AGBriefings May 2015

Jurisdiction Updates May 2015 Edition

Indochina Exclusive New law in Cambodia to put the brakes on border town business pg. 32 An insight into Vietnam’s bold casino operations pg. 28

Macau

Table cap to give rise to ETGs pg.06

PHILIPPINES

Competitors hot on the heels of Solaire pg.20

Australia A land of Great Barriers pg.36

G2E Asia 2015 supplier special pg.40

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MESSAGE 3

Much ado about Macau

A

sia Gaming Brief is proud to be a partner of one

of Thursday, May 21st. We hope you’ll pass by to come

of the most important events in the gaming

and cheer for your favorite team.

calendar, especially for the industry in Asia.

AGB MD Rosalind Wade will be chairing the iGaming

Macau, which has played host to this event

Summit at the G2E conference, also on Thursday, which

for nine years now, continues to be a challenging

will address topics such as regulation vs prohibition,

operating environment with low visibility on a number

sports betting marketing and operations, lottery

of key issues.

modernization, mobile and social gaming.

15Q1 EBITDA for the territory’s operators was between

Along with the Sports Betting Community, we will be

-31 to -40 percent lower than a year earlier. VIP play

hosting the next edition of our popular Asian Gaming

has declined 42 percent from a year earlier and, more

Summer Social in Manila on Saturday 23rd at 71

worryingly, mass market play, which has outstripped

Gramercy Lounge & Bar in Makati, so you can continue

VIP growth for several years, fell 27 percent in the first

the networking in style. Come and visit our booth at

quarter.

#ME05 to pick up an invitation.

So is this rock bottom? No one seems to know, which

We are also delighted to be launching the inaugural

is what makes the gambling industry … a gamble. Only

edition of Asian Gaming Lawyer at G2E Asia. A

change is certain; “To one thing constant never”.

partnership with the International Masters of Gaming

Regardless of the doldrums being experienced by

Law (IMGL), Asian Gaming Lawyer covers interesting

Macau’s casino operators, the industry overall in

legal and regulatory matters in the fast-changing

the region continues to be healthy with many new

landscape across Asia Pacific. Again, you can pick up a

investments and properties coming online. In this

copy at our booth.

edition we explore some of the properties in the

AGB sales and editorial staff will be in attendance at the

exciting IndoChina market.

show and the various networking events, so we hope to

As gaming companies adjust and the industry matures,

connect with you at some point.

there is increased focus on the well-being and

Have a great show! l

Rosalind Wade

Luis Pereira

performance of front-line staff, which is why AGB has teamed up with Reed Exhibitions to host the All Asia

On behalf of Asia Gaming Brief

Dealers Championship, being held on the G2E Asia

Rosalind Wade & Luis Pereira

show floor over three days, with finals on the afternoon

Publishers

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Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

CONTENTS 4

Greater CHina Macau MAINLAND CHINA

SOUTH EAST ASIA

SOUTH ASIA

06

PHILIPPINES

20

INDIA

34

10

Singapore

23

NEPAL

35

HONG KONG

11

THAILAND

24

TAIWAN

12

malaysia

26

NORTH ASIA

AUSTRALASIA

INDOCHINA special focus

JAPAN

14

ho tram

28

AUSTRALIA

36

SOUTH KOREA

16

aristo

30

pacific isles

38

RUSSIA

18

bavet

32

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT

40

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AD

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

60

LAST WORD

62

GREATER CHINA 6

MACAU

ETGs thrive as labor and table cap fuel gains Electronic table games have gained a strong and growing foothold in Macau’s traditionally baccarat-dominated casinos and may prove key in populating the floors of new multi-billion dollar resorts amid a tight cap on tables and ongoing labour shortages.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

A

ccording to forecasts from Union

the replenishment cycle.”

Gaming Research, the number of

Given an estimated number of 3,150 new table

ETGs in Macau is likely to rise from

games to come online in the new properties in

5,700 at present to 8,500 once all the

Cotai over the next 3 years, comments made

new properties open. Revenue from electronic

by officials last year that they may revisit

gaming machines as a whole, which includes

regulation as regards to cap of these machines

ETGs, has ballooned from just $80 million in

caused considerable concern. However to date,

2004 to an estimated $1.8 billion in 2014.

no new rules have been proposed in this regard.

Part of these gains have been fueled by Macau’s

ETGs also present another significant advantage

2012 decision to cap the overall increase in the

in labor-constrained Macau in that they require

number of table games it allows to 3 percent

less staff. Macau has virtually no unemployment

a year. While ETGs are not exempt from the

and imported workers are banned from taking

cap, regulatory authorities allow a much more

up positions as dealers on casino floors.

favorable player ratio.

Sean Knights, executive general manager - table

While the traditional baccarat table has about nine

games, at Crown Resorts’ Crown Melbourne

players to one dealer, one ETG can accommodate

casino, said part of the original appeal for

as many as 50 to 60:1 for regulatory purposes.

electronic table games was the labor question.

“Operators nowadays are building bigger casinos.

The Melbourne casino has been called the

But if they are not having the maximum amount

“birthplace of fast action baccarat,” introducing

of tables [under the table cap limit], they will

the machines in the nineties.

turn to ETGs,” says Bryan Wu, investor relations

“While consuming a greater footprint than a

manager – Corporate Strategy of Paradise

traditional table, an ETG allows an operator to

Entertainment, whose LT Game unit is the

increase significantly the number of betting

market leader for ETGs in Macau.

areas available from a far smaller number of

“There will be at least two casino openings a

outcome drivers (dealers); that is more bets

year over the next five years, mostly in Cotai,”

leading to greater revenue and less associated

he says, “We are expecting at least 1,000 to

labour,” he said.

2,000 new incremental units for Live Multiple

It has also provided a cheaper entry point for new

Game Systems (LMG), not including those from

table game players, which has also been a key

GREATER CHINA 7

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y14 $44b -2.6% April $2.4b -38.8% Y15E -26%

Morgan Stanley

-30%

Deutsche Bank -25%

Nomura Y16E

Morgan Stanley

6%

Table-only Market share as of APR. 2015 (Source: Sterne Agee)

to their success in Macau, where minimum bets

has the most ETGs on a percentage basis.

have risen to become the highest in the world.

Macau is dominated by six suppliers, which

“ETGs have to some degree demystified the

together control about 90 percent of the market,

table games environment thus encouraging new

with LT Game in the lead. Its systems, which

players, whether new to the Casino or simply

connect gamblers to a live croupier through

new to Table Games, to participate in a less

touch-screen playstations, account for about

intimidating and less expensive experience,”

60 percent of all the ETG seats in the market.

Galaxy Entertainment (27.HK) 19.2%

Knights adds.

The live element within the game has succeeded

Melco Crown Entertainment (6883.HK) 13.2%

As a result in Macau, operators have tended to

in appealing to Chinese players who are wary

transfer scarce tables to the higher end of the

of fully-automated games.

Wynn Macau (1128:HK) 12.6%

mass market, or VIP markets and pushed the

Sands China (1928:HK) 23.3% SJM Holdings (880.HK) 21.3%

MGM China Holdings (2282:HK) 10.4%.

lower end towards ETGs. “Operators nowadays are increasingly cautious about the return of investment (ROI) of their

OPERATORS

across a gaming floor area of approximately

casino properties. As Macau’s mass market

27,000 square metres. The total production

continues to grow, ETGs offer an innovative

cost is estimated at about HKD$30 billion ($3.8

solution to minimize cost, increase efficiency and

SJM Holdings (880:HK)

billion), although the company has expressed

Holds a 21.3 percent market share as of early April.

During 2014 Casino Grand Lisboa expanded its

stand-alone, which are either fully automated,

with 20 casinos. Its $3.2 billion Palazzo Versace

mass market table gaming operations from

or incorporate a link to a live croupier. Stadium

development is scheduled to come online in 2017.

250 tables as at 1 January 2014 to 274 tables as

games may have as many as 200 seats tied to

Mass market property the Jal Alai is scheduled

at 31 December 2014, whilst VIP tables were

one or more game types. A stand-alone will be

for a mid-2016 opening with 130 rooms and 45

reduced from 181 to 177 during the same period.

five to ten seats attached to a single game type.

gaming tables. The company has also indicated

Q1 EBITDA dropped 43 percent to HK$1.24

Grant Govertsen, principal and managing

it may be interested in opportunities in Japan.

billion, below expectations, according to Union

director of Union Gaming, says that in Macau

The company is currently building The Lisboa

Gaming. Gaming revenue was down 37 percent

Sands China (Venetian, Sands Cotai Central,

Palace on Cotai, which is also scheduled for

to $14.3 billion.

Sands Macao, Plaza) operates the most ETGs on

completion in 2017. The casino will have 700

an absolute basis while Paradise Entertainment

gaming tables and over 1,200 slot machines

thus maximize their ROI,” Paradise’s Wu said.

There are two primary ETG types, stadium and

concern over costs.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

GREATER CHINA 8

Galaxy Entertainment Group (27.HK)

Melco Crown Entertainment (6883.HK)

renovation of the casino floor.

The company is investing $2.5 billion in the second

share. The company’s $3.2 billion Studio City is

Occupancy at the Wynn Macau slipped slightly

phase of its Galaxy Macau development, which

scheduled to open in mid-2015. The resort will

will nearly double the capacity of the resort.

also feature a 5,000-seat multi-purpose theatre, a

The company said its Galaxy Macau Phase 2 and

permanent magic show, jungle-themed river rides,

Broadway at Galaxy Macau are on schedule and

and a Ferris wheel, as well as a Batman attraction.

on budget to open on May 27 this year.

The resort aims to diversify its attractions away

In the latter part of 2015, the company expects to

from pure gaming.

begin site investigation works for Cotai Phases 3

However, the company recently warned that it

and 4, the plans for which are almost complete.

may find itself in default on the project if it cannot

“Cotai Phases 3 & 4 will provide GEG with

secure certain conditions such as a minimum of

thousands of new hotel rooms and a vast array

400 tables. In its annual report, the company said

of leisure and entertainment facilities,” the

it must satisfy certain conditions prior to the

company said.

formal opening of the property on October 1, 2016.

In Q1, the group reported a 32 percent year-on-

“These conditions require, among others, the

year decline in revenue, while adjusted EBITDA

full opening of Studio City for business to the

during this period fell 40 percent.

general public by October 1, 2016, with a minimum

The company announced that its revenue fell

400 gaming tables available for operation, and

to HK$13.7 billion, and adjusted EBITDA, to

a minimum area of public floor space occupied

HK$2.3 billion.

and open for operations. In the event that we

The company is also expected to break ground

are unable to meet these conditions, it may

on its hotel on Hengqin Island this year. Galaxy

constitute an event of default under the Studio

is planning a “Maldives-style” resort.

City Project Facility.”

Has a 19.2 percent market share with six casinos.

Has three casinos and a 13.2 percent market

In Q1, earnings plunged more than 63 percent, with adjusted net income coming in at $87.1

Sands China (1928:HK)

million and missing analysts’ estimates. Per

Has a market share of about 23.3 percent and

below the expected $0.19. Net revenue fell to

has four casinos. Analysts say the company

$1.05 billion, or 22 percent. The company says

has had a lower room occupancy than rivals

its Studio City property is on time and on budget,

in Cotai, meaning it has more potential for

though UBS analysts see a mid-Q4 opening as

revenue growth if it fills the rooms. The

more likely than Q3.

