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Articles by Victoria White
Celebrities and US Politics: how Taylor Swift and Beyoncé could shape the 2024 Presidential Election
0 Note: this article was meant to be published on October 30th, but wasn’t due to a scheduling error. Apologies – Ed In an unprecedented fusion of celebrity culture and politics, the 2024 presidential election is transforming into a global spectacle that’s impossible to ignore — especially if you’re young and active online.
Crown granted provisional license to open Sydney casino
Crown Resorts has been granted conditional approval by the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) to launch casino operations at Crown Sydney. In a statement issued Wednesday morning, ILGA chair Philip Crawford said the conditional license would give the regulator time to monitor the final phase of its restricted gaming licence suitability assessment after Crown was found unsuitable to hold a NSW license following the Bergin Inquiry in 2021.
Genting Malaysia to ramp Resorts World Genting operations as more existing assets, theme park attractions open
Genting Malaysia says it expects to ramp up operations at its flagship integrated resort, Malaysia’s Resorts World Genting, in the coming months by utilizing its existing assets and opening more attractions at Genting SkyWorlds theme park.
Melco’s iconic Hong Kong floating restaurant Jumbo sinks en route to new home
Melco International Development’s iconic Jumbo floating restaurant has capsized and sunk while being towed out to sea. A month after Melco revealed the restaurant – which closed in March 2020 – had accumulated losses in excess of HK$100 million (US$12.7 million) since 2013, Jumbo met an undignified end after reportedly hitting turbulent waters near the South China Sea’s Paracel Islands on Saturday.
Macau COVID cases now up to 49 with entire public required to conduct self-tests starting tomorrow
As of 6pm this evening (Tuesday) Macau has 49 people confirmed in the new COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. The Novel Coronavirus Response Coordination Center said that of the 49 confirmed cases, 36 are women and 13 men, and their ages range between 8 months and 89 years old.
Macau health authorities confirm five Hotel Fortuna staff positive to COVID-19, 380 guests in isolation
Five staff members of Macau’s Hotel Fortuna have tested positive to COVID-19 and more than 380 people isolated on the spot, according to details released by the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre. The update follows reports early Tuesday that between 500 and 700 people would be immediately sent to hotel quarantine after a positive case was detected at the peninsula property.
Macau Legislative Assembly passes new Gaming Law
Macau’s Legislative Assembly (AL) passed the long-debated new gaming law today (Tuesday), with only one member voting against it, and even then on only one clause. Over more than two hours of deliberations in which each article of the law was addressed individually, AL members voted 32-1 in favor – paving the way for the Macau SAR Government to prepare to conduct a re-tendering of gaming concessions before the end of the year.
NSW increases Point of Consumption Tax for corporate bookmakers to 15%
The NSW state government has announced an increase to the Point of Consumption Tax (POCT) on corporate bookmakers in the state, set to rise from 10% to 15% from 1 July 2022. The new tax formed part of the NSW budget for 2022, announced Tuesday, with estimates suggesting it will raise an additional AU$740 million (US$517 million) per year in government revenues.
Macau’s Hotel Fortuna locked down with “500 to 700 people” to be quarantined
Between 500 and 700 people, including hotel staff, are currently being held in Macau’s Hotel Fortuna due to what is believed to be a positive case of COVID-19. It is not known if the positive case is an employee or a guest. At around 11am today (Macau time), a large number of police officers in protective clothing arrived at the hotel and sealed it off, preventing people from entering or exiting.
Kazuo Okada-led board says discussions with banks ongoing over frozen accounts
The Kazuo Okada-led board of Okada Manila operator Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment Inc (TRLEI) says it is currently in discussions with the three banks that reportedly froze the accounts of the Philippines integrated resort last week. In a statement issued via the TRLEI website, the Kazuo Okada group insisted that “all financial obligations are met and … all ongoing business transactions are right on track.
Alvin Chau trial to get underway on 2 September
A first court appearance in a trial against 21 suspects, including Suncity CEO Alvin Chau, will be held on 2 September, according to a report by TDM Radio Macau. The group was arrested late last year for alleged criminal association, illegal gambling and money laundering, with Chau one of a number subsequently transferred to Coloane Prison to await trial in late November 2021.
Confirmed cases of COVID in Macau up to 36, including one casino executive
Two more people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in Macau, bringing the total to 36, of whom 10 have symptoms and 26 are asymptomatic. At a government press conference late this afternoon Head of the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Division, Leong Iek Hou, told IAG that one of the confirmed cases was a casino worker. She said the casino worker “is not a frontline casino employee, not a dealer, but an executive.” However, she would not reveal which casino the executive worked in.
