GAMING'S GOLDEN GOOSE

In the six years since the inception of Asia Gaming Briefings, we have seen Macau grow and mature, with the construction site that was the Cotai Strip blossoming with some of the world’s most impressive integrated resorts.

The Philippines has evolved from a sleepy local gambling backwater into a thriving hub that is nudging on the heels of Singapore for the title of Asia’s second-biggest gaming market, while casinos in Cambodia have boomed, fuelled by massive inbound Chinese investment.

There has never been a dull moment and all of these jurisdictions are expected to continue to expand and provide opportunities. However, it’s fair to say there has rarely been as much excitement about the prospects for a new market opening as there is for Japan. We can’t count the times we have heard industry experts and analysts refer to it as “gaming’s golden goose.” Whether that turns out to be the case remains to be seen, however, the interest certainly justifies starting the 2019 editions of Asia Gaming Briefings with Japan as the focus.

During the course of the year, operators are expecting to get finer details on how the bidding and selection process will be carried out. Many have been on the ground in Japan for years, building a base for when the market eventually opens, but now they are stepping up their games in earnest.

Our first piece in the focus section provides a state of play and maps out what to expect over the course of 2019, both in terms of legislation and the local politics that may play a key role in where IRs will be located. We also ask the operators to tell us in their own words why they want to develop a resort in Japan and why they should be chosen out of a field that includes the cream of the world’s gaming crop. They explain their unique selling points.

We also consider some of the factors that will shape the future casino floor. Regulations, tourism preferences and the national psyche will all come into play when choosing the right product mix and Japanese favourite pachinko is unlikely to feature highly.

Outside of Japan, we continue our series of jurisdiction reports, looking at the key emerging themes. The first casino in Vietnam to allow locals to gamble opened its doors in January as part of a closely watched three-year pilot program. If successful, operators are hoping the government will agree to allow other properties to join, boosting the appeal of an already attractive market to international investors.

In neighbouring Cambodia, the number of new licenses granted expanded by 53 percent last year, attracting the attention of a growing number of junkets. We look at who is doing what, why and where.

In the Philippines there is concern the booming online industry may be in Beijing’s crosshairs. The number of Chinese nationals working in the industry has expanded to the extent that Manila’s office property market has been boosted by China-focused online firms. Some analysts are speculating 2019 will be the year when the Chinese government seeks to put a stop to that.

Lastly, we take a look at another potential new entrant. Myanmar has introduced new legislation with a view to boosting tourism numbers, which are suffering due to politics. A

GB will be at ICE London and we look forward to catching up with many of you at the show.

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

Publishers