ADS, earnings were $0.16 down from $0.45 and

company’s new developments include the $3

requested further labor from the government to help bring forward the opening date, which

Wynn Macau (1128:HK)

Has an 12.6 percent market share and currently

was originally planned for late this year. Sands

has one casino. while its $4 billion Wynn Palace is

China also recently expanded retail space at its

under development. Q1 earnings were well below

Sands Cotai central property, with the addition

analysts’ forecasts and the company slashed its

of 150,000 square feet of space, with shops

dividend to $0.50 from $1.50

designed to appeal to families.

Overall net revenue fell to $1.1 billion, missing

In Q1, the group’s results came in weaker

estimates for $1.2 billion, with Macau revenue

than expected, with adjusted property EBITDA

down 37.7 percent. Adjusted earnings for the

at Sands China falling 43.4 percent to $531

quarter were $70.7 million, or $0.70 a diluted

million, while net income at the unit fell by

share, slumping from $236.7 million, or $2.32 a

more than half. Total revenue fell by 34.9

share in the year earlier quarter. That’s significantly

percent to $1.77 billion.

below the $1.33 analysts had been looking for.

Rolling chip volume at its flagship Venetian

In Macau, adjusted property EBITDA dropped

Macau property declined 44 percent to $8.52

almost 45 percent to $212.3 million, mainly due

billion, while non-rolling chip drop was also

to a drop in VIP revenue. Table games turnover

lower, with a 22.5 percent decline to $1.87

in the VIP segment fell by half to $17.1 billion.

billion.

The decline in revenue was exacerbated by a drop in VIP tables in the quarter to 252 units, from 279 in the same quarter a year earlier due to a

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

market segment. Drop in the mass segment was $591.9 million, down 14.5 percent. to 97.5 percent compared with 98.1 percent a year earlier, while revenue per available room slipped 2.4 percent.

Wynn said in Q1 it invested about $374.3 million in its new Cotai property, the Wynn Palace, taking the total investment to date to $2.2 billion. The total cost of the project once completed will be $4.1 billion.

The company said it plans to open the resort, which will feature a 1,700-room hotel, a performance lake, casino, spa, retail and other outlets, in the first half of 2016. It was aiming for about 500 table games.

MGM China (2282:HK)

Has a 10.4 percent market share while operating a single casino in the peninsula. Its new developments include the MGM Cotai, which is a $2.9 billion project scheduled for completion mid 2016.

The company recently agreed with lenders to upsize its credit facility to $3 billion to provide financial flexibility to continue to invest in MGM Macau and develop its Cotai property. It also extended the maturity on the credit.

MGM China’s Q1 revenue dropped 33 percent to $630 million with main floor table games revenue decreasing 13 percent and VIP table games revenue decreasing 45 percent. MGM China’s adjusted EBITDA was $148 million, a decrease of 38 percent. l

billion The Parisian, which is now expected to come online in mid-2016. The company has

The company also reported weakness in the mass

Junket operator Iao Kun expects Macau’s already highly competitive VIP gaming promotion business to get even more intense as numerous new projects begin opening from the second quarter of 2015.

Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong Vai Tac says the government will stick to its decision to not allow the average annual growth rate of the city’s gaming tables to exceed three percent. The government may also impose a 21 million cap on visitor arrivals from mainland China.

GREATER CHINA 10

MAINLAND CHINA

China clips online lottery wings China’s clampdown on online lottery sales is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s booming lottery market in the short term, but shouldn’t be read as a signal that Beijing is seeking to permanently shut down remote lottery distribution, experts say.

E

-commerce giant Alibaba on Tuesday

anonymous winners of large prizes, delays in

said it was suspending sales of online

draws and reports of misappropriation of tax funds.

lottery tickets in China, following in the

The government began an independent audit of

footsteps of New York Stock Exchange-

18 of the provinces late last year, which concluded

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y14 Total sales RMB 382.38b ($61.6b)

+23.6%

Welfare Lottery Sales RMB 203.96b

+16.7%

Sports Lottery sales RMB 176.4b

+32.8%

March Y15 RMB 30.81b

-6.3%

Chinese authorities will keep records of its citizens when traveling abroad to ensure they are not misbehaving and that includes gambling. Chinese tourists found to be disruptive and anti-social, which includes damaging public facilities and gambling, will be dealt with by provincial and national authorities to improve their conduct when they return home.

listed online lottery company 500.com, Tencent

in January. One of the outcomes of this audit

and others.

was that in mid-January all the provinces were

Although estimates vary on how much of the

instructed to examine their past practices and

RMB 382.4 billion ($61 billion) in 2014 sales

report on their behavior to the national level

were actually generated online, the amount is

by 1st March, which in turn lead to the current

thought to have been “substantial.” However,

suspensions.

industry insiders say the existing system was

A formal report on the outcome of the audit is

badly flawed and the suspension may pave the

expected to be published in the near future and

way for a much needed overhaul.

that may give official confirmation on what was

Both legal lotteries in China, the Welfare Lottery

wrong with the prior model and how the industry

and the Sports Lottery have a national brand and

will move forward.

national regulation, but the day-to-day operations

“The Ministry of Finance has already stated

are organized at the provincial level. The province

(2013) that they want this channel to exist. And

is also responsible for generating sales.

other stakeholders do too: the provinces want

Both lotteries have one provincial administrative

more tax, the national lotteries want to preside

center per province and these centers approve

over growing sales volumes, the lottery players

individuals, usually mom and pop stores, to sell

want a convenient way to play the lottery,”

tickets. They are usually paid a sales commission

the expert said, adding that the problem is the

of around 5-6 percent which varies according

current system doesn’t work.

to volume.

Due to technological challenges, it’s most likely

In recent years, the administration centers have

that once the audit is completed, the first concrete

augmented their store network by signing retailer

steps to a new remote lottery distribution model

agreements with companies selling online.

will be via provincial smart-phone lottery trials for

Those companies are able to sell a ticket to a

new mobile-only games, as opposed to a national

client anywhere in the country, breaking the link

internet model for existing (in-store) games.

between player location and processing province.

The technological challenge of this model is

Since the marginal cost to the admin centers of

more modest than developing a national internet

internet sales in this model is lower than in the

platform. Trialing such systems in provinces is

store environment, typically the commissions are

also more palatable for the national authorities

set very high, often at more than 10 percent. The

because it is less visible and lower risk, as if one

a national platform that would oblige potential

system has led to higher costs and duplication.

system does not work the damage is limited and

players to create a unique customer account.

“In which other industry has the advent of the

it can be discarded .

Players would use this account to purchase

internet raised the cost of distribution versus

There are plans in place to allow some provinces to

tickets from licensed third-party online retailers

brick & mortar?,” an industry insider said. “There

trial their own approved for-mobile-only lottery

who would process the tickets through the new

is a functioning internet channel in the China

games on mobile smartphone lottery systems.

national platform and receive a commission

lottery market but each and every transaction

Only players from the province in question will

from the national platform – in this model the

is attracting 2x normal commission levels. That

be able to register for, download and play the

provincial admin centers will not be involved

money could be going to prizes or taxes – it

app. However, no trial has yet been approved

other than to receive their share of the tax revenue

need not to go to third-party websites to create

and none will be launched without relevant

as determined by the identity (and registered

needless competition between provinces for

approvals, including the Ministry of Finance.

address) of the player.

identical products.”

As far as the internet is concerned, both the

Both the Welfare and Sports lotteries are working

The system has also been hit by a series of

national Welfare and national Sports lottery see

to deploy such a technology platform. The timing

high-profile scandals, including suspiciously

the web as a national channel and intend to build

of when this will be ready is uncertain, however. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Chinese National Police shut down the PokerStars Asia Pacific Poker Tour, the Nanjing Millions, following suspicions of illegal gambling and have started an investigation. “All the people who took part to the event are now asked to register with the authorities and and cooperate in the investigation,” a note placed by authorities at the entrance of the Jiangsu Wutaishan Sports Centre said.

GREATER CHINA 11

HONG KONG

Hong Kong commingling set for expansion The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s first year of commingling its multi-billion dollar pools with overseas totalizator companies has exceeded expectations and looks set for further expansion.

O

verseas totalizator companies, which

“Getting the deal down is the easy part – it’s

have long-admired the HKJC’s massive

the regulatory approval, legal due diligence that

liquidity, now have the chance to bet

takes time, then working with the tote interface

into their pools for the first time after

and making sure we can link up,” he said, adding

the club began commingling in April last year.

that there were “no boundaries” as far as how

Strictly speaking, there’s nothing new about

many operators could partner with the club. “We

“commingling”, two totalizator operators sharing

are open to any business agreement that makes

a common pool on the same event, but what has

sense for both the guest and the host. It must

been hailed as a “game changer” by horse racing

meet the requirements of the legal framework

officials is the Hong Kong Jockey Club opening

and the technical capability to allow for the tote

up its monster tote pools to foreign operators

interface. There is plenty of room for further

Hong Kong racing has been beamed into other

expansion.”

betting jurisdictions for years, but customers that

Jockey Club turnover is booming and officials

previously have bet into separate and comparably

had limited expectations of what type of impact

small pools now can share in the overall stability

commingling would have on the bottom line

and substantial pay-outs provided by the HKJC’s

from a percentage standpoint. Nader admits

massive liquidity.

commingling was intended more as a promotional

The HKJC’s per race hold is by far the biggest in

vehicle than a search for more money, but he

the world of more than HK$135 million ($17.4

said the numbers had “exceeded expectations.”

million) per race.

“It was about exposure, we’ve lifted the standard

What was holding Hong Kong back from allowing

of our racing and we wanted to take it to a wider

outsiders to bet directly into its pools were archaic

audience and to do it in the right way,” said

laws that “double taxed bets ... at both source

Nader, who pointed to the fact the Jockey Club’s

and destination,” explained Jockey Club head of

two meetings per week are now being beamed

racing Bill Nader, who is returning to the U.S.

into 57 million American homes through the

HKJC 2013/2014 Racing turnover HK$103.9b ($13.4b)

+10%

Tax contribution HK$19.58b

+16.7%

Average turnover per races HK$132m Net margin $4.42b

+32.8% +7.4%

The Hong Kong Jockey Club is reorganizing and reshuffling management to support its future expansion plans. With effect from 1 August 2015, the current Racing Division will be divided into the Racing Business and Operations Division and the Racing Authority Division. The club appointed Anthony B. Kelly to the position of executive director, racing business and operations, and Andrew Harding to the position of director, racing authority.

Genting Hong Kong posted a 30-percent drop in 2014 profit to $384 million from $551.9 million the year before. The company, which principally operates casino cruise ships, reported revenue of $570.8 million for 2014, up 2.9 percent from 2013. Gaming revenue increased 10.5 percent to $348.9 million “mainly due to a higher blended hold rate despite reduction in gaming volume,” the company said.

when his current contract expires. “Under the

recently merged HRTV and TVG networks. “We

old Hong Kong laws, the bet would be taxed in

wanted people overseas to bet into our pools,

Hong Kong as well as overseas. We met with

but we wanted it done in the right way. If you

multiple branches of Hong Kong Government

are overseas and betting into a smaller pool,

and reached an agreement that the bet should

you aren’t getting the full benefit of the Hong

only be taxed at source, where the bet is placed,

Kong product – which is not just the quality of

in line with the global policy governing simulcast

our racing, it is the great liquidity that is offered

wagering. We’d been looking to do this for years,

in our wagering pools. It now resides at their

and this is a game changer – as the door is now

fingertips.”

open for countries to participate in the biggest

Racing turnover in Hong Kong rose by almost 10

ocean, but those numbers aren’t insignificant,”

per race pools in the world.”

percent last season to reach HK$103.92 billion

Nader said. “Particularly to other jurisdictions.”

