam legalizing it.
According to the World Bank, Cambodia’s economy
Gambling nowadays is
is expected to expand by 7.2 percent in 2014,
a worldwide industry,
driven by growth in the garment, construction
not just in one country or two. It is an international
and services sectors. It says that growth may
industry. So now we too have to internationalize
pick up further in 2015 to 7.5 percent.
the gambling industry. But in order to do that,
Poverty among Cambodia’s 15.2 million people
we have to get the laws in Cambodia finished,”
has fallen sharply, with the country achieving its
said Ros Phirun, spokesman for the Ministry
Millenium Development Goal of halving poverty
of Economy and Finance’s gaming and casino
in 2009, though only by a very small margin.
department.
Meanwhile, the country’s largest operator
The government in Phnom Penh is currently
NagaCorp, has reported a healthy gain in nine-
drawing up a new law on gambling that may be
month revenue, bucking the downward VIP
available by the end of this year. The country
trend seen in Macau. The Hong Kong-listed
may also legalize online gambling as part of
company posted a 25 percent rise in junket and
the reform process.
VIP rollings in the nine months to Sept 30 to
The willingness to entertain the concept of
$4.08 billion from $3.27 billion for the same
allowing locals into the country’s casinos comes
period last year. The company also reported a 25
amidst a decision by neighbouring Vietnam to
percent gain in gross gaming revenue to $271.86
potentially allow its citizens to gamble in a new
million. Revenue from public floor gaming table
law currently being drafted.
buy-ins was up 21 percent, or $59.71 million,
According to estimates, Vietnam loses about
to $349.46 million in the nine months, while
$800 million in revenue a year from locals
electronic gaming machines bills-in rose 7.0
crossing into neighbouring Cambodia to gamble.
percent to $886.22 million from $825.93 million
Between 500 and 1000 Vietnamese gamble daily
in 2013. The company also recently confirmed
in Bavet town on the border alone.
its exclusivity rights to all gambling within a
The issue of whether to allow locals to gamble
200 km radius of the capital Phnom Penh for
is being debated in several Asian jurisdictions
a period of 70 years.
and is seen as a game changer when it comes to
In a statement, signed by chairman Tim McNally,
the amount foreign investors may be prepared
the company said that in Sept 2014 it received
to spend, or whether they would be prepared
formal, written confirmation from the Ministry
to enter the market at all.
of Economy and Finance of Cambodia that its
“If the policy objective is to significantly
Ariston unit continues to enjoy the exclusivity,
spur FDI, expand international tourism and
and that this will, indeed, run until the end
stimulate the economy through investment
of 2035.
and job growth, then access for local people
It said that the company had “every faith in the
to integrated resorts is very important to both
Royal Government of Cambodia’s ability to assist
the business model and the resulting policy
the group in the enforcement of its rights.” l
(Source: CIMB)
$0.4b
$0.4b
$0.4b
Y13
Y14E
Y15E
NagaCorp GGR 9-month GGR $271.8m
+26%
Junket VIP rollings
+25%
14H1 Visitation Tourism arrivals 2.2m China Arrivals
+5%
+19%
Donaco International said it agreed to buy a “significant” gaming and hospitality business in Cambodia. The company has signed an exclusive term sheet and is currently carrying out due diligence on the business, which it didn’t name. The term sheet includes an exclusive negotiation period extending into early 2015. Donaco says the proposed Cambodia acquisition serves a different market from its Chinafacing business in Vietnam and will boost earnings. Australia-listed Cell Aquaculture has terminated a deal to acquire Cambodian gaming operator, Roxy Casino, citing difficulties in employing staff. The Roxy Casino, located in Bavet City in Svay Rieng Province, just 200 metres from the Vietnam border, was opened on August 14 this year, operating 24-hours a day gaming activities.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 24
“Healthy correction” Paradise Entertainment Chairman Jay Chun says he’s optimistic about the future of gambling in Macau, though says the market is shifting and he expects the biggest percentage of revenue to come from gaming machines within the next five to 10 years
I
n an interview with AGB during the second Macao
that has a higher income population compared to the
Gaming Show, Chun said he expects the Macau market
Zhuhai area. Also Macau will be less than a 45-minute
to mature to become more like the U.S.
drive from Hong Kong international airport. Over the
“I’m still very positive on the mass market,” he said,
long term Macau will benefit from all kinds of favourable
though added the VIP situation is challenging.
Jay Chun*
conditions.
Gross gambling revenue in Macau has fallen in each of the past five months, with the 23.2 percent decline in
How can local EGM-based companies contribute to
October the worst on record. The fall has been lead by a
the local market and beyond?
steep drop in VIP revenue.
The EGM sector is now established as a creative industry
Chun spoke about the outlook for Macau and the Macao
and those responsible for creating captivating games, new
Gaming Show, as well as developments at Paradise
gaming experiences, or even new gaming models and
and its LT Game unit. Chun is also head of the Macau
concepts are respected in creative and commercial circles.
Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, which is the main
iGaming is slowly gaining pace and the playing experience
organizer of MGS.
is heavily influenced by the EGM experience. Creativity has leveled the playing field which means that small
AGB: What do you see as being the outlook for Macau
companies can now be as creative as the big ones. The
in the short, medium and long term?
key, distinguishing factor is the quality of the product.
Jay Chun: In the short term, it is a healthy correction
Local EGM companies can look for opportunities in this
after 4-5 years of continuous growth. Macau has not had
area and, in the process, become more reputable and
any new casino openings in 2013 or 2014. Since Macau
more profitable, initially within Macau, and then further
visitation is still growing, we can see the bottleneck of
afield in gaming’s key export markets.
hotel room inventory still being a problem. From an operator perspective, all of the casinos are recording
Could Macau become a focal point for slot R&D?
strong revenues, but there has been and continues to be
That is definitely a possibility. Local universities have been
a change in player profile from high end to middle and
offering courses relating to gaming play development, such
middle to low end gamblers. This means that more and
as 3D animation and graphics, for several years. There are
more long-term players cross over to grind mass market.
discussions about forming a slot R&D center in Macau,
Medium term three new casinos are on course to open
which requires participation from government, academics,
in 2015 with more scheduled in 2016, which is a very
and the slot industry as a whole. As I mentioned earlier,
positive development and one which will add between
MGS is helping to facilitate some of these developments,
10-20 percent new hotel rooms over the next 2 years.
and we hope to see more activities come into play in the
Looking ahead to the long term, we will have more than
not too distant future.
10 new casinos by 2020. The bridge which will connect * Jay Chun is the chairman of Paradise Entertainment and president of the MGEMA
with Hong Kong and Zhuhai will open up more and more
What has been the impact of introducing new technology?
areas to Macau, meaning more and more people will have
We are not only a casino service provider in Macau, but
quicker and easier access to Macau. We should not forget
also a global gaming machine and system supplier. We are
the bridge connecting Hong Kong and Shenzhen an area
introducing the most advanced gaming table technology
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 25
to the industry – namely the first chip-less
has added two more new locations in the year,
How do you envisage MGS evolving over
casino in the world. We have been using our
we are experiencing very steady double digit
the next few years?
new E-baccarat table with LMG and intelligent
growth. When we start to deploy our machines
Planning is very important in terms of the
cash handling machine at the Macau Jockey
to export markets we are anticipating 30-50
development of an exhibition. On the one hand
Club. Amongst many other benefits, this serves
percent year-on-year growth.
we have to be very aware of the changes in the
to: increase table productivity - game turns -
market and be able to respond to them but we
thanks to there no longer being
LT Game wants to grow
also have to have a clear strategic vision to help
the need for human calculations
overseas sales in 2015 by
direct that process.
60 percent. What are the
MGS 2014 is still very much Asia focused, as
prospects?
this is the fastest growing gaming sector in
We believe that LT product has the
the world. New opportunities are coming up
best and most authentic Chinese
in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia and other
background, having been operating
parts of Asia. Every Macau casino will have new
very successfully in Macau. With
property openings before 2017. However, we
Australian operators starting
also see Macau gaming operators starting to
to focus on Chinese gamblers,
invest into Europe and Africa.
there’s no doubt that LT products
Research has shown that gaming is both localising
constitute the best option.
and globalising at the same time. MGS will be
with the payout undertaken by the computer; the casino saves on labour costs with no pit boss, no cashier and minimum supervision; there’s increased security and lower security costs as there’s no cash or chips on the table and nothing to rob; operational efficiency has increased between 30-50 percent, which means an
“WE ARE NO LONGER LOOKING AT AN EGM MARKET OF 15,000 IN MACAU BUT A MEGA US MARKET WITH OVER A MILLION EGMS”
increase in operating revenue,
watching this closely to ensure that we continue
compared to the traditional way of operating
Do you see potential for expansion
to meet the needs of our exhibitors and visitors.
the same size casino; although we didn’t expect
elsewhere in Asia?