Macau visitor arrivals down slightly in May to 600,748
Macau welcomed a total of 600,748 visitor arrivals in May, down 1% month-on-month and by 30.6% compared with May 2021, according to information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). May’s total included 358,920 same-day visitors, down 8.5% year-on-year, and 241,828 overnight visitors, down 49.0% year-on-year, with their average length of stay falling by 0.7 days year-on-year to 0.9 days.
Bernstein analysts slash Macau’s GGR forecast for June on COVID-19 outbreak
Bernstein has lowered its gross gaming revenue forecast for June on the back of Macau’s COVID-19 outbreak, with GGR now estimated to be down by 91% on June 2019 and average daily revenue (ADR) down 31% on May 2022. The brokerage had only a week earlier predicted June ADR to be 11% higher than May’s ADR of MOP$108 million (US$13 million).
Three more positive cases confirmed in Macau - total now 34
According to the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre, three more people have been diagnosed, and six “10 mixed into one” NAT samples have preliminarily tested positive. As of 9am today, there were 34 positive cases in Macau, 23 women and 11 men, aged between 8 months and 89 years. “Of the 34, eight are confirmed cases with symptoms and 26 are classified as asymptomatic,” the Response Coordination Centre said.
Macau confirms 31 positive cases of COVID-19 as events, offices shut down
Macau’s Novel Coronavirus Infection Response Coordination Center confirmed late Sunday that 31 people had tested positive to COVID-19, representing the SAR’s first major outbreak since the start of the pandemic almost two-and-a-half years ago. Among the confirmed cases are 21 females and 10 males ranged in age from eight months to 89 years. Eight of the 31 are symptomatic confirmed cases with 23 asymptomatic at this stage.
Macau COVID-19 outbreak to see GGR fall to near-zero, cause further liquidity headaches
Macau’s gross gaming revenues are expected to fall to near-zero for the foreseeable future in the wake of a growing COVID-19 outbreak, creating liquidity concerns and potentially a need for additional funding. After health authorities announced 12 confirmed cases of COVID on Sunday weekend, which grew to 31 cases by late Sunday, gaming analysts observed overnight that the impact on the city’s already struggling casino industry would be substantial with GGR expected to fall to almost zero.
RECAP: 40 weeks of Macau gaming law gestation - a human pregnancy worth of twists and turns
A standard human pregnancy lasts precisely 40 weeks. So, if you had conceived a baby on Tuesday 14 September 2021, the day the public consultation period for Macau’s new gaming law was announced, that baby should be due on Tuesday 21 June 2022, the day the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) is expected to finally birth it into existence. Let’s look back at those 40 weeks of twists and turns.
Health Bureau confirms 21 people in Macau now infected with COVID-19
The Macau Health Bureau has today confirmed that 21 people have been infected with COVID-19. All of them are local cases. The 21 confirmed patients are comprised of 16 women and five men, and range in age from 8 months to 89 years old. Asymptomatic cases total 13, with the remaining eight showing symptoms of the virus.
Voting on new gaming law to occur as planned on Tuesday, despite weekend pandemic outbreak
As of this evening Macau time (Sunday evening), the official website of the Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) is still showing that the new Macau gaming law will be voted on at 3pm this coming Tuesday (21 June), despite the weekend outbreak of COVID-19 in the SAR and resultant lockdowns.
Bank accounts of Okada Manila frozen
Legal counsel representing the board backed by Okada Manila’s majority owner Tiger Resort Asia Ltd (TRAL) says the Philippines integrated resort has had its bank accounts frozen amid an ongoing battle for control.
Government announces 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Macau
The Macau government has announced that there are 12 positive cases of COVID-19 in the Macau community, eight of which are asymptomatic. Kiang Wu Hospital reported at 6pm on Saturday evening (June 18) a positive test result in a “10 mixed into one” nucleic acid test, and one of the patients was later confirmed to be positive.
Macau woes mean Las Vegas Sands no longer consistent with investment grade rating: Fitch
Ratings agency Fitch has downgraded the Issuer Default Ratings of Las Vegas Sands Corp and its Asia-based subsidiaries Sands China Ltd and Marina Bay Sands Pte Ltd from “BBB-” to “BB+” due to reduced confidence in the recovery trajectory of Macau’s gaming industry.
SJM to take over operations of three satellite casinos previously run by Golden Dragon Group
Macau concessionaire SJM Resorts will take over the operations of three casinos previously run by Chan Meng Kam’s Golden Dragon Group. Inside Asian Gaming has learned that SJM is set to operate Casino Golden Dragon, Casino Royal Dragon and Casino Million Dragon – which had previously been set to close – until 31 December 2022.
Donaco’s Star Vegas casino in Cambodia to resume operations
ASX-listed Donaco International Limited says it will recommence casino operations this Saturday 18 June, almost 14 months since closing its doors due to COVID-19. The reopening comes after the Cambodian government and local authorities lifted a temporary closure order on all casinos in Banteay Meanchey province, which includes Poipet on the border with Thailand.