First to begin commingling with the HKJC was

– with midweek fixtures now regularly topping

Indeed, HK$84 million per week could represent

the U.S., kicking off late last season, followed

HK$1 billion and turnover hovering around

a feature race weekend in some major racing

by operators from neighbouring Singapore,

$1.3-1.5 billion for a 10 to 11 race weekend card.

jurisdictions.

Australia, Macau and New Zealand joining in at

The turnover from commingling represents around

Nader believes the incoming numbers will

the start of this racing season from September.

3 percent of HKJC’s total handle on horse racing

grow as customers become more familiar with

Nader said the Jockey Club limited the intake to

so far - $32 million on Wednesday nights and

the product – even though the time difference

five totalizators in the first year to ensure that

$52 million on Sundays. “To be honest, at first

between the US and Hong Kong could limit the

the necessary framework was in place.

we thought the numbers would be a drop in the

ultimate upside. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

GREATER CHINA 12

TAIWAN

The final piece of the Taiwan casino gaming puzzle Taiwan’s draft act to legalize casino gambling on outlying islands was submitted by the Executive Yuan (EY) of the country’s government to the Legislative Yuan (LY) two years ago, and stands a good chance of being passed in this legislative session or the next.

William Bryson*

T

he Tourism Casino Administration Act has had

While there are a number of differences of opinion with

a first hearing, a public hearing and has seen

respect to the Act’s provisions, the most important points

comments/proposed revisions from Taiwan’s main

of political disagreement center on:

opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party,

as well as Legislator Chen from Matsu, the only offshore island that has approved the development of casinos.

After commentary by the DPP, the Act was referred to

Number of casino licenses The draft Act provides that the number

of casino licenses to be issued for each offshore island

cross-party consultations to resolve the articles of the

will be determined by the Regulator and approved by the

Act on which the EY and the DPP disagreed. The time

EY, but the DPP wants a limit of two per island;

period for cross-party consultations has expired, and the Act remains in the Legislative Yuan and on the EY’s priority legislation list. *William (Bill) Bryson is a

1.

Moreover, there is no major political opposition to the

2.

Term of casino licenses The Act provides for 30-year license terms, whereas

the DPP wants 15-year terms. There is agreement on all

creation of a casino gaming industry on Taiwan’s offshore

sides (other than industry), however, that the government

islands. This bodes well for the enactment of the Act

can reserve the right to revoke a casino license on a no-

by the LY in the near term and the creation of a viable

fault basis. There is also political agreement that a casino

casino gaming industry in Taiwan in the medium-term.

license cannot be pledged or mortgaged, though industry

can be reached at wbryson@

However, as noted above, the draft Act is still under

has commented on the effect that this prohibition may

globalmarketadvisors.com

political negotiation, meaning it is likely to change before

have on the tourism gaming business’ ability to finance

it is passed by the LY.

the project;

Senior Advisor at Global Market Advisors and a frequent speaker on gaming topics in Asia. Bill

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

GREATER CHINA 13

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Tourism arrivals Y14 9.1m Y15E 10m Public Welfare Lottery Y14 NT$132.2b ($4.3b)

The casino gambling bill provides for a robust program of self-exclusion, governmentordered exclusion, and thirdparty exclusion, including exclusion of gamblers by family members and creditors to allay concern over problem gambling. Licensees will pay a contribution of 0.5 percent of GGR to a Gambling Addiction Prevention Foundation.

3.

Taxation

issues to an unnamed “designated responsible

In addition to the normal corporate income

agency.” Both the DPP and industry have

tax rate of 17 percent, the draft Act proposes

suggested that the DRA should be designated

GGR-based taxes of a national-level special

in the Act. The most likely DRA is the Tourism

permit fee of between 7 percent and 9 percent,

Bureau, though industry has commented that

a local-level special gaming tax of up to 7

a new agency should be created.

percent, a 0.5 percent contribution to social

Overall, the Act provides for a robust licensing

welfare funding, and a 0.5 percent contribution

and problem gambling regime consistent

to a gambling addiction prevention foundation

with Singapore. The draft submitted to the

to be formed by the Regulator. The DPP has

LY in 2013 is likely to be found acceptable by

proposed taxes which potentially total up to

foreign casino operators and their regulators,

62 percent of GGR. Industry has, of course,

provided that the revisions proposed by the

objected to the DPP’s tax proposal, as has

DPP with respect to paid-in capital, licensing

the EY;

term and taxation are not ultimately approved

4.

Taiwanese low cost carrier V Air has begun operating flights between Taipei and Macau, a route growing in popularity among airlines. V Air, a low cost carrier unit of Taiwan’s TransAsia Airways, will run the service three times a week to begin with then later increase it to a daily operation in early June, Macau press reported.

by the LY.

The Annex of the Act also provides that

Under separate legislation, any offshore islands

gaming winnings will be exempt from

who want to develop casino-based integrated

personal income tax for a period of 20 years

resorts will need to hold a referendum. In past

after the first gaming license is issued. The DPP

votes on the issue, the island of Penghu defeated

objects to the 20-year exemption.

the proposal while the voters on Matsu, the smallest of the three islands that would be likely

The Draft Act also provides that the regulator

to host casinos, passed such a referendum.

for tourism casinos under the Act will be the

Once the Act is passed by the LY, it is likely that

Ministry of Transportation and Communications

Penghu andKinmen will also consider holding

and provides for delegation of certain regulatory

referendums on casino gaming. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

NORTH ASIA 14

JAPAN

Japan lawmakers upbeat on casino plan chances Japanese lawmakers have re-submitted a bill for casino gaming to parliament and there is renewed anticipation for the passage of the Draft Integrated Resort legislation. Although the previous special session ended without the passage of the bill, there have been notable developments at both the federal and regional levels.

David Rittvo*

T

he Innovation Group has been tracking the

depending on the location and operational dynamics.

process in Japan for the past three years, including

The smaller regional casinos have been pegged at between

meeting with stakeholders in Tokyo, Osaka,

$350 million and $1 billion, depending on the development

Yokohama and other smaller regional markets.

size and scope.

Earlier this year the Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s largest

Seeing as the current legislation includes a lot of moving

newspaper announced that the federal government is

variables, including the potential to limit local access

currently considering draft legislation that includes the

and/or require an entrance fee, as well as potentially

possibility of developing large-scale IR’s in Yokohama

limiting access to junkets and credit, exact estimates for

and Osaka only by 2020, in time for the Olympics.

the market are difficult to ascertain at this time.

The draft legislation did not mention Tokyo as a possible

Regardless of the exact legislation, the potential IR

other development. There was also no mention of a

developments in either the Tokyo Metropolitan Area

regional casino development in this announcement, but

or Osaka will be the single largest property, in terms of

any IR is most likely to be placed in a smaller city away

revenue generation, in the world.

from the large city zones so that the developments do

The regional level effort has seen the most progress since

not cannibalize one another.

the last Diet Session. As most are aware from related press,

president of international division

The sizing of the Japan market remains a moving target

Okinawa, considered by many to be a serious candidate

of The Innovation Group (IG) and

due to the fluid nature of the legislation being considered.

for the first regional casino, has decided not proceed.

an AGB Advisor

Analysts, including Jay Defibaugh from CLSA, have provided

As a result, The Hokkaido prefecture has emerged as the

estimates that ranged between $4 billion and $10 billion

leading regional casino candidate. Similar to Osaka, Hokkaido

*David Rittvo is executive vice

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

NORTH ASIA 15

CASINO GGR ESTIMATES Pachinko annual revenue $153b (Source: Japan Productivity Center)

Y20E (UBS)

$9.4b

Y25E (CLSA) Y30E (UBS)

has initiated its regulatory, development and

in communicating its ability to be the host city

information gathering process. In late 2014, the

for a large scale IR development for the region.

prefecture released a request for information

In 2014, Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe stated

to over 25 casino companies and developers.

he would like to concentrate on the Olympic

The request included background information

developments and continue his information

regarding the operation of casinos, a view on

gathering regarding the social and economic

potential development sites around Hokkaido

impacts of IR developments.

and background on gaming potential for the

In light of Tokyo slowing down its development

regional market. The outcome of the RFI

process and the renewed interest on federal

should begin to shape Hokkaido’s next steps

level support, Yokohama has continued to

for the development process and position it for

progress. Last week, The Yokohama City

continued momentum once the legislation is

council submitted comprehensive plans for

passed on the federal level.

the waterfront development that would include

Meanwhile, activity in Osaka continues to

an IR. The sites would allow the IR to take

move forward on both the governmental and

advantage of Tokyo Bay, Yokohama’s relative

private sector fronts. A group of Osaka based

location to Haneda International Airport and

businesses, under the umbrella of Kansai

strong transportation access.

Association of Corporate Executives, KACE,

Federal bureaucrats are also continuing their

has released plans for a large-scale IR to be

information gathering trips and research to other

developed on Yumeshima Island.

IR markets. These markets include Singapore,

Both the Osaka City and Prefecture governments

Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Europe. The goal is

are continuing their pre-development, planning

to gather the best practices from established

and information gathering phases. Our impression

IR markets and implement those into the draft

is that Osaka is positioning itself to be ready

legislation and second gaming bill.

to start the lengthy development process once

Whether the legislation is passed is yet to be

legislation is passed on the federal level, with

determined, but 2015 could be a make or break

the hope of being the first Integrated Resort

year for the stakeholders involved. Should the

in Japan.

legislation pass, the scale and energy around

In the greater Tokyo and Yokohama area, it

the development opportunity and resulting

appears that Yokohama has increased its profile

product should be unlike anything seen in Asia. l

$40b

$18.4b

Aristocrat Leisure announced that following a strategic review of its Japan businesses it will close its subsidiary KK Aristocrat Technologies and cease the development of new pachislot games.

“After thorough consideration of alternatives, and significant management effort aimed at reducing the performance volatility of the Japan business, we have concluded that our best option is to exit the Japan market,” said Aristocrat CFO Toni Korsanos, adding the pachislot segment has become “less relevant… with no scope for valueadding creative or technical synergies.”

Sega Sammy Holdings is restructuring with the loss of 300 regular employees and 100 fixed-term employees in Japan, the company said in a filing. The company, formed after video games giant Sega merged with pachinko machine manufacturer Sammy, has revised its earnings for the fiscal year ending in March from $33 million profit to a loss of $125 million due to the restructuring

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

NORTH ASIA 16

SOUTH KOREA

China promise lures investors South Korea’s casino market continues to attract foreign interest from operators lured by the country’s proximity to China and expectations for a continuing surge in travel from the mainland.