Meanwhile, Macau SAR Government is vigorously
it, we have been seeing 40 percent MoM GGR
The company’s main focus is on Macau, the US
promoting the exhibition and convention
growth since May. Although this is based on 5
and the Australian markets, because they are
industry in Macau. Everything is in place at MGS
months of operating, we found no problem for
the top three global GGR contributors. However
and there is only one place for the exhibition
players to accept betting without chips using
we have no problem supplying our products to
to go and that is to become more successful
our e-baccarat table. It is the best showcase to
other Asian casinos.
by being totally in touch with the needs of our
demonstrate to other operators how casinos will
clients and our community.
operate in the future with the associated benefits
What is next for the LT brand in the U.S.
of higher productivity and lower running costs.
and what are your future plans with IGT?
How important is it for local companies to
The LVS group has experienced the commercial
support the show by exhibiting/attending?
Are you looking at any other properties?
prowess of LT products at the Palazzo, and
The gaming industry is an integral part of our
The first priority for us is to ramp up the GGR of
together with the expertise of the IGT sales force
economy and the Macau SAR Government
the new locations. We have got two established
I am certain that we will see more and more LT
has earmarked technology and the creative
locations (Kam Pek & Lisboa 3/f LMG zone), and
products at LVS casinos throughout the United
industries as key sectors to support.
now we have added two more at the Waldo & MJC.
States. We will be working very closely with IGT
Technology and knowledge gained from
Our objective is to ramp up the Waldo revenue
especially following the G2E show, where we
international casino operators have been
to that of the Kam Pek level over the next 12-24
had tremendous response from operators from
internalized to become immensely useful to
months. With four current locations, we start
the states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana,
our young generation of entrepreneurs who
to enjoy the economies of scale in operation
California, Florida, Maryland and Mexico.
want to carve a niche in the gaming industry.
and marketing. The company will benefit with
Financial law prohibits us from disclosing any
MGEMA strongly supports and encourages local
more tables and machines.
topics that are confidential, but what I can
organizations to be part of MGS and we have
Of course, we would like to provide the casino
confirm is that IGT has already introduced a
invited all of our local universities to participate
service solution to more satellite casinos also.
number of their main clients to LT. We believe
in the exhibition this year.
the exclusive agreement with IGT is a major
All of these initiatives serve to raise the interest
Paradise EBITDA almost doubled in H1,
milestone for LT. We are no longer looking at
levels of young people and local companies to
what are the prospects for the full year?
an EGM market of 15,000 in Macau but a mega
explore how they can capitalise on the wealth
For the casino service side, since the company
US market with over a million EGMs.
of gaming experience that exists in Macau. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 26
ASIA RACING INDUSTRY
Protecting revenue as competition grows Asia’s storied horse racing clubs, once the only legal means of gambling in many nations across the region, are taking steps to protect their revenue in the face of increasing competition, as casinos and other types of sports betting are legalized
T
he region’s clubs are reporting a severe threat
business is growing all the time,” HKJC CEO Winfried
from the rise in illegal gambling, with black
Engelbrecht-Bresges said in the club’s annual report.
market operators able to offer a wider range
In the 2013/2014 financial year, HKJC saw racing turnover
of products and offer punters credit.
rise 10 percent to HK$103.92 billion, producing a net margin
The Hong Kong Jockey Club recently reported a record
for the club of HK$4.42 billion, a 7.4 percent increase.
financial year, but was clear about the challenges, while
However, Chairman T. Brian Stevenson pointed to
both Singapore and Japan have reported a declining
estimates indicating that Hong Kong citizens lost about
revenue trend.
HK$31 billion in Macau’s casinos last year alone. He said
“Looking ahead, I am cautiously optimistic of seeing
the opening of a bridge between Hong Kong and Macau
continued positive growth in our racing and betting
in 2016 will ease transport links to the world’s biggest
operations, but competition in the leisure and entertainment
gambling hub presenting a further threat.
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 27 In Singapore, total totalisator turnover for the
STC also agrees that horse betting is under
Turf Club in the year ending March 2013 fell 9.9
pressure from other forms of gambling, such
percent to $1.56 billion, with the Totalisator
as casino games that offer instant gratification,
Board attributing the decline to competition
while other sports betting has also experienced
from casinos as well as lower attendance rates at
huge growth.
the track due to work on the main grandstand.
“In general, as a society matures, new forms
According to the STC, the biggest challenges
of leisure and entertainment emerge and
for horse racing and wagering are “combating
trends evolve. The same betting dollar is being
illegal bookmaking and the current greying customer population.” In addition, the club says that in Singapore, there are “increasingly more entertainment options and it is very difficult to engage the younger demographic in a sport such as horse racing.” The Japan Racing Association meanwhile, has seen turnover decline about 40 percent since its
CLUBS HAVE BEGUN TO OFFER COMMINGLING, WHICH THEY SAY WILL HELP CUT DOWN ON THE THREAT POSED BY ILLEGAL OUTFITS BY REDUCING ARBITRAGE OPPORTUNITIES
peak in 1997. The peak year as far as wagering is
invested across an increasingly varied product spread,” STC said. At a recent conference, executives from all the associations highlighted upgrades and initiatives designed to maintain their competitive edge. HKJC executive director of racing Mr William A. Nader said: “State of the art quarantine facilities, outstanding hospitality for international owners, trainers and jockeys and a comprehensive
concerned was 1997, when the annual turnover
to bet into Hong Kong pools, which have the
marketing and media strategy have all been
through 288 JRA racing days totaled more than
world’s highest liquidity and highest average
keys in the growth and success of this meeting.”
¥4 trillion ($40 billion), and average wagering
turnover per race at over HK$132 million,”
Kaora Obata, director of Japan Racing Association
per day was ¥13.8 billion ($139 million). The
Engelbrecht-Bresges said. “Commingling will
in charge of International Affairs, said the
best year for on-course attendance was 1975,
help further in positioning us as a global leader
industry had been seeking to broaden its appeal
when the total was 14,898,794: More than
and preventing sizeable pools on Hong Kong
through television marketing.
double the figure for 2012.
racing from developing elsewhere in the world,
“There are special feature shows and sports
Part of the decline in Japan, where the government
which could result in a loss of public revenues.”
news programmes on television, and we try to
is currently debating legalizing casinos, was
The HKJC in 2008 also won the right to offer
showcase the event by having exposure more
the decision to legalize sports betting on three
rebates on big losing bets.
than ever before on popular, top-rated TV
other sports - motorboat racing, bicycle racing
Singapore also allows commingling. Since 15
shows. We also air more TV commercials plus
and motorcycle racing.
March 2014, pari-mutuel common pooling has
advertisements in major newspapers, and in
To reverse the declining trend, the turf clubs
been available between STC and Australian tote
many other ways. As a result, about 7 million
have extended their product offering, but are
operators. The club commingles its totalisator
people watch the Arima Kinen on TV.”
still concerned they are unlikely ever to be able
pools with Tabcorp’s Victoria pool, as well as
The clubs have also made moves to leverage
to offer the same kind of variety, or credit, as
its WIN and place betting pools with Tabcorp’s
modern technology. The HKJC last season
the illegal operators can.
New South Wales WIN and PLACE betting pools.
introduced a popular Racing Touch App that
Until 1999, only three types of bet (Win, Place,
“While online platforms for tote wagering and
has graphic-intensive and vivid 3D horse
and Quinella) were offered at JRA tracks. The JRA
common pool commingling are seen as key
graphics. Users can also look up racing info,
introduced Quinella Place in 1999, followed by
trends in the horse betting industry, pari-mutuel
jockey profiles and real-time odds enquiry in
Exacta and Trio betting in 2002, Trifecta betting
wagering remains relevant and dominant in
addition to place a bet with its simple drag-
in 2004, and Pick Five in 2011. Of these, the
the context of horse racing today,” says STC.
and-drop feature.