Sands China launches “Macau-first” hybrid MICE space at The Londoner Macao
Sands China Ltd has launched Macau’s first hybrid meetings space at The Londoner Macao as part of its plans to become a regional MICE hub when the SAR reopens to the world. Described as a “sophisticated Extended Reality studio”, Smart Stage offers professional broadcast quality live-streaming capability and hologram functionality that allows presenters to interact with real-time visual markers to deliver a more authentic experience, Sands said.
Comtrade’s creditworthiness recognized at Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards
Comtrade Gaming, a leading technology supplier to the gaming industry, has received AAA Platinum Award at the Dun & Bradstreet Business Excellence Awards. The AAA Platinum Creditworthiness Certificate of Excellence recognizes Comtrade’s platinum creditworthiness rating, indicating that the company meets the highest international standard of excellence AAA and is therefore a trustworthy business entity.
Pragmatic Play releases new game “Queen of Gods”
Leading content provider to the iGaming industry has released its latest slot game, “Queen of Gods”. Set across 5×3 reels, “Queen of Gods” sees the deities of Ancient Egypt make up the high-paying symbols within the game, consisting of Anubis, Horus and Sebek, with their Queen being the highest paying symbol in-game. Wilds join these Gods and aid in the creation of matching combinations across the title’s 10 pay lines to award a win.
TVBET to enhance presence in Poland with Betcris.pl deal
Live games provider TVBET has signed a partnership agreement with Polish site Betcris.pl that will see six TVBET games made available to Betcris customers. Betcris is a legal bookmaker established in 2006, and which entered the Polish market in2021. As a betting operator, Betcris accepts bets on over 50 sports and events, including entertainment, politics and eSports.
Sands China, Wynn Macau most likely to be impacted by dividend permission requirement: Credit Suisse
Sands China and Wynn Macau are the concessionaires most likely to be impacted by a requirement for operators to notify the Chief Executive of major financial decisions, potentially including the payment of dividends.
Alliance Global Group to spend US$75 million on Resorts World Manila expansion projects in 2022
Philippines conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc (AGI) says it plans to spend Php4 billion (US$75 million) on expansion projects at its jointly owned integrated resort, Resorts World Manila, this year.
Australian communications regulator shuts down “one of the most significant” illegal online casino sites
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a request to local internet service providers to block an online casino website it says has illegally taken in tens of millions of dollars in payments from Australians. The site thepokies.net is described as “one of the most significant websites to be blocked since the ACMA began blocking sites in 2017″ with data showing around 30,000 Australian visitors to the site each month.
Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa to install solar panels across 11 sites and attractions under Sentosa island energy plan
Genting Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) is partnering with the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to install solar panels at 18 sites across Sentosa island, with the goal of generating 10% of the island’s energy needs by 2030. The partnership will see RWS start installing solar panels this month at 11 sites on its premises, including Universal Studios Singapore and Hard Rock Hotel Singapore’s rooftops.
Credit Suisse: Sands China needs to contribute US$413 million to concessionaire entity to comply with new Macau gaming law
In an overnight note, Credit Suisse has identified Sands China as the only one of Macau’s six casino gaming concessionaires which does not meet the MOP$5 billion (US$625 million) minimum capital requirement under the new Macau gaming law.
Galaxy’s Rio and President closed at midnight last night
Macau concessionaire Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has announced the closure of two of its satellite casinos, Rio Casino and President Casino from midnight at the beginning of today, Thursday 16 June. The company noted that Rio and President are currently conducting internal inventory and staff will be transferred to other locations. The casinos are part of GEG’s City Clubs group, which also includes Casino Waldo on the Macau peninsula.
Aruze Gaming Australia names Mitsuhiro Miyazaki as SVP of Product Management – Asia Pacific
Industry supplier Aruze Gaming Australia Pty. Ltd has announced the appointment of Mitsuhiro Miyazaki as Senior Vice President of Product Management for its Asia Pacific regions, including Australia and New Zealand. In his new role, Miyazaki will oversee Aruze’s product planning and roadmaps for the region, Aruze said, helping develop and implement strategies for the company products within R&D, compliance and sales while driving the organization in conjunction with other senior management.
SJM to take over casino operations at Macau’s Grand Emperor Hotel
Hong Kong-listed Emperor E Hotel, the owner and operator of Grand Emperor Hotel on the Macau peninsula, has reached an agreement with SJM Resorts that will see SJM take over operations of Grand Emperor’s casino until the end of the year.