A

GROSS GAMING REVENUE GGR 2014 (including lottery and racing) KRW19.87 trillion (US$17.64b)

+1%

$2.76b

$3.0b

$3.25b

Y14E

Y15E

Y16E

(Source: JP Morgan)

lthough locals are only permitted

company through unit Solaire Korea Co.

to gamble in one of the country’s

It is Bloomberry’s second announcement of a

17 casinos, that hasn’t dampened

property purchase in the country this year after

interest in bidding for at least two

the company in January signed four deals with

licenses expected to be offered up by the

landowners on Korea’s Muui Island, which is

government this year.

adjacent to Silmi Island.

Seoul has chosen to embrace the concept of

Solaire Korea also signed a deal with shareholders

integrated resorts as part of a plan to boost its

of Golden & Luxury Co. to buy as much as 92

tourism industry and is expected to try to create

percent of the company, which owns and

a gambling hub in the Incheon area.

operates T.H.E. Hotel & Vegas Casino on Korea’s

A large part of the appeal comes from the

Jeju Island.

growing numbers of Chinese visitors to South

“We are excited at the prospect of Solaire

Korea. About 6.1 million mainland travelers

setting up a base in Korea,” Razon said in the

went to South Korea last year, an increase of

statement. “This is our first venture outside

42 percent, according to data from the Korea

of the Philippines, and the possibilities for

Tourism Organization. Citi Research is predicting

expansion in this country are promising.”

a further 35 percent jump this year.

Jeju Island, known as a honeymoon destination

Last month, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming

for South Koreans, has become particularly

Authority, which operates the Mohegan Sun

popular with Chinese travellers.

casino in Connecticut, became the latest to

Chinese property developer Landing International

throw its hat in the ring for a South Korean

is planning to build a $2.2 billion resort there

license. It plans to partner with Mohegan Sun

in partnership with the Genting group.

Pocono and Resorts Casino Hotel and Incheon

The plans include foreigner-only casino of

International Airport Corporation to develop

10,683m2 area, a hotel with 2,038 rooms,

a hotel-casino resort as part of a “gateway

condominiums with 1,518 rooms, a water park

entertainment city” in South Korea.

and theme park for completion by 2018.

The planned resort will include the world’s

Half of the Korean foreigner-only casinos are

first private jet terminal that connects to a

located in Jeju and operators there have lined

casino resort, a Korean cosmetics and beauty

up Mandarin-speaking staff and VIP treatment

hub, a two-tower luxury hotel complex with

for high-end players. The island has witnessed

1,000 rooms, an indoor-outdoor amusement

an addition of dozens of junket operators and

park, and an entertainment venue with seating

their agents in the past year or two, according

for 20,000.

to a study by Kyunghee University in Seoul.

The company will be competing with Hong

Similar to those in Macau, retail shops have been

Kong’s Chow Tai Fook Enterprises, which wants

set up in the Korean casinos to offer gaming chips

to invest $2.6bn in a casino project in Incheon,

on loan and to circumvent China’s regulations

that will include a hotel, shopping mall and

on transferring currency out of the country.

conference facilities.

Although direct casino marketing is now banned

Construction is expected to proceed in two

in China, junket operators advertise heavily

the overseas casino trips by Chinese visitors,

phases, set to be completed in 2019 and 2022.

on non-gaming amenities such as concerts,

explicitly citing the example of Jeju Island,” it

Billionaire Enrique Razon, head of Bloomberry

nightclubs, and golf tournaments.

said in its 2015 Global Gaming report.

Resorts has also announced major expansion

However, Citi analysts warn that the popularity

The analysts also pointed to the “lurking” risk

plans in South Korea -- the group’s first

of Jeju with Chinese gamblers has not escaped

of a 10 percent leisure tax on net casino revenue.

expansion out of the Philippines.

Beijing’s attention.

However, they said the proposal appears to have

Razon will buy the 21-hectare (52-acre) Silmi

“According to Maeil Business, the Chinese

been delayed for now and they see the risk of

Island to develop and entertainment and leisure

government has recently raised concerns about

such a measure passing as low. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Foreigner-only casinos $1.25b

+0.3%

Chinese inbound travel Y15E $1.25b

+35%

(Source: Citi Research)

Landing International has abandoned plans to buy the Alpensia Casino and Resort in Pyeongchang, saying the sale terms and conditions were not satisfactory. The company had agreed to pay about $112 million for the resort in the area that will host the 2018 winter Olympics.

Paradise is planning to increase Incheon capacity by 30 percent in March, Walkerhill by 25 percent in June and Jeju Grand by 100 percent in December, which will be a 15 percent gain for the firm as a whole, Morgan Stanley says. Grand Korea Leisure will expand its COEX site by 40 percent in June, which is a 16 percent increase for the firm’s total capacity.

3-4 EVERYTHING ABOUT GAMING BUSINESS AT EXPO-FORUM

Betting Awards 2015 Chooses the Best in Betting Business

NORTH ASIA 18

RUSSIA

Primorye activity heats up, with $1.1b in planned new investment The gambling zone of Primorye in Russia’s Far East continues to pull ahead of rivals, with the expected summer opening of Summit Ascent’s integrated resort and news of two other major investments worth more than $1 billion.

T

he zone, which boasts one of the

“Honestly speaking, today our people are

Diamond Fortune Holdings Prim, led by

lowest tax rates amongst all global

tightening their belts, so I do not think there

Philipp Ostrovski, a former top manager of

gambling jurisdictions, has proved

will be a mass pilgrimage. But when it comes

the Russian sports car manufacturer Marussia

popular amongst both foreign and

to the Chinese, this is a special case, and

Motors, plans to invest over $900 million

Russian investors, helped by its proximity

Primorye is aimed only at them,” Yevgeniy

into the zone. The project involves the co-

to northern China.

Kogan, managing director of the Moscow

owner of the Liga Stavok betting office, Yuriy

The area is close to the target Chinese feeder

partners investment company said.

Krasovskiy, and a group of undisclosed Asian

markets of Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning

At the beginning of April, Primorye (Maritime

investors, Krasovskiy told Russian business

provinces, as well as South Korea and Japan.

Territory) authorities announced the signing

daily Vedomosti.

The area has a total population of over 100

of an agreement for two investment projects

The project will be known as the Golden Gate

million people, accounting for 8 percent of

with Russian investors Diamond Fortune

entertainment complex, with a total area of

China’s total population.

Holdings Prim and Royal Time.

300,000 square metres, comprising hotels,

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

NORTH ASIA 19 has faced delays. The Russian government agreed on the zone in 2009, but the area lay barren for years until investors began signing on to the project in 2013.

The first hotel, that of the First Gambling Company of the East, was supposed to be launched in autumn 2014, but the official

GROSS GAMING REVENUE GGR Y08 $7.8b Illegal market (E) $15b Primorye Y22E $5.2b Azov Y14E $300m

opening has been postponed multiple times.

The First Gambling Company of the East, Summit Ascent Holdings, Lawrence Ho’s Melco International and Elegant City are partners in

Summit Ascent Y16E

$375m

the deal, investing more than $700 million.

In April 2015, the regional government said the company will now open its four-storey hotel to the public in mid-July prior to the Eastern International Economic Forum in Vladivostok, which will be held in August.

However, The First Gambling Company of the East CEO Craig Ballantyne told Vladivostok news that the opening has been delayed to August 1st for the official launch, with the full

Y20E

$1.7b

(Source: Goldman Sachs)

Summit Tigre de Cristal VIP win/table/day $31,000 (Source: Citi)

launch not expected until six weeks later. He blamed “hidden” clauses in the law concerning changes to the project, construction, migration policy, delivery of materials and certification, for the delays.

In a Hong Kong Stock Exchange filing this month, Summit confirmed that construction is nearing completion on the resort. Initially, there will be a 140-room hotel and a casino, which will have 25 VIP gaming tables, 15

The Russian government plans to shut three casinos in Azov City this year in a bid to strengthen the country’s other gaming zones, awarding about $145 million to each of the properties to soften the blow, according to state-news service Tass.

mass-market baccarat tables and 800 slots.

To complete the project, 500 builders are currently working in two shifts. The recruitment casinos and shopping centres, to be built

of hotel and casino employees began in winter

over a period from 2016 to 2022.

and coaching is underway.

Royal Time Primorye is an affiliated company

Authorities are expected to invest one-billion-

of Royal Time Group, which owns gambling

roubles to help improve infrastructure.

facilities in Azov-city based in Krasnodar

Eventually, the gaming zone is slated to

Region, which is now subject to closure. The

contain 16 hotels with casinos, a yacht club,

company plans to invest more than $200 million

a marina for 65 vessels, a ski trail, a trade and

into the construction of its Phoenix resort in

exhibition centre, and other facilities. It will

Primorye. The company’s sole shareholder is

have three stages, with the first planned to

Cyprus-based Gucen Entreprises Ltd., owned

be completed in 2016. The remaining two will

by Russian businessman Rashid Taymasov.

see their deadlines in 2019 and 2022.

The opening for the first hotel and an

According to officials, the total investment

entertainment centre with a total area of

will be about $2.2 billion dollars.

50,000 square metres is scheduled for 2017.

In January 2015, Citi analysts wrote in their

All three stages of construction are targeted

Global Gambling report that the Primorye

for completion by 2021. The total area of

zone is the most attractive of the Russian

the entire resort, which will include a water

gambling zones due to its proximity to Asian

park and a concert hall, comes to 250,000

markets, low taxes and favourable visa policy.

square metres.

The tax system is based on monthly fees, which

Royal Time was the first to open a casino in

work out at about 125,000 (approximately

Russia after the authorities imposed a ban on

$2,400) roubles per gaming table and 7,500

casino gambling outside specially established

roubles ($140) roubles per gaming machine.

zones in 2009.

The report says that the low taxation will go

Despite the investment interest, even Primorye

a long way to ensure profitability. l

Russian Gaming Week in June will see the industry’s major players compete for coveted Betting Awards. Sports betting industry experts and journalists from Russia and abroad will be acting as judges and voting in each of the 10 categories, including Best Betting Network of the Year and Best Online Bookmaker of the year.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SOUTH EAST ASIA 20

PHILIPPINES

Solaire Sky Tower shines as Philippines outperforms Asia The November opening of Solaire Resort and Casino’s new $450 million Phase 1A expansion, including its centrepiece Sky Tower, crowned an impressive year for the first integrated resort in Manila’s Entertainment City.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

L

ess than two years after launch in

with basic black.

March 2013, it has become the largest

The central focus is a two-storey lobby

casino in the country with a share of

atrium with an enormous skylight, twin

29.4 percent, according to Citigroup

waterfalls and a tropical garden. The lobby

research. But with Melco Crown Entertainment’s

boasts artworks by established and up and

City of Dreams now up and running and two

coming Filipino artists, some of which were

more integrated resorts slated to open in the

specifically commissioned by Solaire. Others

next two years, Solaire may struggle to keep

were from the private collection of Enrique

its current lead.

K. Razon, Jr., the chairman of Solaire owner

The latest phase in Solaire’s expansion aims

Bloomberry Resorts.

to boost the resort’s non-gaming amenities

“The Sky tower elevates Solaire yet another

and has a strong VIP focus. The Sky Tower

step higher to the very top tier of world-

houses a 312-room five-star boutique hotel

class integrated resorts and is a tremendous

tower, with suites ranging from 124 square

game changer in providing best in class guest

meters to as large as 936 meters.

experience,” Bloomberry president and chief

The interior was developed under the helm of

operating officer Thomas Arasi has said.