Trifecta has proved by far the most popular,
“The fixed margins and lower risk exposure
Meanwhile, other countries are considering
accounting for more than 35 percent of total
contribute to channeling funds back to the
opening up to horse race wagering.
wagering in 2012 and 2013.
horse racing industry. Moreover, common pool
Mongolia’s government plans to propose laws
The clubs have also begun to offer commingling,
commingling across wagering jurisdictions will
to set up a professional horse-racing league
which they say will help cut down on the threat
be a key driver to sustain this form of wagering,”
and legalize betting to compete for the Chinese
posed by illegal outfits by reducing arbitrage
the club adds.
gambling market.
opportunities.
In Singapore, Win and Place-type bets form
The government is seeking to build a horse-
In 2013, the HK government amended the gaming
the larger pools with the customer seen as
racing track near the site where the country
law to allow commingling for the first time and
predominantly male, aged 40 to 60.
is building a new airport, 54 kilometers (33.6
the club now expects to extend international
STC agrees with its H.K. counterpart that the
miles) south of the capital Ulaanbaatar.
partnerships next year to Australia, Singapore,
market for illegal gambling is “still rampant as
This comes as rumours circulate that China
Macau, New Zealand and parts of Europe.
the availability to place bets on credit, better
will lift a ban on horse-race betting that could
“This will give hundreds of thousands of
rebates and promotions offered are driving
generate as much as 100 billion euros annually
racing fans across the globe the opportunity
customers towards illegal bookmakers.”
($136 billion) in revenue if legalized. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 28
ASIA CRUISE INDUSTRY
Chinese tourists set sail Asia’s cruise industry is expected to treble in size by 2020, with an onboard gambling component seen as a crucial offering to attract Chinese tourists
T
he new generation of Asian gambling cruises
the world’s biggest cruise operator.
are likely to have a much different image than
Salvador says that cruising is a truly integrated vacation
the down in the mouth vessels that leave Hong
experience however, “a modern, comfortable and
Kong waters solely to circumvent a gambling
competitive casino product” is an important element
ban at home, with global operators lining up to enter
of the experience.
the market with their latest and most luxurious ships.
All itineraries at Carnival feature gaming. Salvador
The Asian Cruise Association estimates that the overall
describes Carnival’s product mix as very similar to “any
Asian market could expand from 1.3 million passengers
land-based Asian casino,” including table games and a
in 2012 to 3.8 million in 2020, including 1.6 million from
diverse assortment of the latest slot machines.
China. Between 2008 and 2013, capacity in the Asian
Century Casinos does not own ships but operates 16
cruise industry has increased 302 percent, according to
shipboard casinos and pays a percentage of the casino
a report from Credit Suisse.
revenue to the cruise lines.
Peter Hötzinger, co-CEO and president, of Century Casinos
“The onboard revenue, including casino, can be very
said the number of Asians cruising today is similar to “the
lucrative” but that also depends on the type of cruise
number of Americans cruising in the 1980’s.” He says
and ship, Hötzinger says.
“no other market has comparable growth potential.”
“In principle, the shorter the cruise, the higher the onboard
“Cruising is a relatively new form of travel for the Chinese
casino revenue per passenger per day. In other words, a
consumer. Many are just starting to hear about or experience
three-month-long world-cruise does not generate much
cruising for the first time,” says Mark Salvador, director,
in onboard revenue per passenger per day, but a three-
global business development of Carnival Corporation,
or four-day cruise does.”
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SPECIAL FOCUS 29
Given the shorter vacation time in China, he
Cruises and Costa Cruises brands feature an
In 2015, with four ships based in China for
believes “the shorter cruises will be the trend
American and Italian heritage that offers “a
the first time, Carnival’s capacity is expected
to attract the Chinese (upper) mass market.”
more international gaming experience.”
to jump 140 percent over a two-year period.
There is significant room for further growth
The potential of the Asia Pacific market, especially
Carnival is also adding ships in Australia, where
when it comes to the Chinese tourist. According
China, has prompted global cruise operators
the market is also booming. Projections there
to figures from Morningstar, initially the cruise
to focus their latest offerings in the market.
are for Australian cruise passenger numbers
industry will only be able to reach the top earners
Genting Hong Kong executive vice president
to rise from 800,000 in 2013, to 1 million by
in China, or the top 1 percent of households.
marine operations and new ship building, Michael
2016, after having skyrocketed 130 percent in
However, that potentially means more than 12
Hackman, said there was “a very competitive
the past five years. The company’s P&O brand
million cruisers, which would be more than half
cruise market building in Asia.”
is adding two ships in the market.
of worldwide cruisers in 2013, it said.
Genting HK, which is a joint venture partner in
Rival Royal Caribbean will also move the base
At Century Casinos for example, only five percent
the Resorts World Manila integrated resort in
of its newest ship Quantum of the Seas to
of guests are Chinese, compared with nearly 30
the Philippines, also runs casino cruise ships
Shanghai next summer. It’s Legend of the Seas
percent Chinese and other Asian customers in
under the Star Cruises brand. Hackman said
ship recently moved its home port to Brisbane in
their land-based casinos in Canada.
the company plans to build two new 150,000
Australia and its Mariner of the Seas’ vessel will
Asked about whether ships with a gambling
tonne (4,500 passengers and 2,000 crew) ships
also start sailing from Singapore in the winter
component attract a different kind of traveler
for the Asian market. The company also owns
season, marking the first time the line will
as Chinese tastes evolve, Hötzinger says “the
about 28 percent of Norwegian Cruise Lines.
offer year-round sailings from the island state.
size of the ship” and “the itinerary” are more
Carnival will be adding new ships to the China
Announcing the deployment of Quantum of
influential than the onboard casino when it
market, including the third ship, the Costa
the Seas in China, Royal Caribbean president
comes to the kind of traveler a cruise attracts.
Serena, under the cruise brand Costa Cruises
and chief operating officer Adam Goldstein
Carnival’s cruises bring guests to a different port
making for an industry-leading four ships in
said: “Every trend we are seeing in China tells
city every day. Salvador said this component
China next year.
us we can achieve real long-term competitive
appeals to a customer who is looking for “more
The company recently also said its chief operating
advantage and appealing returns on our
out of their gaming experience.”
officer Alan Buckelew would be relocating
investments in this fast-growing market by
Century Casinos tailor their casino services to
to Shanghai from Miami, underscoring the
accelerating our presence there. We will have
Chinese customers by using Chinese language and
importance of the China market to the $29
to be nimble, but the ability to move fast is one
Chinese lucky colors, while Carnival’s Princess
billion cruise ship industry.
of our strengths.” l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
GREATER CHINA 30
MACAU
Staffing costs outstrip revenues
Growth in labor costs at Macau’s casinos is now outstripping gross gambling revenue and the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
M
acau’s tight labor market, with
dealers earn in Las Vegas. Workers are aiming
unemployment running at just
for an increase in salary to about MOP 19,000
1.7 percent, has long ranked
- MOP 21,000, or $2,400 - $2,600 a month.
among the key concerns of gaming
The key Golden Week holiday, one of the
analysts. However, recent labor unrest, coupled
busiest times of year in Macau, was marked
with a massive upcoming round of hiring to fill
by industrial action from casino dealers in the
new casinos, is bringing the issue to the boil.
latest of a series of protests aimed at squeezing
According to Morgan Stanley research, total
higher wages and better working conditions
staffing costs for the six operators rose 19 percent
from operators.
in the first half year on year. That compares
Dealers in particular at MGM China Holdings and
with GGR growth of 13 percent.