Stanley Ho’s second wife, Lucina Laam passes away at 79
Hong Kong media is reporting that the second wife of Stanley Ho, Lucina Azul Laam Jean Ying, passed away last Saturday 11 June after a long illness. She was 79. According to Hong Kong 01, Laam – the mother of Pansy Ho, Daisy Ho, Maisy Ho, Josie Ho and Lawrence Ho – passed away of cancer at the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital. Born in Zhejiang Province, Laam’s father and grandfather were both soldiers.
Macau concessionaires facing 1% effective GGR tax hike under new gaming law
Macau’s casino concessionaires will face a hike in total gaming charges and levies paid to the Macau government of 1% of gross gaming revenue, impacting industry EBITDA by an estimated 4%, under changes to the gaming law agreed by the Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) on Wednesday.
Second Standing Committee completes discussions on new Macau gaming law, expected to pass next week
Macau’s new Gaming Law, which has been under discussion in the Second Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly (AL) for more than four months, was discussed by the committee for the last time on Wednesday, with chairman Chan Chak Mo confirming the AL will discuss and vote on the bill on Tuesday 21 June at the earliest. Having undergone numerous amendments, the law has now finally been completed with a series of key changes expected to become official next week.
Inside Asian Gaming named Lead Media and Production Partner for G2E Asia 2022 Special Edition in Singapore
Reed Exhibitions and Inside Asian Gaming have jointly announced that IAG has been appointed Lead Media and Production Partner for G2E Asia 2022 Special Edition: Singapore (G2E Asia Singapore), to be held at Marina Bay Sands from 24 to 26 August 2022.
Wynn Macau’s new loan facility a sign that Macau operators struggling to borrow from banks: Morgan Stanley
News that Wynn Macau Ltd has been provided a US$500 million revolving loan facility by its US-based parent company Wynn Resorts could imply that Macau’s operators are now having trouble borrowing from banks, according to Morgan Stanley analysts. The loan facility, announced by Wynn Macau on Tuesday, is to be used by the company for working capital at a time when Macau’s concessionaires are said to be losing a combined US$800 million per quarter.
- IAG
Australia’s Crown Resorts Limited has cleared its last remaining hurdle with the Federal Court of Australia on Wednesday approving its proposed acquisition by US private equity giant The Blackstone Group. Coming just days after gaming regulators in NSW, Victoria and Western Australia all gave the green light, approval by the court means the acquisition will become effective once the court orders have been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
Imperial Pacific International reaches settlements agreement with Saipan casino regulator: reports
Embattled Saipan casino operator Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC has reached an agreement in principle with the Commonwealth Casino Commission on the terms of a settlement that could see IPI retain its casino license.
Wynn Resorts to provide US$500 million loan facility to Wynn Macau
Wynn Macau Ltd has announced a shareholder loan agreement that will see its parent company Wynn Resorts Ltd provide a new US$500 million revolving loan facility. In a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing on Tuesday, Wynn Macau said the agreement “highlights both Wynn Resorts Ltd and the company’s confidence in the long-term growth potential of Macau and the availability of the facility further bolsters the company’s already strong financial position.
Macau government to sign six-month extension to casino concessions on 23 June: reports
The Macau SAR Government will officially sign off on the six-month extension of the gaming licenses of Macau’s six concessionaires on 23 June, according to TDM-Rádio Macau. The extension, coming shortly before the licenses are due to expire on 26 June 2022, is expected to align with the passing of Macau’s amended gaming law by the Legislative Assembly next week.
Queensland announces new state inquiry into suitability of Star Entertainment Group
Australia’s Star Entertainment Group faces a second inquiry after the Queensland state government announced on Tuesday that it will hold its own investigation into the casino operator’s suitability.
Inside Asian Gaming announces Macau Tower as venue for 13th edition of Macau After Dark on 21 June 2022
Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) has announced that the 13th instalment of networking social event Macau After Dark, MAD 13, will be held on Tuesday 21 June 2022 at the iconic landmark, Macau Tower. Situated alongside Sai Van Lake, Macau Tower Convention & Entertainment Center, standing at a height of 338 meters, is a major tourist attraction in Macau.
Macau tourism boss says new “10+7” quarantine rule will not boost tourist numbers
The Director of the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, said Tuesday that Macau’s eased “10+7” days hotel quarantine measure will not help to increase the number of visitors and that Macau’s epidemic prevention policy should be consistent with that of mainland China.
Tiger Resort Asia Ltd issues public advisory warning against dealings with Kazuo Okada-led board
Tiger Resort Asia Ltd (TRAL), the Hong Kong-listed entity that owns 99.99% of the shares in Okada Manila Tiger Resort Leisure and Entertainment Inc (TRLEI), has issued a public advisory warning the public from transacting with the Kazuo Okada-led board headed by Kazuo Okada, Tonyboy Cojuangco and Dindo Espeleta.
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