Solaire director for interior design Samantha

The expansion has also added a 1,760-seat

Drummond, using colors ranging from

lyric theater, boasting a superior audio-visual

sunsoaked orange and earth tones, tempered

experience to the country’s existing venues,

SOUTH EAST ASIA 21

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y14 $2.5b

+16%

Y15E $2.71b

+32%

(Source: Citi Research)

Y16E $3.31

19%

Source: Morgan Stanley

$3.7b

$4.1b

$4.5b

$3.2b

Y15E

Y16E

Y17E

Y18E

(Source: JP Morgan)

Gaming table growth: 1,013

1,075

1,152

595

Y14

Y15E

Y16E

Y17E

(Source: Morgan Stanley)

a VIP-only Macallan Whisky and Cigar Bar, as

with 95.9 percent of revenue from gaming.

well as a range of up-scale dining facilities.

Non-gaming revenue in the nine-month

It has also expanded gaming facilities with

period rose 53 percent to P784 million.

visitation had reached the 4 million mark by

the addition of 10 gaming salons, with 66

Citigroup noted that Solaire’s growth

the end of the first quarter of 2014.

VIP gaming tables and 223 electronic gaming

fueled the estimated 9 percent increase in

However, the company is facing a strong

machines, bringing its total gaming offerings

the Philippines’ overall GGR for 2014. The

competitor. The City of Dreams Manila, a joint

to 295 gaming tables and 1,200 electronic

firm, which maintained its Buy rating on

venture between the SM Group’s Belle Corp

gaming machines.

Bloomberry, said it expects the growth to

and Melco Crown Entertainment, is widely

Solaire partnered with local property company

continue with the additional capacity from

viewed as a game changer in the Philippines.

Ayala Land to build an upscale retail promenade

the Phase 1A expansion.

City of Dreams had its grand opening in

which features 40 international luxury brand

The company has agreements with 50 Macau

February in time for the Lunar New Year. By

shops.

VIP junket operators to bring in foreign VIP

far the largest resort so far in the Philippines,

Currently Solaire averages 14,000 daily visitors.

players, and has also intensified its marketing

it also boasts a wider array of more family-

Coming back from a slow start, Bloomberry

efforts to attract premium direct VIP players.

oriented entertainment, such as a joint venture

reported net profit surged to P3.3 billion ($75

Solaire expects that the 1A expansion will

with Dreamworks to create an “Edutainment”

million) in the first nine months of 2014, from

lift the share of revenue from foreign junket

centre incorporating the studio’s most popular

a loss of P868 million in the same period in

operators to 70 percent from around 50 percent

animated characters.

2013. Total gross revenues climbed 127 percent

in 2012. Solaire also reported that mass gaming

Solaire also plans further expansion, though

to P22.439 billion from the P9.887 billion,

player sign ups increased to 304,000 and total

the timing may depend on market conditions.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SOUTH EAST ASIA 22 Razon has said the Phase 2 expansion will be

Dreams Manila, the company’s total revenue

larger than the Phase 1 and Phase 1A combined.

grew to P430.2 million in 2014, representing

and chief operating officer Jorge V. Sarmiento

This Phase 2 expansion will increase the total

an increase of P377.3 million, from P53.0

told lawmakers.

number of table games to 650 and electronic

million in 2013.

The company had planned to spend $2-billion

gaming machines to approximately 3,000. It

The company said it had around 20,000 visitors

on the resort, with a scheduled opening for

will also add three new hotel towers with 1,500

on its first day.

the third quarter of 2015. The casino will

and architectural design,” PAGCOR president

rooms, an events arena that can accommodate

feature, state-of-the-art gaming facilities,

15,000 people, 35 new food and beverage

and an indoor man-made beach club covered

outlets, and additional meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and retail space covering 100,000 square meters.

OPERATORS

Resorts World Manila

by a huge glass dome, high-end and casual

Travellers International Hotel Group, a joint

halls and cinemas.

venture between Genting Hong Kong and

The group has also faced regulatory issues and

Alliance Global Group, has delayed the opening

needs a local partner to comply with Philippine

of the $1.1-billion Resorts World Bayshore

regulations on foreign land ownership. l

dining restaurants, upscale retail shops, trade

along Manila Bay to 2018.

The company is however pushing ahead with the expansion of Resorts World Manila. As

Solaire Resort & Casino

Bloomberry Resorts swung to a profit in 2014 as revenue from its Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila’s Entertainment City surged.

The company had net income of 4 billion pesos ($89 million), or PHP0.38 a share, compared with a loss of PHP1.3 billion, or PHP0.12 a share a year earlier.

Total operating revenue almost doubled to PHP24 billion, of which PHP22.8 billion came from the group’s gaming activities.

As of December 31, 2014, the group has 64 junket operators that actively bring in foreign VIP players. Solaire Rewards Club registered 406,000 members and visitation for the year had reached 4.5 million.

of the end of December, it had spent PHP3.3 billion pesos ($74 million) from the PHP16.8 billion raised through a recent share sale on the Phase 2 expansion program, which includes the construction of the Marriott Grand Ballroom with a planned seating capacity of up to 4,000, the construction of the Marriott West Wing, which will cater primarily to VIP guests and Marriott rewards members. It also includes related facilities, such as an underground parking lot, dining facilities and a golfer’s terrace. In total, PHP7 billion was allocated for the expansion plan.

The company said it has also spent PHP2.7 billion of the PHP9.5 billion allocated for its Phase 3 expansion program, which involves the expansion of Maxims Hotel, the addition of two new hotels to be managed by Hilton Hotel and Sheraton Hotel, and the construction of

City of Dreams

Belle Corp and Melco Crown held the soft opening of the $1.3 billion City of Dreams casino resort project in December and the grand opening on Feb. 2. The resort features about 950 hotel rooms under the Crown Towers, Nobu and Hyatt brands, as well as a familyoriented entertainment center designed by

related facilities such as underground parking lots and a podium to house the gaming area and retail.

Pagcor has approved new gaming capacity of 420 gaming tables and 4,148 gaming machines at the resort. At end-2013, Resorts World Manila housed 287 gaming tables for the VIP and mass markets, 1,822 slot machines and 210 electronic table games.

DreamWorks Animation. Melco has also teamed with the Ault Group to add two renowned nightclubs -- Pangaea and Chaos.

The property features about 365 gaming tables, 1,700 slot machines and 1,700 electronic table games, catering to both the VIP and mass market.

Melco Crown Philippines posted net losses of P6.30 billion ($141 million) for 2014, an increase of 156 percent on the prior year’s losses of P2.46 billion, due mainly to the impact of foreign exchange movements.

Following the soft opening of the City of

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SunCity will be enlarging its footprint in Manila soon, with fixed room operations in City of Dreams and Bloomberry’s Solaire Casino, according to UBS. The group will commit to a total of 42 tables in the two casinos and plans to invest a total of HK$1 billion ($128.8 million) in initial cage capital in the city, Anthony Wong and Angus Chan wrote.

Manila Bay Resorts

Universal has requested an extension for the opening of its Manila Bay Resorts complex until the first quarter of 2017 and said it will invest a further $700 million.

The company plans to increase the gross floor area by 97,000 square meters.

The changes will result in “additional guest rooms and parking area and would also contribute to the strengthening of the structure

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. posted net income of P937.6 million ($21.1 million) for the first quarter of 2015, just over the P920 million reported in the same period last year. Revenues, however, dipped to P10.18 billion in the three-month period from P10.36 billion the year before, possibly on increased competition in the market.

SOUTH EAST ASIA 23

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y14E $6.12b

+1%

Y15E $6.06

-1%

(Source: Citi Research)

SINGAPORE

Singapore fails to woo VIPs, headwinds seen on mass

$6.05

$6.25b

$6.56b

Y14E

Y15E

Y17E

(Source: Morgan Stanley)

Singapore’s two integrated resorts are showing no signs of benefiting from the exodus of VIP gamblers from Macau, which has boosted results from Cambodia to Australia, while the mass market may suffer this year from weakness in regional currencies.

L

as Vegas Sands’ iconic Marina Bay Sands

gaming revenues from mass-market visitors.

property saw a 4.6 percent decline in

“The weakening of those two currencies further

Q1 adjusted property EBITDA as casino

negatively impacts the tourist arrivals and

revenue declined 7.1 percent. Rolling

hence the revenue potential from the mass-

chip volume in the period fell 22 percent, while

market in our view.”

the non-rolling chip drop declined 4.2 percent.

Agarwal expects Singapore’s mass-market

Analysts see few new drivers for growth in

volumes to grow 5 percent this year compared

the tightly regulated Singapore market, which

with 6 percent in 2014.

appears to have plateaued five years after the

Genting Singapore reported a huge drop in

casinos opened.

net profit after tax in the fourth quarter last

Genting Singapore will expand capacity this year

year, falling 30 percent from S$118.9 million

with the opening of its 550-room Hotel Jurong,

($95 million) to $136 million compared to the

which it expects to help fuel player numbers at

same period in 2013.

its Resorts World Sentosa property, especially

The company’s gaming revenue fell 9 percent

in the mass market segment.

to $368.9 million, while non-gaming revenue

It’s also counting on non-gaming attractions

dropped 4 percent to $140.8 million. Adjusted

to help boost revenue. In the second quarter of

EBITDA declined 24 percent from $200 million

2015, Genting’s Universal Studios Singapore

in 2013 to $152 million last year.

will also launch its latest attraction, “Puss

Analysts at Maybank expect the group to report

In Boots’ Giant Journey,” while in April the

a decline of about 31 percent in Q1 EBITDA to

Battlestar Galactica dueling roller coasters

S$275 million. The company is also expected

returned. “These launches will present

to have ceded some market share in the VIP

opportunities for us to create events to boost

segment to Marina Bay Sands as it curbs credit

visitation to our resort,” executive chairman

to improve management of bad debts. RWS

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said in the company’s

had record $82 million in bad debts in 4Q14.

annual report.

Despite the general lack of enthusiasm in the

However, analysts say that the strong Singapore

investment community, Las Vegas Sands CEO

dollar in relation to Malaysia’s ringgit and

and Chairman Sheldon Adelson recently warned

Indonesia’s rupiah may put the property out

analysts not to write off the Singapore market.

of reach.

“To quote Mark Twain, the rumours of Singapore’s

“These two countries are significant contributors

demise as a world-class integrated resort

to Singapore’s mass-market volumes,” Macquarie

destination are both greatly exaggerated and

analyst Somesh Kumar Agarwal said.

certainly premature,” he said on a conference

Singapore’s casinos get about half their annual

call. l

Singapore Pools, Singapore Turf Club GGR five-year average $2.39b VIP tax 5% mass tax 15% Las Vegas Sands has expanded a glitzy promotional partnership with David Beckham to Singapore and the company’s US$5 billion Marina Bay Sands mega resort. Following on the heels of a major Macau campaign featuring the celebrity ex-footballer, the multimillion-dollar MBS campaign, dubbed “Never Settle” finds Beckham sampling an array of the iconic resort’s attractions in a two-minute film directed by Anthony Mandler.