SJM Holdings worked to rule by reporting late,
With revenue now down for the fourth straight
taking sick leave or refusing to work overtime.
month, that trend is likely to continue, the
While workers from labour unions sought to pause
investment firm said. It sees the negative spread
or stop table game operations for a number of
widening to 30 percent in the first half of next
hours. Operators shrugged off the action, with
year, based on a 15 percent decline in GGR and
MGM China saying its operations had remained
a 17 percent gain in staffing costs.
largely unaffected, saying “a vast majority of our
Macau maintains strict controls on imported
team members have reported to work and are
labor and only locals are able to work as dealers in
delivering their high level of service as usual.”
the casinos. Newly re-appointed Chief Executive
The protest was the ninth demonstration from
Fernando Chui Sai On has pledged that won’t
casino workers this year. Last month, 700
change. As a result, casino operators have been
employees protested against SJM Holdings,
forced to compete to attract and retain key staff,
demanding higher wages and better working
pushing up costs.
conditions. In the month prior to that, as many
Although casino dealers are better paid
as 1,400 workers also took to the streets.
than the average Macau worker, with wages
Aside from higher wages, staff are also
running at a 24 percent premium, they still
demanding that restrictions on sick leave be
earn comparatively less than their western
eased and arrangements during typhoons be
counterparts, contributing to the unrest.
implemented as part of improved working
Dealers from SJM Holdings, for example, earn
conditions. Other workers are protesting the
salaries of about MOP16,000 - MOP 19,000 or
high price of property in Macau, stressing the
about $2,000 - $2,400 a month - half of what
need for more public housing. Still others are
GREATER CHINA 31
GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y13 Y14 H1
$45.2b
+18.6%
$24.6b
Y15 E
$50.4b
Y20 E
+11.5% $100b
SEP GGR
-11.7%
OCT GGR
-23.2%
NOV GGR
-19.6%
MARKET SHARE (as of end of November 14)
looking for career growth opportunities and
However, the general slowdown in GGR has
upward mobility.
meant that increased productivity is no longer
Operators in Macau have made several moves
offsetting labor costs, Morgan Stanley says.
to respond to workers’ demands. Wynn Resorts
Morgan Stanley now sees the Macau market
recently gave employees shares of stock in
declining 17 percent in the first quarter of
addition to bonuses, awarding 1,000 shares to
2015 to $10.64 billion, compared with $12.84
each of its 7,500 employees; Galaxy Entertainment
billion in the same period in 2014. Fitch sees
promised to give workers company shares and
GGR this year growing 4 percent, compared
extra bonuses to those who agreed to stay with
with its earlier forecast for 10 percent growth,
SANDS CHINA (1928:HK) 22%
the company through 2017.
while Bank of America/Merrill Lynch sees no
GALAXY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP (27.HK) 19%
Melco Crown Entertainment, on the other hand,
growth this year, or next.
MELCO CROWN ENTERTAINMENT (6883.HK) 14%
has given its workers opportunities to attend
In the short-term, a huge increase in new hiring
management courses as part of their incentive
to fill integrated resorts coming online in Macau
packages. SJM Holdings announced that it will
means the situation is likely to get worse.
provide annual living subsidy increases for its
According to Barclays, casinos will have to hire
employees, which are set to take effect next
around 55,500 employees from 2015 onwards.
year. It also promised to pay double or 2.5 times
Of these, between 14,000 and 17,000 will have
summer bonuses if workers stay employed until
to be dealers for gaming tables, while 35,000
and that of the Macau average to continue
2018 or 2020, respectively.
will be non-dealer employees. While Deutsche
widening, given the potential for social unrest.
Consequently, costs have soared. In their
Bank reckons the cost of labor for operators will
Eventually the additional revenue from the
latest earnings releases, Wynn Resorts and Las
probably rise 10 percent to 15 percent annually
addition of more capacity on Cotai should help
Vegas Sands reported a combined $50 million
in coming years.
re-balance the situation. The addition of more
in additional and unexpected labor-related
Melco Crown is expected to begin hiring for
hotel rooms on Cotai is expected to provide a boost
compensation costs. Las Vegas Sands CEO
its Studio City project by the end of 2014, as
to the mass market sector of the market, which
Sheldon Adelson says the group’s employee
is Galaxy for the next phase of Galaxy Macau.
is more profitable and requires fewer dealers.
compensation costs will exceed $1 billion this
“Assuming MOP25K/month all-in compensation
Analysts have said that the labor shortage
year, however, the expense rate is stable once
per dealer, 2,100 dealers (7 x 300 tables) and
could be helped by moving resident workers
measured as a percentage of revenue.
three months’ advance employment, this
from other non-gaming industries into the
In the past, providing salary increases, added
could add $20 million of staff costs per quarter
casino labor pool, while foreign workers can
benefits and annual bonuses meant an increase
per casino,” Morgan Stanley analyst Praveen
replace the original positions. Positions other
in casino workers’ productivity, which in turn
Choudhary wrote. However, the firm doesn’t
than casino dealers could also be filled in by
helped ensure revenue growth for casinos.
expect the gap between casino dealer wages
imported labour.
SJM HOLDINGS (880:HK) 23%
WYNN MACAU (1128:HK) 11% MGM MACAU (2282:HK) 11%
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
GREATER CHINA 32 billion in the second phase of its Galaxy
in the first half of 2016, with approximately
Macau development, which is scheduled
2,000 rooms and 500 table games. Wynn
Holds 23 percent as of mid-October with
to come online in 2015. The expansion will
Macau Q3 revenues dropped 5.6 percent
20 casinos. Its $3.2 billion Palazzo Versace
nearly double the capacity of the resort.
to $942.3 million, while adjusted property
development is scheduled to come online in
Construction on Phase 3 and 4 is expected
EBITDA fell 1.1 percent to $325.5 million.
2017. The company has also indicated it may
to begin by the end of the year with a total
Table games turnover in the VIP segment was
be interested in opportunities in Japan. The
investment of HK$60 billion ($7.7 billion).
$25.1b for the third quarter of 2014, a 17.4
company is currently building The Lisboa
Galaxy Entertainment posted a 6 percent
percent decrease from $30.3b in the third
Palace on Cotai. The casino will have 700
gain in Q3 revenue, with gains seen in both
quarter of 2013. Table games win in the mass
gaming tables and over 1,200 slot machines
the mass market and VIP segment. The
market segment increased by 36.4 percent to
across a gaming floor area of approximately
group had quarterly revenue of $17.3 billion
$327.2 million. In Q3, it invested about $301.1
27,000 square metres. The total production
($2.23 billion). Adjusted EBITDA increased by
million in the Cotai project, taking the total
cost is estimated at about HKD$30 billion
1 percent in the same period to $3.3 billion.
investment to date to $1.4 billion.
($3.8 billion), although the company has
Total gaming revenue grew a market leading
expressed concern over costs. SJM Holdings
6.5 percent year-on-year to $17.1 billion
said its Q3 profit declined 16.4 percent and
driven by a 12 percent gain in mass market
its share of the Macau market slipped as
revenue to $4.8 billion. VIP revenue climbed
VIP revenues fell, while its mass market
5 percent to $11.8 billion.
SJM HOLDINGS (880:HK)
MGM CHINA (2282:HK)
Has a 9 percent market share while operating
performance lagged rivals. The company
a single casino in the peninsula. Its new
reported profit attributable to owners of the
developments include the MGM Cotai, which
company of $1.53 billion ($197.3 million).
MELCO CROWN (6883.HK)
is a $2.9b project scheduled for completion
Has three casinos and a 15 percent market
revenues came in at $794 million, down
revenue dropped 23.6 percent to $10.37
share. Melco recently awarded France’s
about 2 percent, and above the consensus of
billion, while mass market revenue edged
Bouygues a $488 million contract to build
$765 million. Q3 VIP volumes fell 19 percent,
up 3.1 percent to $7.35 billion. Slot machine
a six-star hotel. The 39-floor building
while mass revenue jumped 34 percent. MGM
revenue gained 5.4 percent.
will be part of the City of Dreams and will
China’s Q3 EBITDA was $213.8 million versus
have 783 bedrooms, a casino, restaurants,
the consensus of $191.6 million. l
Gaming revenue fell 14.1 percent to $18.1 billion. The company said VIP gaming
mid 2016. In the third quarter, Macau net
conference room and a sky pool. The
SANDS CHINA (1928:HK)
company said recently it’s increasing the budget for its Studio City development in
Has a market share of about 23 percent and
Cotai by about $300 million, taking the
has four casinos. Analysts say the company
total cost to $2.3 billion. Pre-opening costs
has had a lower room occupancy than rivals
rose to $0.9 million in the three months to
in Cotai, meaning it has more potential for
end March, compared with $0.6 million in
revenue growth if it fills the rooms. The
the same period a year ago. The company
company’s new developments include the $3
said the resort is on track for a mid-2015
billion The Parisian that is scheduled to come
opening. Melco is also considering a casino
online in 2015. It recently expanded retail
mega-project near Barcelona in Spain. In
space at its Sands Cotai central property, with
Q3, adjusted EBITDA and revenue both fell
the addition of 150,000 square feet of space,
10 percent due to a decline in rolling chip
with shops designed to appeal to families.
revenues. Net revenue was $1.12 billion down
Sands China total net revenue for Q3 was
from $1.25 billion for the comparable period
down 0.4 percent to $2.33 billion, while net
in 2013 and in line with estimates. Adjusted
income rose 4.3 percent to $644.6 million.
property EBITDA was $305.7 million
The company’s Venetian property saw a 10
compared to $339.0 million in the third
percent gain in non-rolling chip turnover
quarter of 2013. Reported net income was
to $2.2 billion, though rolling chip volume
$132.2 million, or $0.24 per ADS, compared
dropped 28 percent to $10.1 billion in the
with $179.4 million, or $0.33 per ADS, in the
quarter. At the Sands Cotai property rolling
year ago quarter. Adjusted EPS was $0.28,
chip volume was down 32 percent, while mass
missing the consensus view by one cent.
market revenue jumped by 32.3 percent.