Lee Tzu Yang, deputy chairman of the Casino Regulatory Authority, took over as chairman from April 2nd. Lee takes over from Richard Magnus who is retiring after seven years. The ministry said Magnus played “a pivotal role” in the development of Singapore’s casino industry.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SOUTH EAST ASIA 24

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Official lottery

Thailand

Thailand aims for lottery jackpot

Govt. target for reformed lottery Underground lottery

THB 20b ($625m)

THB 44b

THB 102b

(Source: Chulalongkorn University)

Thailand’s lottery system is facing major changes with amendments to gaming laws that may open the way for online sales to begin as soon as June, and almost double annual revenue to 44 billion baht ($1,354 million).

T

(GLO) estimates saying the “online lottery

Thai Government Lottery Office chairman Somchai

would increase revenue by 1.0 billion baht or 24

Sujjapongse, said the new distributors include

billion baht ($750 million) a year.”

operators of convenience stores, such as the

Gambling is illegal in Thailand, apart from the

units of international chains including 7-Eleven,

he government lottery operators earn

elected governments faced a strong backlash

around 20 billion baht ($625 million)

from thousands of sellers of the paper-based

annually with Government Lottery Office

tickets concerned over loss of income.

30

Y15E 30m +20%

25

20

Y14 tourism arrivals 24.78m

(Source: DB)

Customs Department directorgeneral Somchai Sujjapongse has resigned as chairman of the Government Lottery Office’s board after nine months, saying he will leave the problem of over-priced tickets to someone else. “More stringent measures might be needed. Given the scale of the problem, a government official might not have the mandate to deal with it. A man of [higher] calibre might be able to do a better job,” Somchai was cited as saying.

official state lottery and on horse racing through

Family Mart, Big C and Tesco Lotus.

the Royal Bangkok Turf Club. The official lottery,

The GLO, which has a monopoly over both online

worth about 20 billion baht a year, is based on a

and general ticket sales, issues 72 million tickets

paper ticket system that has seen few changes

for each draw. Totals vary but reports say around

since it was first introduced in 1917.

50 million tickets are sold to the public, while the

The legal lottery is now seen as creaking and

remainder are allocated for “charity purposes”.

antiquated and facing competition from a booming

Government spokesman, Sansern Kaewkamnerd,

illegal market thought to be worth 102 billion

said the legal amendments will maintain the

baht ($3.2 billion), according to Chulalongkorn

existing funds allocation that allow for 60 percent

University’s Center for Gambling Studies.

of revenue to be distributed for prizes. A maximum

But under amendments to the Government

of 20 percent will be allocated to state coffers, 15

Lottery Office Act (1974) steps are underway to

percent for administration expenses and 5 percent

introduce a broad new range of lottery products.

for a fund to buy back unsold tickets, with a

These include online lottery tickets sold through

further 3 percent or so to increase selling outlets.

convenience stores as well as by way of wireless

The Government has also introduced an amendment

portable online lotto vending machines carried

providing for the buyback of unsold tickets in a

by vendors.

bid to overhaul the distribution system. Ticket

The amendments still require approval from the

sales had earlier been dominated by powerful

military-backed National Legislative Assembly

syndicates, known as the “tigers”, who were

(NLA). No date has been set for the legislative

allocated almost 50 million lottery tickets.

changes to be considered.

The issue of unsold tickets was also cited by vendors

Nualnoi Treerat, an economist and author on the

as a reason for high mark-ups on the streets,

Thai gaming industry at Chulalongkorn University,

which in part sparked the military government’s

says the new gaming laws are designed to allow

decision to overhaul the lottery.

for other games of chance, such as an instant

Over the years powerful underwriters have

of 80 baht ($2.5). Tickets can be marked up by

lottery and a football lottery, likely to attract

emerged who buy directly from the GLO by way

as much as 40 percent on the streets. However,

younger gamers.

of quota. Thai gaming analysts say the “Tigers”

the policy failed after vendors complained of

At present the official state run lottery is drawn

syndicates face a challenge as their contracts are

higher costs and that they were unable to recoup

twice a month on the 1st and 16th day.

due to expire mid-year. GLO Chairman Somchai

sales from unsold tickets, which has now been

“There will be many, many products of lotteries

Sajjapong said the 48 million tickets allocated to

addressed in the new legislation.

coming on sale to cater for all tastes,” she said.

the ‘Tigers’ will be reallocated to retailers either

Chulalongkorn University’s Nualnoi says fears

The amendments to the official Lottery Office

as individuals or convenience stores

held by traditional ticket sellers are misplaced

Act have become possible under the military-led

The military-led government also attempted

as the government will increase the number of

government which took power in May last year.

to lower retail prices of the paper-based lottery

tickets sold by the thousands of sellers across

Previous attempts to introduce reforms under

tickets sold by vendors closer to the official rate

the country. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Notorious Bangkok gambling den, Tao Pun, has finally been closed down and may now be turned into a police station. The den has been raided at least five times, though without arrests, local media said.

The property is reported to belong to an unnamed “influential figure.”

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SOUTH EAST ASIA 26

GROSS GAMING REVENUE

MALAYSIA

(Source: Morgan Stanley)

GST to crimp Malaysia gaming earnings Malaysia’s gaming industry is expected to report weaker earnings this year as the country’s first ever Goods and Services Tax comes into effect from April 1st, crimping revenue at a time of weakening consumer sentiment.

T

he tax has been under consideration by

“NFOs would continue to see tougher roads

the government for close to a decade

ahead...With GST looming, operators have

and was finally confirmed last October

expected sales to soften further to the tune of

by Prime Minister cum Finance Minister

roughly two percent this year,” said Maybank,

Y14

$1.88 b

Y15E

$2.04b

Y16E

$2.42b

NFOs Y14 $2.82b Gaming tables Y14 550 Gaming tables Y16E 587 Share of Asia market Y14 1.9% Resorts World Genting Q4 leisure and hospitality revenue

-2%

Najib Abdul Razak. The rate was set at six percent.

citing sources from three NFOs.

Berjaya Sports Toto and Magnum -- two numbers

Adding to the headwind is pressure from other

forecast operators (NFOs) listed on the Malaysian

illegal operators, which have cut into the market

stock exchange -- are facing the prospect of

share of Magnum and Berjaya Sports Toto.

lower revenue as well as lower margins this

“Channel checks reveal that in the north of

year, analysts said.

Peninsular Malaysia, illegal operators are operating

“The GST will have the dual effect of both forcing

from rented premises in small towns and in the

gamblers to reduce their bet sizes as well as

south of the peninsular, they are conducting

serving as an additional tax to the operators,

sales with handheld terminals. We understand

cutting earnings by an estimated 10 percent

their prize payouts are 10-20 percent higher than

altogether,” said Maybank Investment Bank

that offered by legal operators,” said Maybank.

in a report.

According to market observers, NFOs are expected

Magnum earlier this month gave its own warning

to bear the brunt of the new consumption tax as

that the tax was likely to have a moderating effect

some moves that had been considered to moderate

on sales. “With the implementation of the Goods

the impact of the GST have been abandoned.

and Services Tax on April 1, 2015 and the higher

One proposal had been to reduce the number of

costs of living from the government’s ongoing

class 4D special and consolidation prizes from

subsidies rationalisation programme, consumer

10 each to nine each, which would have reduced

spending is expected to continue to be weak,”

the theoretical prize payout ratio by about 190

it said. “The GST expense based on net gaming

basis points.

supplies – that will be absorbed by the company

Classic 4D accounts for some 70 percent and

– will have an impact on our profitability for the

85 percent of Berjaya Sports Toto and Magnum

coming financial year,” it said.

sales respectively.

NFOs pay an 8-percent gaming tax on total

However, the idea was killed following opposition

ticket sales and an 8-percent pool betting duty

from two of the three NFOs amid concern it may

on net revenue.

allow illegal operators to gain more market share,

The NFOs had already reported weaker revenue

said one analyst.

even before the GST, as rising fuel prices and

Had the move been implemented, Berjaya Sports

higher electricity tariff rates lead to smaller

Toto and Magnum would have seen their earnings

bet sizes. Last year started with a 15 percent

before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

electricity tariff hike on January 1, followed by

(Ebitda) margins improve sufficiently to negate

the 20 sen per litre fuel price hike on Oct 2, 2014.

the impact of the GST, the analyst added.

could further reduce discretionary spending,

Magnum’s 2014 revenue slipped to RM2.88

Alliance DBS in February pegged the Malaysian

which could in turn have a negative impact

billion from RM2.99 billion the previous year.

gaming sector as being sluggish for the foreseeable

on Genting Malaysia’s domestic leisure and

In, the nine months to end January, Sports Toto

future on weaker consumer sentiment and the

hospitality operations, as well as NFO ticket sales.

saw revenue decline 4.3 percent year-on-year.

looming GST threat.

It warned that both Genting and NFOs would

Analysts estimate gross gambling revenue from

“We remain convinced there is little scope for

have to fully absorb the GST.

NFOs last year at about RM10 billion, with Genting

Malaysian gaming stocks to re-rate in the near

However, “the impact will be less severe as

BhD, the only casino operator generating about

term,” said the research house, adding that the

previously feared because the computation

RM6 billion.

extended weak domestic consumer sentiment

would take into account prize payouts,” it said. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Genting says about one third of the 1,300 rooms under its First World Hotel Tower 2A development were opened at the end of 2014, with the remaining rooms to be available by mid 2015. The group expects the next phases in its integrated tourism plan to open in 2016. It is also planning special promotional events to celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary.

Malaysian authorities recently disposed of gambling machines and other items worth RM5.4 million ($1.5 million) that were seized in operations to crack down on illegal activity.

Eight gambling machines estimated to be worth RM20,000, computer products and telecoms devices were seized in nine operations from July last year to March this year.

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SPECIAL FOCUS 28

VIETNAM

Ho Tram eyes locals license, major expansion *George Styllis is the Asia Editor for AGB based in Phnom Penh.

He authors this issue’s Focus on the IndoChina jurisdictions.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

George Styllis*

Along Vietnam’s coastline in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, the verdant hills of The Bluffs golf course rise and fall to form undulating shapes on either side of a road that leads into one of Vietnam’s newest and most spectacular casino resorts, The Grand on the Ho Tram Strip.

SPECIAL FOCUS

J

29 ust two years old and beset by problems

and non-gaming facilities to capture a diverse

prior to its launch, the Grand Ho Tram

market in particular the Viet Kieu – ethnic

integrated casino resort is expanding

Vietnamese with foreign passports.

fast and looking to be at the forefront

McCamley says the resort has stepped up

of the country’s industry.

efforts to tap into the more than 300,000

“It’s the only integrated resort on a beach

expats that live in HCMC and Viet Kieu. Last

in Asia. There’s nowhere else I know that

year, Vietnam recorded 7,874,312 tourist

has a facility of this standard and standing

arrivals, an almost 3 percent increase from

on a beach location. So that makes it very

the prior year.

attractive to us,” said the Grand Ho Tram

“We offer the biggest limits in Vietnam. If a

President Shaun McCamley.

player wants a decent bet he can come to Ho

The integrated resort currently has a casino

Tram. There is no other casino in Vietnam

with 90 tables and 500 slots, a 541-room

that offers the same level of presentation.

hotel, a variety of restaurants and an 18-hole

But even though they may not have the same

golf course that opened in October last year -

appearance and offer the same quality as

all just a short walk from the beach. But the

we do, the mere fact that they offer gaming

project is only in its first phase of an ambitious

makes them competitors.”

development to turn the 2.2 km stretch into

Earlier this month the resort announced

a fully-fledged resort destination.

that it will host the new $1.5 million Asian

The Ho Tram Strip’s masterplan includes another

Tour event later this year at its par-71 Bluffs

559-room tower that will have condominiums

golf course, as well as signing European golf

available for purchase. Once it opens next year

Champion Robert Rock to be the golf course’s

the total number of rooms at the Ho Tram

brand Ambassador. The resort is also hosting

Grand will rise to 1,100. There will also be a

the Asian Poker Tour this month.

further four five-star resorts set to launch

Though things appear to be going smoothly for

in the next five years, another of which will

the resort for now, it encountered a period of

have a casino. Asian Coast Development Ltd.,

turmoil early on when MGM Resorts, the first

the parent company of the Ho Tram Project

management company, pulled out for reasons

Company, estimates its total investment to

undisclosed in 2013 ahead of the launch.

be $4.2 billion.

“There was probably a month where everybody

“The idea is to drive volumes of resort-

had to work out what they were going to do

minded groups where each service can meet

and they decided to self-manage and opened

those various requirements,” said McCamley.

about a month-and-a-half to two months

Amid such rapid expansion, the company is

after that,” said McCamley,

looking to become something of a pioneer in

“When you have a significant transition from

the industry by positioning itself to be one of

a major management company making a very

the first casinos to be awarded a pilot license

quick decision to withdraw it’s never easy

to open to Vietnamese locals if and when a

but there was a lot of talented people here

much-anticipated bill on legalizing gambling

who remained and did a very good job,” he

for nationals is passed.

said, adding that logos and branding had to

“Locals allowed to participate with gaming is

be redesigned in the wake of MGM leaving.

very important and we are working very hard

But McCamley says the company has put its

with the government to have the first pilot

past behind it and is moving at an exciting

license with Vietnam. Rather than the money

pace in line with the country’s growing

leaving the country and going to places like

tourism sector. Though it will be a challenge

Cambodia it’ll stay here,” he said, citing Phnom

to bring such a new property with a high

Penh’s NagaWorld as a major competitor.

level of presentation to fulfill its potential,

“If they do allow us the pilot license it opens

for McCamley, there lies an opportunity to

up a host of opportunities. We can have a lot

experiment with what works and have fun

more entertainment and bring in superstars

in the process.

and host grand events. So it’s a huge benefit

“I don’t mind taking a risky decision. We run

for Vietnam and tourism.”

with the flow. If we have to make changes we

But until that time comes, the resort, despite

make changes. We are an evolving business

being unique to other casinos in the country,

and the formula that we use every day may

is aggressively looking to publicize its gaming

not be the same in five years.” l

Y14 Donaco revenue Gaming & hospitality $2.05b

+33%

VIP $2.71b

+67%

Slots $2.71b

+144%

Visitation Tourism arrivals Y14 7.8m

+4%

China Arrivals 1.9m Jan - April Y15 2.7m

-12.2%

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has asked the Prime Minister to approve a new location for the casino proposed on the resort island of Phu Quoc, moving it from northeast to northwest of the island. The proposed new location covers 37 hectares as part of a zone for luxury tourism facilities in the northwest of the country’s biggest island. The casino is expected to have 200 to 400 live tables and 2,000 gaming machines. It will also have a conference center and five-star hotels with 3,000 rooms.

Macau junket operator Sun City and Hong Kong’s Chow Tai Fook are teaming up with VinaCapital on a long-delayed $4 billion resort in the central province of Quang Nam, replacing Genting which pulled out of the project in 2012.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SPECIAL FOCUS 30

VIETNAM

Aristo poised to cashin on Lao Cai’s growth Located amid the misty mountains and lush greenery of Lao Cai is the site of Donaco International’s Aristo property, its latest and upgraded site boasting more than 400 rooms in the border town between Vietnam and China.

T

he towering five-star Aristo Hotel and Casino, a

“For VIPs, the minimum bet size is RMB4000 ($650);

joint venture between Donaco and the Vietnamese

premium is RMB 600 to 2000; and main hall patrons,

government, which owns 5 percent, has 428

RMB50 to 400.”

hotel rooms and 40 gaming tables – a bold

In Donaco’s half year results presentation published in

step up from the 34 rooms and eight gaming tables it

February, the company said normalized results for its

had at its previous site a few minutes away at Lao Cai

Vietnamese casino operations show a 55 percent increase

International. The new site also has 58 electronic gaming

in operating revenue and 52 percent increase in EBITDA,

positions, with 34 linked jackpot slot machines and 24

driven by the soft opening of the Aristo.

electronic roulette seats. The casino’s license allows

There was a 13 percent increase in table game turnover

up to 300 EGMs.

with revenue of $9.04 million, a 74 percent increase in

Aristo is the only casino for about 200 km and is positioning

slot machine turnover and 822 percent increase in non-

itself to take advantage of a mini boom taking place in

gaming revenue to 3.33 million.

the city.

In May, the company said its win rate, however, continues

Sources with knowledge of the city say it has undergone

to be volatile with VIP gross win rate of 1.3 percent in

significant development in the last year. A highway built

March and 2.11 percent in April, below the theoretical

by the Vietnam Expressway Corporation and funded by

win rate of 2.85 percent.

the Asian Development Bank now cuts the journey time

The company added that the hotel’s occupancy is

from Hanoi Airport to Aristo from about 8 hours to just

consistently at 70 percent, which Aristo’s management

over three.

expects to improve with the overall development of the

All along the highway in the city are shiny new cafes

province and increasing investment and tourist numbers.

and retail outlets as well as construction sites where

Aristo is close to Sapa, a renowned tourist destination

developers are building residential and office space to

50km away that is seeing an increase in tourist arrivals.

capitalize on the increase in trade between Yunnan and

In 2013, Sun Group began construction of the Fansipan-

Lao Cai provinces. According to sources, the city now has

Sapa cable car system in Sapa. Once completed this year,

about 10 banks compared with about 6 last year.

the cable car system will go from Sapa town to the peak

Another significant emergence is the relocation of some

of the Fansipan Mountain – the highest in Indochina –

government departments to the city to take advantage

seven kilometers away.

of cheap and abundant land. It is hoped the increase in

In the first four months of this year, total tourist arrivals

officials residing and working in the area will lead to an

to the province of Lao Cai reached nearly 665,000, a

increase in the demand for meeting and convention space

year-on-year rise of 21.7 percent, reported the Lao Cai

at the hotel, while diversifying the company’s customer

News. April was a bumper month for the province as

base from predominantly Chinese.

the 2015 Sapa Culture and Tourism week coincided with

Since launching mid-last year, the company has reported

the National Reunification holiday and May Day. Sapa

healthy financial results, with Edison Investment Research

welcomed 138,000 visitors in April, while Lao Cai city

describing the hotel’s performance as “all the more

and Bac Ha received 80,000 and 17,100, respectively.

creditable since the hotel was still in soft opening mode

Along with tourism, the province has become popular among

and faced the temporary negatives of China/Vietnam

mining companies. Private investors have pledged around

tensions, the World Cup and the Yunnan earthquake.”

$4 billion in committed capital investment since 2008.

The hotel and casino is propped up by residents from

In September last year, Vietnam inaugurated its largest

Yunnan province who are permitted to visit Lao Cai using

factory to produce steel from iron ore in Lao Cai province.

a border pass as opposed to a visa.

The Lao Cai Cast Iron and Steel Plant, a venture between

“Patrons are typically sourced through junket operators.

Vietnam Steel Corporation, Lao Cai Mineral Joint Stock

Primarily VIPs who check in with a minimum of $98,000

Company and China’s Kunming Iron and Steel Group Co.

plus,” Donaco said in its May presentation.

Ltd, was put into operation after three years of construction

“Aristo VIP players would be premium mass market

and has an initial capacity to produce 500,000 tons of steel

players (at best) in Macau.”

per year, according to the Vietnamese government. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SPECIAL FOCUS 32

CAMBODIA

Border casinos face challenges with new gaming law It’s 9 a.m. and the Crown casino in the Cambodian border town of Bavet is booming. Hordes of Vietnamese gamblers cram themselves around card games drinking coffee and chewing on cigarette ends*

W *Additional reporting by Kang Sothear, a business reporter at The Cambodia Daily newspaper.

hile some may have caught some sleep

economies at the border, said Ros Phirun, spokesman

since the night’s session, for others, the

for the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

24-hour opening cycle has kept the chips

But as the industry grows and pressure mounts on

and cards rolling all night.

the government to take a more active approach to

On the surface this wild-west town 160km from

collecting taxes in all sectors of the economy, Phirun

Phnom Penh appears to be thriving and the numbers of

said the casino business needs to be more transparent

Vietnamese strong.

and better regulated.

In 2014, about 905,801 Vietnamese nationals entered

“The casinos in Cambodia are increasing in quantity

Cambodia, up 6.1 percent on the year before. Most of

but not quality that’s why we need new regulations that

them would have crossed overland.

are strong enough to regulate it properly,” Phirun said.

But Bavet, which has long been a haven for gaming

Phirun declined to go into detail of the law, which has

operators looking for an easy way to set up a casino and

been drafted and is due to appear at the National Assembly

cash-in on the thousands of Vietnamese eager for a

later in the year, but said it will ensure there will be a

flutter, could see its luck change.

more thorough tax collection system.

Cambodia is expected to pass a new gaming law later this

“To collect tax we just call on them to have a discussion

year that may change the face of gaming in the border

and then we require them to settle their obligation every

areas. It may also lead to greater foreign investment in

month based on the size of the casino, its location and

the country, analysts say.

player levels…. We currently do not collect the tax based

Up to now Bavet has thrived on loose regulation and

on real revenue,” he said.

little oversight as the government sought to boost the

The government collected $25 million in taxes from

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SPECIAL FOCUS 33 gaming revenue in 2014, a 15 percent jump

Grant Govertsen, an analyst at Union Gaming

from the previous year.

Group, said a much-needed regulatory framework

According to Uon Sok Samoeun, director of

will draw investors who are currently cautious.

administration at the $100-million Titan King

“First and foremost, an improved regulatory

Casino, the government has begun training

environment will open the door for greater

workshops for casino staff ahead of a series

investment in the country.”

of new taxes and licenses that will be required

“There is a lot of investor interest in Cambodia

of operators.

that resists entering the market due to a lack of

Samoeun said operators will have to pay taxes

regulations. The establishment of a regulatory

on their individual revenues - such as on their

framework should therefore incentivize increased

hotel, restaurant, casino and karaoke operations

gaming and hospitality investment.”

- and require separate licenses for each form

There were 59 casinos as of 2014 in Cambodia.

of entertainment.

There are currently 10 in Bavet compared to just

“Having to pay separate tax on each business

four - Le Macau, Moc Bai, Crown and New World

will make things harder than before and could

- in the border town in the mid 2000s, which

drive revenues down,” said Samoeun.

operators say was Bavet’s golden age before

Another big obstacle to growth would be a

the financial crash turned the industry sour.

regulation to eliminate money laundering,

Along Bavet’s dusty strip several shuttered

requiring big spenders in the casino to provide

casinos such as the Winn stand as reminders

identification when changing up several

of the vulnerability of weaker operations that

thousand dollars. Operators say trying to get

cannot keep up with market and economic

gamers to comply would be almost impossible

changes.

as anonymity is part of Bavet’s allure.