GALAXY GROUP (27.HK)
WYNN MACAU (1128:HK)
Has a 7 percent market share and currently
Has a 23 percent market share with six
has one casino. Its $4 billion Wynn Palace
casinos. The company is investing $2.5
development is scheduled to come online
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
The border crossing between Macau and Zhuhai will be open on a 24-hour basis from December 18, with the Lotus Bridge Cotai Frontier Post linked to Hengqin Island the first to benefit. Macau government spokesman, Alexis Tan, said another key access point, the Border Gate linked to Gongbei will see the hours extended to open at 6 am and close at 1 am. China Star Entertainment said it has reached a deal to sell the Lan Kwai Fong hotel in Macau for $2.23 billion ($287.5 million). The company said in a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing that it may be entitled to a further bonus consideration of as much as $1.93 billion. The bonus is related to the Macau government granting rights to develop four parcels of land.
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GREATER CHINA 34
GROSS GAMING REVENUE
MAINLAND CHINA
Investors seal lottery deals Foreign investors continue to eye China’s booming lottery market, with several recent deals aimed at gaining a slice of an industry that’s forecast to reach $73.3 billion in sales by the end of 2015
U
.K.-listed DJI Holdings said recently
Value, positioning itself for potential growth
it has won an exclusive contract
in China’s mobile lottery market.
to supply Xinhuacai Technology
Score Value is also involved in quality assurance
Company, a unit of state-run news
and the sale of handheld lottery sale equipment,
agency Xinhua, with a technology platform
as well as the design of lottery games and system
and a range of mobile lottery games and lottery
development.
services.
John Sun, chairman and CEO of AGTech said in
Xinhuacai is seeking to become a leading provider
a statement to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange
and distributor of lottery products in China and
that the purchase was a “major milestone” for
in particular is focused on the mobile lottery
the company.
market. The Chinese company is seeking to
Nevada-based XcelMobility, a mobile internet
secure appropriate licenses and approvals from
application development and marketing company,
the relevant lottery authorities and government
has also expanded its presence in China with
departments throughout China.
an accord to buy Silver Creek Digital’s online
“To be selected by one of China’s most important
sports lottery business.
institutions is both very exciting and we see this
“We’re very excited about the growth opportunities
as a key strategic development for our group,”
that can quickly develop once we incorporate
DJI CEO Darren Mercer, said. “We believe that
Silver Creek’s online sports lottery business
our technology platform, marketing expertise
within our existing online mobile platform,”
and tailored lottery games for both Welfare and
said Ronald Strauss, executive chairman of
Sports lotteries, along with Xinhua’s position
XcelMobility. “Silver Creek has been using our
in China, will provide an ideal platform to
cloud network in China for over a year and we
capitalise on the rapidly expanding market for
have already witnessed the growth that can be
mobile lottery sales.”
achieved by combining our resources. We are
The Chinese lottery market has experienced
confident that their proven success to date
strong growth in recent years as a result of
and established key relationships in China will
positive macro trends in China, such as robust
drive our ability to strongly penetrate the very
economic growth, increases in disposable income
new and fast-growing online lottery business
and a more positive shift in public perception
in China.”
towards the lottery business. Total lottery
Meanwhile, China’s own companies are also
sales in China are projected to be $61 billion
getting in on the action. China LotSynergy said
in 2014 and $73.3 billion in 2015, according to
last month that a unit of China’s Tencent has
an iResearch Report. The report projects online
agreed to take a stake in the company for about
sales for sports lottery products to be $2.2 billion
HK$445.5 million ($57.4 million).
and $3.2 billion in 2014 and 2015, respectively,
China LotSynergy said it will use the proceeds
representing a gain of 47.3 percent and 44.8
for working capital and for investments should
percent increase from the preceding years.
the opportunity arise.
In November, AGTech Holdings said it paid
“The board considers that the subscription
HK$489.5 million (US$63.12 million) to buy
lays a good foundation for future cooperation
research and development company Score
between the group and Tencent,” it said. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
Y13 Lottery sales $51.1b
+18.3%
Y14 H1 $28.78b
+19.2%
July sales $6.05b
+53%
July Sports Lottery $3.21b
+93%
July Welfare Lottery $2.84b
+23.5%
August sales $5.13b
+28.1%
AGTech Holdings said it’s expanding further in China through its subsidiary, GOT, after winning competitive tenders to supply Henan, Jiangsu, and Yunnan with sports lottery terminals. GOT won bids at provincial/municipal sports lottery terminal tenders, reinforcing its place as a leader in the Chinese sports lottery terminal market. AGTech said the sports lottery market in China has an installed base of approximately 140,000 terminals and GOT has “a leading share” of the maket New York-based Carnival Corp said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with China’s State Shipbuilding Corp. aimed at exploiting growth in China’s booming cruise ship industry, which is expected to balloon to 4.5m passengers a year by 2020. The two parties are considering potentially forming a shipbuilding joint venture. This may evolve into a three-way arrangement involving Fincantieri of Italy, the world’s largest cruise ship building company. Carnival, the world’s biggest cruise ship operator, would work closely with CSSC and Fincantieri to help define the first-ever, world-class cruise ship built in China.
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 36 ARUZE
ASPECT GAMING
Opportunities amidst global consolidation
W
Created by locals for locals
BALLY TECHNOLOGIES
Driving the market
hile there is a trend in consolidation among suppliers, Aruze Gaming
sees a window of opportunity and the company considers its flexibility as an edge. Many believe that suppliers will benefit from consolidation particularly in terms of resources but Aruze thinks that it will take some time for the companies involved to standardize corporate practices, and that creates a window of opportunity for regional and local players to be more aggressive in the market. “When you are not as big, you are more flexible,” said Albert Yu, assistant general manager, “there is a window of opportunity for Aruze to be more aggressive in the market.” Aruze underlines the diversity of its product base, ranging from an array of ETGs to Lucky SIc Bo and Lucky Big Wheel, and these products are on every casino floor in Macau. To get the company prepared for such opportunities, Aruze has some brand new product plans for the next two years. At the MGS show, Aruze exhibited Cube X for the first time in Asia and new titles in both the G- DELUXE and G- SERIES video lines, the Ultra Stack series, and both stepper lines of Innovator and I-Deluxe. Also on display was the G-Series line and the G-Deluxe platform, with new additions that incorporate 5-reel video game play. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
A
spect Gaming has a market presence in Southeast Asia and the United
States, but still prioritizes Macau as a key
B
ally Technologies sees the emerging premium mass market and the
growth of electronic gaming as key factors
lab to understand the evolving tastes of
driving the Macau market.
Chinese players.
“Asia is growing at a very fast pace,” said
Following its internal motto, “Created by
Ken Jolly, the company’s vice president
locals for locals,” Aspect Gaming has spent
- Asia. “Just look at the new openings in
considerable time studying retail lottery
Macau, the Philippines or even growing
outlets in Mainland China and baccarat
markets such as Cambodia.”
tables in Macau to understand Chinese
Although the Macau gaming market has
players, who the company describes as
recently slowed, Jolly still sees value in
“dynamic.” Take WinTrack as an example:
the premium mass sector, which has
it is designed with a “decision-making”
higher margins than the VIP market.
aid, allowing players to easily track wins
He is also confident about the growth
and losses and make playing and betting
of electronic games. Asked about the
decisions based on their conclusions.
competition among suppliers to target
CEO Justin Nguyen sees “agility” as the
new properties, Jolly showed confidence
company’s strategic advantage and he takes
in Bally’s products and said: “We ensure
pride in Aspect Gaming as being one of
our focus and target are to the right
the first companies to offer 1.1 compliant
audience when we bring our products to
games in Macau. Aspect Gaming has an
the market. Duo Fu Duo Cai is a classic
aggressive plan for developing social
example that we built particularly for the
casinos and the company seeks to use its
Macau market. It’s been very successful
social casino as a platform for some online
here and we’ve also been rolling it out
to offline initiatives in the coming months.
into other markets in Asia.”
At this year’s MGS show, Aspect Gaming
At the MGS show, Bally showcased its
launched Grand Orient Casino for Android
game line-up including Dancing Drums
and showcased Sheng Xiao Chuan Qi – the
on the Equinox cabinet, Fine Diamonds
launch title for its Super Ruby OneWall
and Striking Stars on the Pro Wave cabinet
video wall technology. l
as well as TableMaster Fusion, featuring the Chinese version of Ultimate Texas Hold’em. Also on display were the MD3 blackjack and baccarat card shuffler; i-Deal Plus, the next generation i-Deal with improved card reading and reliability; the DeckMate 2 poker room card shuffler; and the i-Score Plus baccarat viewer. l
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 38 BETCONSTRUCT
Counting on Asia for future growth
BMM
Growing to add a personal touch
CPI
Innovation in the pipeline
W
ith strong emphasis on reliability and efficiency, Crane Payment
Innovations will launch its new innovation SCR note recycler in early 2015. CPI takes pride in its new SCR note recycler that combines the performance and reliability of SC Advance technology with the benefits of two-denomination note recycling as part of a total cash management solution. Currently the new SCR note recycler has been performing well in beta trials and it is slated to launch in early 2015.
G
B
the East.
land-based & online gaming, product and
“Asia is a market with huge potential for
technical standards training and operator
growth for us” said commercial director
services along with an increasing number
George Voyatzis, “Over the past twelve
of regulated gaming jurisdictions around
months, we have been working closely
Asia Pacific.
with a number of Asian partners, and have
BMM takes pride in having the largest
been present at all the main exhibitions
footprint of Compliance Testlabs in Asia,
in Asia, in turn learning a great deal about
while the company also provides services
this vast market.”
to many existing and emerging Asian
While BetConstruct is also present in the
gaming technology manufacturers in other
US, as well as having been granted or in
global locations. Kirk White, executive
the application process for licenses and
vice president & general manager -
certification in Europe, due to regulatory
International, said that the expansion
changes, Voyatzis expressed optimism
of BMM’s Asian operations has added a
about the huge potential for growth in
personal touch to its service as “the Asian
Asia. However, Voyatzis said the Asian
manufacturers appreciate the convenience
market is more price-sensitive compared
of working with a lab and testing experts in
with most markets in Europe and can be
their same language and timezone.”
highly competitive.
However, “Asia’s potential in online
Despite keen competition, Voyatzis
gaming is yet to be realized as regulators
highlighted the company’s personal
are reviewing the best possible way to
approach as an edge. He said: “In Asia,
regulate their online gaming markets”
customers prefer face-to-face meeting
said White. “iGaming removes
to virtual communication. That is why we
geographical restrictions on access to
are here in Macau to meet our current and
gaming products. For this reason most
potential clients. We have plans to open
countries that have not yet legalised
a representative office in Asia and will be
iGaming are moving ahead with caution to
ever present in 2015”
ensure they fully understand and are able
At the MGS show, BetConstruct presented
to mitigate against any social impacts of
its newly developed OGWIL game and
this broader reach.”
Fantasy Sports as well as other products,
At this year’s MGS, the executive team
such as Retail and Online Sportsbook, RNG
of BMM Australia and Asia shared their
and Live Casino, Poker, Virtual Betting and
expertise and training services with
Skill Games, Agent and Affiliate Systems. l
visitors who attended the show. l
iven its reputation in Central Asia and Asia’s potential for growth,
BetConstruct has increasingly focused on
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
MM been expanding its operations in the region on the back of increasing
testing demand for compliance testing in
“The reliability of payment systems has a profound effect on an operator’s profitability and reputation,” said Graeme Lewis, CPI vice president Asia Pacific, “reliable technology results in greater machine uptime, fewer maintenance requirements and, accordingly, a lower cost of operation.” He added: “Therefore, as capital remains constrained at the property level, operators these days are looking more closely at their peripherals, placing greater emphasis on the value of reliability.” At the MGS show, CPI showcased the combination of MEI’s SC Advance note acceptor, EASITRAX Soft Count system and PPM Advance support tool, as well as the CashCode SM BackLoad note acceptor and a range of Money Control coin hoppers. l
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 40 EVERYMATRIX
Brave new games
E
EZUGI
New live casino builds momentum
GCA
Acquisition makes King of Kings
A
veryMatrix launched its 2000th game on its casino engine this year and
s Global Cash Access announced plans to acquire Multimedia Games,
GCA expects the merger will take both
the software supplier is ready for more momentum in the year ahead.
companies to the next level. “This merger
Ian Sherrington, head of sales Asia
is expected to provide economies of
commented: “Our games have been
scale, breadth and depth of knowledge,
evolving over the past years and the
and ultimately, should help customers
major changes have been around content
increase the velocity of gaming across their
development and technical delivery. While
entire casino floors resulting in higher
the constant advancement of technology
margins,” said Jason King, vice president,
enables more innovations, content,
international business. He added: “It will
graphic and features of games have been
also result in the combination of a global
improving massively.” EveryMatrix is now working aggressively on the sports betting market. To enable EveryMatrix to better compete in key jurisdictions, including Australia, the company has teamed up with B2B software and data services company Sporting Solutions, which allows EveryMatrix’s OddsMatrix to add games such as Australian Rules football to its service, as well as increasing the number of markets on popular sports like football, basketball and tennis. EveryMatrix also signed social sports betting platform Favourit, which gives users a global community of betting experts, real-time betting data and analytics and other user-friendly functionalities. The platform is also available in multiple languages and on multiple channels including online, mobile and tablet. Asked about the highlights of EveryMatrix in 2014, Sherrington said: “EveryMatrix has been continuously expanding our portfolio offering a wider range of choices and our team in Asia is growing in order to provide better services to our customers. ” At this year’s MGS show, EveryMatrix sponsored the official iGaming reception
E
zugi is launching a new live casino studio in the Grand Dragon Casino,
Cambodia and expects to further expand its live dealer studios across Asia. The company has teamed with the Dai Long Company, one of Cambodia’s largest groups. The live casino studio will be launched at the Grand Dragon Resorts casino, which is located in Chreythom, Kandal Province. Ezugi will be utilizing its casino streaming technology to broadcast live and direct from the gaming floor, including baccarat tables and VIP tables along with proxy/ telebetting. Kfir Kugler, chief executive of Ezugi commented: “Live casino streaming is increasingly popular with players as those off-site players can see, hear, and interact with actual tables and dealers in a live and interactive environment.” Ezugi takes pride in being “the only provider with live dealer studios across three continents in Europe, South America and now a live gaming floor broadcast experience from Asia.” Kugler said that the company “looks forward to its partnership with Grand Dragon Resorts in delivering the highest standards for the live gaming experience as possible.” l
leader in cash access services with the fastest growing U.S.-based manufacturer and supplier of gaming machines and systems with an overall product portfolio that would be extremely differentiated.” With the acquisition announced in early September of this year, GCA expects the transaction to be completed by late December 2014 or early 2015. While GCA takes pride in its capability to collect certain aspects of player demographics, frequency and monetary value transaction metrics in the North American market, the company seeks to provide similar services in Asia. “We view the use of transactional player data as a huge strategic opportunity to optimize our customers’ marketing spend and allow them to foster a more intimate relationship with their top players,” King commented. At this year’s MGS show, GCA exhibited its multi-functional suite of fullservice kiosks,
hosted by Asia Gaming Brief and Sports
award-winning
Betting Community.l
NEWave Audit Manager and gaming patron credit bureau Central Credit. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 41 INSPIRED
Expanding online and mobile
JCM
Consolidation a natural progression
KONAMI
Anticipated debut in 2015
growth in the Asian online and mobile
J
aspires to position itself as the most
A
space for the year ahead.
comprehensive provider of component
specifically for Asian players.
Harmen Brenninkmeijer, SVP Asia and
solutions to several industries, including
Konami takes pride in its customization
Strategic Markets said: “Online and
gaming. Kunal Mishra, general manager
– ranging from game play to artwork and
mobile expansion in Asia is going to be
of new business development, JCM Global
from functions to features - to the Asian
vast in 2015 and beyond, especially if the
commented: “Products of JCM Global
market.
regulators give the suppliers the ability
and Future Logic are complementary and
John Gomes, general manager, Singapore
to do so, as it would generate substantial
there is no overlap between the product
noticed that Asian players are serious
revenues for them as well.”
lines. The merger is very clear, as the
players, who value rewards more than
Inspired takes pride in being one of the
product from each side is very distinct.
entertainment. As such, Konami puts
first suppliers in the industry to launch
The merger also brings the credibility of
emphasis on the incentive mechanism in
new games simultaneously on VLT,
both companies together. We believe it’s a
their games targeting Asian audiences.
online and mobile, and the company will
very positive development of our supplier
Currently Konami has several titles that
announce the launch of a number of new
business.” Speaking about the recent wave
have been updated in accordance with
games in the Asia Pacific market in 2015.
of consolidation among suppliers, Mishra
Macao’s new EGM Technical Standards and
Currently, Inspired’s Virtual Sports
described it as “a natural progression”
the company expects DICJ approvals, new
lottery products are supplied to the
of the industry’s maturity. “Asia is a
releases and a market debut in early 2015.
National Sports Lottery (NSLAC) in China
booming market, and Europe, as well as
At this year’s MGS show, Konami
through AGT, AGTech’s joint venture with
the US markets, are very solid. What we
presented a selection of new products
Ladbrokes.
have to do is to combine our resources and
such as the UltraReels series, which are
Inspired has also just announced a
manpower. We have to think of more and
designed specifically for Asian markets.
long-term agreement for its virtuals in
more innovative ways to serve customers,
New standard game themes such as King of
the Philippines with the DFNN Group of
while maintaining optimum efficiencies,
the World, Great Luck Great Profit, and Red
Companies, to provide various virtual
so that our customer’s bottom lines remain
Fortune also feature Asian-inspired design
games to Philippine Amusement and
healthy.” With more casinos coming up
elements.
Gaming Corporation-approved locations
in Macau and the Philippines, JCM Global
Konami also exhibited Rapid Revolver
across authorized and regulated land-
expresses optimism about the region’s
with its debut release theme Rising
based retail betting locations across the
future growth. Next year JCM Global expects
Dragon, a new premium product targeting
country.
to launch the DNA product suite, which
surrounding markets. l
Brenninkmeijer added: “As we look
provides peripheral management including
ahead, we anticipate a popular take-up
monitoring and firmware downloads. The
of Inspired’s Virtual Sports across retail,
company also plans to commercialize
online and mobile channels in AsiaPac
its table suite of products such as ticket
over the next year and beyond.” l
exchange, iV8, Ticket2Go and PromoNet. l
I
nspired Gaming Group plans to launch new games to capture the huge expected
CM Global this year finalized the acquisition of FutureLogic and now
s Konami Gaming increasingly values the importance of Asia, the company
has been focusing on developing games
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 42 LT GAME/ IGT
Betting on social casino market
PLAY’N GO
Bringing Asian casinos online
SEGA SAMMY
Macau takes priority
ENCHANTED MEADOW The fairies delight in this fanciful 5-reel, 15-line slot. The enchanted tree is wild. It substitutes for most other symbols and magically grows to cover all three positions on reel 3 when it can help to comprise winning combinations. When two or more Fairy Queen symbols appear, the player is granted a special scatter prize. When equipment both a 3 reel wild tree and two gold medallion halves appear, T Game, a Macau gaming wedish gaming specialist and developer the entire “tree reel” will remain wild and trigger a free-spin sequence. When three flower PAYOUT supplier, to on launch a new GOgrant haseither achieved significant symbols bloomplans anywhere the reels, the player searches for hiddenPlay’n fairies who a bonus prize or a free spin on which prizes are worth 2-5 times more. product and enter the booming social growth in its customer base and is now The player is advised to avoid the angry wasp or the bonus round comes to a painful end! Players can try to multiply any prize in the optional Gamble round. casino market. targeting regulated operators in the Asian
L
S
While LT Game has no plan for online
market.
S
ega Sammy’s preparation for product approval in Macau is in full swing and
the Japanese company expects its SIBO BONUS JACKPOT to be among the first products in its line up.
casinos, the company expects to launch Play’n GO takes pride in its capability and WWW.PLAYNGO.COM
Sega exhibited at the MGS show for the
social games that will be both for mobile
expertise in developing smart systems
first time this year and the company
and Internet and will be casino based slot
and content especially designed for
mainly focused on promoting its new Sic
or table games.
performance on mobile phones, tablets,
Bo product through video, catalogue and
“It’s basically for the loyalty points as
game terminals and websites including
some additional entertainment.
there’s no cash involved,” said chairman
mobile casino games and e-gaming
At the show, Sega had the opportunity to
Jay Chun.
platforms.
meet with casino operators who sought to
At this year’s MGS show, LT Game and IGT
To date, more than 60 licensees are using
expand their offerings.
had a joint booth and presented a “Total
products from Play’n GO. Its games are
Sega’s corporate vision is to up the fun
Casino Solution” for visitors and casino
available in 30 languages and especially
aspect of gaming machines to lure more
operators. LT Game has an accord with IGT
adapted for use on smartphones and/or
customers and help grow the industry.
to distribute products in North America
tablet devices using Apple iOS, Android &
As a result Sega designed its booth in
since this year.
Windows 7/8.
an interactive way that provided a fun
LT Game also showcased LMG-6, which
Robert Skogh, director of business
experience for customers.
allows two game players to bet on one
development, described 2014 as a year
Asked about the company’s game plan for
terminal simultaneously, and Intelligent
of great growth in which the company
the year ahead, CEO Hisao Oguchi said:
Game Tables such as the E-Baccarat
signed 16 new operators, released a total
“Our primary focus for now is Macau and
Table, and the Intelligent Cash Access/
of 25 games and launched in the regulated
creating a market presence is our main
Redemption Solution among others. l
Italian market. The company’s next focus
priority.”
will be Asia, according to Skogh.
“The first product lineup up we are
Another focus for Play’n GO would be
expecting is the Sibo Bonus Jackpot,” he
its e-gaming platform Gaming Account
added.l
Toolkit, which gives the operator freedom and flexibility to integrate other third-party game providers, business intelligence solutions and localized payment options. At this year’s MGS show, Play’n GO sponsored the official iGaming networking reception hosted by Asia Gaming Brief and Sports Betting Community. l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 43 SPINTEC
Technology for the New Year
WDTS
WEIKE
Paying baccarat the RFID way
New products underway
W
alker Digital Table Systems (WDTS) is focusing on Baccarat in Asia and
is seeing interest from markets from Macau to Australia. “Baccarat lends itself well to the application of our technology and our business is focused on delivering incremental value in and around the game of Baccarat in this region,” said Neil Crossan, general manager Asia operations. “Our first implementation was at RWG, Malaysia, and placements have continued to grow since the Perfect Pay system was implemented about two years ago.” He added: “We are currently actively
W
hile Spintec found success in its Karma platform for card and dice
games, the company is developing new technology solutions for the year ahead. In collaboration with Century Casinos, Spintec has completed the installation of Karma on cruise ship Mein Schiff 3. “We are very proud of Karma’s performance and its extraordinary acceptance by players,” said Petra Remec, regional sales manager. “Our unique design and the possibility of customization are immense which opens the market for cruise casinos around the world.” In the Macau market, Spintec has submitted the certification of its products in accordance with Macau EGM Technical Standards V1.1 and ETG Technical Standards V1.0. Their products are now compliant with the new standard. Spintec signed new deals at MGS and the company increasingly values the show
involved in projects across the region in Macau, Manila, Australia and on cruise liners.” In addition to Baccarat, WDTS is experiencing a pull for its PJM technology to enhance security and transparency in other areas of gaming. PJM technology is deployed in gaming chips, and for transactional verification and validation at casino cash desks in a number of operations in Macau. At this year’s MGS show, WDTS exhibited its RFID-enabled Perfect Pay networked table system. WDTS argues that its Perfect Pay tables system that delivers multiple innovations and benefits to the Baccarat Table in the Macau market. Crossan commented: “The system provides the operator with greater game transparency, security and efficiencies. Given the importance and prevalence of the game here, all of those factors are significant in this market.” l
S
ingapore-based supplier Weike Gaming Technology has signed BG&T as a new
distributor in the South Korean market and has a new product pipeline for 2015. “We see great potential with our South Korean distributors,” said Peter KupFerroth, vice president of product marketing. “BG&T has built a solid reputation with a number of customers through previous casino system projects.” While Weike has a new product in the pipeline for 2015, the company will be releasing updated products in line with Macau’s latest electronic technical standards in December. With roulette as part of its product portfolio Weike sees potential for growth particularly in the Southeast Asian markets. Kup-Ferroth said: “We find that the majority of the South East Asian markets generally have a slight preference for
as a platform to showcase its products in
Roulette compared to Baccarat and this is
“the most important gaming center of the
where we see growth in the region.”
world.” l
Given a well-developed player base in some markets such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, the company is optimistic about the trend in the medium term. At the MGS show, Weike showcased its new multi-featured progressive link – Victory - an integrated 4-level progressive jackpot specifically targeting Weike’s core player base – and standalone games such as Knight Legends and The Grand Voyage.l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 44 AINSWORTH
Sights on Macau’s slot market
GLI
GOLDEN-RACE
Opening a new chapter
G
Focus on Asia regulations
aming Laboratories International (GLI) marked its 25th anniversary at
this year and now intends to open a new chapter that goes beyond testing. As a test lab, GLI’s mission is to help suppliers get their products onto the floor and to help regulators guarantee compliance and public trust. Their offering also includes IT security audits and exclusive tools. GLI is focused in particular on the global trend of convergence, under which the game and the system, whether landbased or online, are merging from a technological standpoint. To date, the company has grown to 21 offices on six continents with 850 plus employees serving more than 455 jurisdictions. In Asia Pacific, GLI stresses its strong and growing presence in Australasia,
A
ustralian slot equipment manufacturer Ainsworth Game Technologies says
it’s planning on international expansion to fuel further growth and expects Macau slot sales to rise. Ainsworth released its newest range of link progressives for the Asian market, including Lucky Treasure, Treasure Storm and Oriental Fortune at this year’s G2E Las Vegas show. Ainsworth’s Group General Manager Strategy and Development, Scott Clarebrough, said the company’s new line up was a combination of innovative game
with three full service labs in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. It has another lab in Macau. GLI said its lab in Macau has achieved major success in lottery testing and certification. Meanwhile, with its GLI Link technology, suppliers are able to test their devices remotely instead of having to shop for them all over the world. At this year’s MGS, GLI presented its services beyond testing with an emphasis on services related to iGaming, including standards, project health check and recovery and security reviews. l
M
alta-based Golden-Race aims to treble its business in the years ahead,
partly by focusing on Asia, which it sees as the world’s largest gaming market. Golden-Race says it will continue to focus on flexibility and to develop products specifically for the Asian market. The company says its 3D Virtual Football, pre-recorded video dog racing, live streaming lottery and keno have achieved major success in Africa and Asia because its product format, configuration flexibility allows operators to choose from a wide selection of national and league teams and game formats. Despite huge growth potential in virtual betting, Golden-Race sees ISP blocking and the banning of payment gateways as an obstacle for operators. To unlock potential in the region, the company thinks that local authorities need to offer a clear legal framework that offers better access to the market. If that were
mechanics and hardware, coupled with
to happen, operators could double their
exceptionally entertaining math models to
business revenue easily, it says. l
provide the best player experiences. Ainsworth saw MGS as a stage where it could “demonstrate its tailored products, innovative game mechanics and hardware, entertaining math models and commitment to being a major player in Macau.” l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 45 INTEPLAY
Land operators eye online space
G
aming platform and solution provider Inteplay sees land-based operators’
growing appetite for online business as
MATSUI
Expanding to meet demand
M
ORTIZ
Online boost to come
atsui has recently launched new RFID chips and won the bidding to supply
Kangwon Land, the largest casino in South
offering huge potential for the iGaming
Korea.
industry.
The company said its Matsui chips are
Inteplay says that Macau’s slowing casino
now used by most major casinos in Asia
market has made more and more land-
and Oceania and it has been expanding
based operators interested in building
its manufacturing capabilities to meet
their presence in the digital space,
demand.
while iGaming operators are constantly
Matsui has introduced chip security “M.G.
looking for new content, or new forms of
Eye,” striking new marble color chips and
entertainment.
“Premier Decal Chips” in Plaque style.
market.
Inteplay says that both online and offline
At this year’s MGS, Matsui exhibited
Roberto Regianini, Vice President of
operators are eager to define their mobile
its latest product from Matsui Chips,
Sales and Head of Asian Gaming Division
strategy to catch the wave of mobile
Matsui Synthetic Layout and other table
comments: “Mobile gambling is expected
Internet.
accessories. l
to grow to double-digit rates and to reach
W
ith the growth of Internet and smartphone audience, Ortiz Gaming
foresees a boost in its online games
With the ambition to become one of
over 40% of the total online gambling
the best iGaming solution and service
market by 2018 as the number of mobile
providers in Asia, Inteplay plans to open
gambling user’s is expected to exceed a
its office in Manila after having established
hundred million.”
offices in Macau, Hong Kong and Mainland
While Ortiz takes pride of its land-based
China. l
games that have achieved major success in Asia, the company has developed online and mobile versions of its latest games and presented them at this year’s G2E. Regianini adds: “The growing acceptance of the digital devices is another trend which will impact online gambling and we are following this trend and forecasting it to ensure we are bringing the evolution of Bingo to a new generation of players.” Despite anticipated growth in the iGaming market over coming years, Regianini finds it difficult to “predict political and legislative action” for now but he believes that “sooner or later the trends will be a very regulated and stable market worldwide.” l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
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OPINION 50
LAST WORDS
Macau down but not out
*Sharon Singleton
W
hen Macau GGR turned south for the
For sure the market is undergoing a shift. The high roller
first time in five years in June, analysts
segment had already been on a decline and the latest
said it was a short-term blip due to the
downturn is speeding that process. However, for the
distraction to gamblers from the FIFA
operators that is seen as a good thing as the margins for
World Cup punting phenomenon.
the mass sector are far higher without the need to pay
However, the expected bounce after the tournament
out junket commissions and other perks associated with
never came, with the decline accelerating to the worst
bringing in a relatively small number of big spenders, a
drop on record in October as the VIP segment collapsed.
highly volatile section of the market.
The declines have not only left analysts scrambling to revise down their earnings estimates for this year and next, and even the one after, but have also raised question marks over the longerterm future of Macau and in particular the VIP junket system that helped to catapult the former Portuguese colony into the world’s biggest gambling hub. Some have raised doubts about the pace of growth,
Casino operators are reconfiguring
FOR SURE THE MARKET IS UNDERGOING A SHIFT (...). HOWEVER, FOR THE OPERATORS THAT IS SEEN AS A GOOD THING AS THE MARGINS FOR THE MASS SECTOR ARE FAR HIGHER WITHOUT THE NEED TO PAY OUT JUNKET COMMISSIONS AND OTHER PERKS ASSOCIATED WITH BRINGING IN A RELATIVELY SMALL NUMBER OF BIG SPENDERS
with comparisons to the boom and bust pattern seen
* Managing Editor, AGB
floors to position themselves better for the changing profile, with the number of high roller tables at Las Vegas Sands for example down by 20 percent in Q3 compared with the year-ago quarter. The Chinese market is also still under penetrated and Fitch Ratings in a recent report said it expects new supply and infrastructure development to support further growth. Despite the current slowdown, it says the Chinese economy is likely to continue to grow by 6.8 percent in 2015 and 6.5 percent in 2016 anchoring mass market demand.
in Las Vegas as a result of massive overbuilding. Instead
Visitation trends to Macau also support the theory that
of fueling further growth, a few dissenting voices are
there still remains significant interest in visiting the
questioning as to whether the multi-billion dollar projects
territory, even though not as much money is being spent
set to come onstream in Cotai will pay for themselves,
in the casinos. The number of tourists entering Macau
at least in the way that had been hoped.
in October was up 11 percent year-on-year to 2,654,180.
Among them Daiwa Securities, which claims that as
Visitors from Mainland China surged by 20 percent year-
revenues fall, the extra capacity will result in increasing
on-year to 1,824,719, mostly from Guangdong province.
competition, lower table yields, and margin erosion.
The majority of analysts also still argue that adding
For now, however, those are still the dissenting voices.
more capacity will provide a boost to growth, with Melco
The majority still believe that the fundamental drivers
Crown’s Studio City and Galaxy Entertainment’s Phase
that have helped create a market seven times the size
2 set to open in 2015. However, these properties are still
of Las Vegas are intact.
not likely to be “cheap.” l
Asia Gaming Briefings | December 2014
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