Phirun and operators expect the market will

“Some of these players don’t even want their wives

shrink and evolve, much in the same way it

knowing so you can imagine they won’t want to

did following the crash, once the new law is

give us their personal details,” said Samoeun.

introduced. Marginal operators will be forced

Though tightening the industry to make it

to pack up as the stronger ones flourish

compliant with international standards will

through diversifying both their gaming and

ruffle some feathers, the sentiment for the

entertainment facilities.

long-term is that it will create a stronger,

“The small casinos will just die out,” said Crown

healthier industry.

casino manager Sao Vanna. l

GROSS GAMING REVENUE Y14 Y15E

Y16E

$381m

$443m

$483m

(Source: Morgan Stanley)

NagaCorp Y14 GGR $381m VIP volumes. Y15E Mass revenue

+23% +25% +15%

(Source: Citi)

The exodus of VIPs from Macau is benefiting Cambodia’s largest casino operator. NagaCorp said Q1 gross gaming revenue soared 48 percent $113.5 million for the first three months of the year, driven by high rollers.

Gross revenue from VIPs increased 101 percent yearon-year to $65.5 million from $32.5 million, while mass table buy-ins rose 12 percent to 129.9 million.

Australia-listed Donaco International says the $360 million purchase of the Star Vegas Resort and Club in Poipet, Cambodia has been delayed by about two months until July due to the need to satisfy administrative procedures related to the financing of the venture.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SOUTH ASIA 34

GROSS GAMING REVENUE GGR $100m (Source: PriceWaterhouse Coopers)

Deltin Q1, Y15 Gaming revenue $11.7m Foreign tourist arrivals 2014

INDIA

Opening delays seen crimping Delta Revenue Delta Corp, India’s leading gaming company, continues to face delays in opening a casino at its luxury integrated resort in Daman, raising concern over the operator’s revenue prospects and dampening hopes for land-based gaming in the country.

C

Foreign exchange earnings from Tourism Y14 $19.6b

+10%

+6.8%

+6.6%

“They continue to be strong in Goa but after quitting the realty sector, their additional profits were to come from the Daman casino. It is imperative for them to get a licence. Continuing delay would also affect the overall gaming sector in India,” analyst tells AGB.

asinos are only legal in three Indian

pending receipt of the five-star certification

percent of revenues and hospitality to contribute

states -- Goa, Sikkim and Daman

that was a requisite for the casino operation,

11 percent; there would be no contribution from

-- with Goa taking the lion’s share

which has since been awarded.

real estate,” the report stated.

of the market at about 95 percent.

“The opening of The Deltin is a milestone

However, an analyst who worked on the report

Delta Corp dominates the sector and recorded

for us and underlines our efforts to provide

told AGB on condition of anonymity that

gaming revenue of about $41 million last year,

luxurious yet accessible gaming and hospitality

the delay was likely to affect the company’s

representing about half of total revenues from

destinations in the country. I am confident

prospects “adversely.”

the business.

that it will reshape the face of the industry in

“They continue to be strong in Goa but after

Delta Corp presently runs two offshore casinos

India,” Chairman Jaydev Mody said.

quitting the realty sector, their additional profits

in Goa called the Deltin Royale and Deltin JAQK.

In its report, MOSL said the launch of the Daman

were to come from the Daman casino. It is

It also has the license to run a third in the

casino was going to be the “key trigger” for

imperative for them to get a licence. Continuing

coastal state -- another offshore casino boat

the company, as it would almost double its

delay would also affect the overall gaming sector

called the Deltin Caravela -- which has also yet

gaming capacity. It currently has 2000 gaming

in India,” the analyst said.

to start operations, a company spokesperson

positions and the new casino, along with start

While the Asia Pacific region accounts for

confirmed. There are six licenses in total for

up of its third license in Goa, would have taken

about 43 percent of the world’s gaming

off-shore casinos in Goa, out of which Deltin

capacity to 3,400. The casino has a total floor

market, India’s share remains tiny at just $100

owns three.

space of 60,000 sq.ft.

million from casinos at present, according to

However, its land-based property in Daman was

MOSL said it had expected Delta Corp to be a

estimates from PriceWaterhouse Coopers. The

touted as the real game changer for the company.

“debt-free, net cash” company by 2017, but

MOSL report estimates that Delta Corp’s total

The casino was supposed to be operational in

the continuing delay is unlikely to help the

revenues might double by 2016-17 at a CAGR

the second half of last year, according to a

company achieve the target. Delta exited the

of 30 percent, although the potential for the

report published by Motilal Oswald Securities

real estate sector last year and is now counting

market as a whole is unknown.

Ltd (MOSL) in September 2014.

on the gaming sector for nearly all its revenue.

The reason for the opening delay is unclear and

Multiple sources in the company confirmed

“In FY14, gaming contributed 45 percent of

may be linked towards attitudes to gambling

that the casino has yet to open, but Delta did

revenues, hospitality contributed 1 percent,

in India. Speaking to AGB, the Member of

not provide any official reason for the delay

and real estate contributed 52 percent. Delta

Parliament from Daman and Diu, Lalubhai

when contacted by AGB.

has decided to strategically focus on its gaming

Patel said that he was against the opening of

The 176-room property, called The Deltin, opened

business and has exited its real estate business.

the casino as it was likely to make the youth

in March last year without the gaming facilities,

In FY16, we expect gaming to contribute 89

of the Union Territory addicted to gambling. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SOUTH ASIA 35

Y13 Direct tourism contribution $714.6m or 3.9% of total GDP (Source: WTTC)

“While putting a number to cancellations is difficult, it could potentially be in the thousands.

This is going to impact tourism in Nepal for at least a few months,” Subhash Goyal, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) told Business Times.

PokerStars and Full Tilt are calling on the poker community to support relief operations in earthquake-hit Nepal. Parent company Amaya has said it will match dollar for dollar any donations made by players or staff to charity CARE International. The company set up multiple ways – tournament lobbies, player transfer and FPP donations – for players to donate.

250 million rupees ($2.6 million), with the minimum set at 150 million rupees for slot

NEPAL

Earthquake dims tourism hopes On April 25th Nepal was hit by its deadliest earthquake since 1934, measuring about 7.8 on the Richter scale and triggering fatal avalanches on Everest.

T

parlours, known here as mini-casinos.

A new annual license fee, to be paid to the tourism ministry, was set at 20 million rupees for casinos and 10 million rupees for minicasinos. Similarly, the annual royalty fee, paid to the inland revenue department, was doubled to 40 million rupees for casinos and set at 20 million rupees for mini-casinos and

he disaster is known to have killed

In early February, Hong Kong-based Silver

was made payable in advance rather than

at least 6,000 people at the time of

Heritage Limited (SHL) opened The Millionaire’s

in arrears.

going to press, with relief agencies

Club & Casino at the five-star Hotel Shangri-

At the time of going to press it was unclear

forecasting that the death toll will

La in Kathmandu, becoming the first casino to

what the impact of the earthquake has been

rise as rescuers reach outlying villages in this

come under Nepal’s new gaming regulations,

on the country’s casinos.

impoverished Himalayan nation.

while India’s Mahjong Entertainment, which

The tourism industry, one of the main foreign

The earthquake struck just as Nepal’s casino

operates Casino Mahjong at the five-star

exchange earners in Nepal, had already been

industry was beginning to show signs of life

Hotel Soaltee in Kathmandu followed suit,

reeling from a series of recent natural disasters.

after shutting down for nearly a year for

opening its doors to gamblers on February 6.

Last year about 43 were killed in unusually

failing to comply with new regulations. New

According to the new rules, which came into

severe snow storms, with almost 1.8 metres

foreign investment had also been announced

effect in July 2013, Nepal’s casinos were

(5 ft 11 in) of snow falling within 12 hours

in the sector.

required to have paid-up capital of at least

on or around Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

AUSTRALASIA 36

AUSTRALIA

Is Australia suitability bar set too high?

A

n attempt by Tony Fung’s Aquis

Applications of Genting HK’s type in Australia,

Group to buy the Reef Casino Hotel

and similar applications in other gambling

in Cairns failed because Queensland

sectors are strictly governed by legislation.

casino regulatory approvals were

For the most part, the legislative intention

not obtained in time. The deal was publicly

is clear – to get the licence or approval, the

announced in February 2014 and more than

applicant has to pass a suitability test. The

nine months later, it lapsed. The reason is that

test is usually based on a mix of the following

Aquis had not responded to requests by the

factors, covering not only the applicant but

Queensland casino regulator for interviews and

also close associates: good reputation (having

information in a timely way. Notwithstanding

regard to character, honesty and integrity);

this, Aquis ultimately obtained approval to

sound and stable financial background;

acquire the Canberra Casino.

satisfactory ownership structure; suitable

The second recent example was Genting Hong

financial resources; and sufficient relevant

Kong Limited’s application for approval to

experience.

acquire up to 25 percent of the shares in Echo

The suitability test is usually underpinned by

Entertainment Limited, which has been with

general objectives of the regulatory structure,

the New South Wales casino regulator for more

such as ensuring that the management and

than two and a half years. The reason for this

gambling operations are free from criminal

extraordinarily long time period directly relates

influence or exploitation and are conducted

to the supply of information, or more correctly,

honestly, and that the operation’s potential to

the non-supply of information.

cause harm is controlled or minimized.

*Bill Brown is principal at

Do these high-profile examples point to an

Unlike a lot of other regulatory regimes in

Orange Advisory Pty Ltd

impenetrable barrier for those who want to

Australia, gambling regulators are not faced

in Melbourne, and an

invest in the Australian gambling industry?

with a time clock when applications are before

In my opinion, the clear answer to all these

them. The onus is on the applicant to satisfy

questions is firm - No.

the criteria. This is done by the supply of

Two recent high-profile examples in Australia of deals not proceeding due to regulatory delays raise questions as to whether the approval process is taking too long, or whether the bar is set too high.

AGB Advisor

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Bill Brown*

AUSTRALASIA 37

CASINO GAMING REVENUE Y20E

A$6.2b ($4.87b)

(Source: IBIS)

Y14 Australia, NZ combined

$4.44b

Y15E

$5.13b

Y16E

$5.72b

(Source: Morgan Stanley)

Y16E

AS$4.6b

(Source: Citi Research)

Market share as of Jan. (Source: Queensland Treasury)

information and is usually done at two stages of an application process.

The first stage commences before the application is submitted and ends at the time it is lodged. A vast amount of information normally has to be

total gaming $17.4b (including pokies and lottery)

collected, collated and sometimes analysed to

casinos $4.11b

ensure that the application is accompanied by all the legislative and administrative requirements.

With the right advice, and patience, an application

Aquis Group chairman Tony Fung said he is “totally committed” to the $8 billion Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort project at Yorkeys Knob despite speculation in local media that there is little political backing of the project.

“There has been much speculation in recent months about the future of the project.

I want to assure you we remain totally committed to bringing Aquis Great Barrier Reef Resort to fruition,” wrote Fung in an open letter to the community.

The letter follows speculation that the change of government in Queensland could delay plans.

The Queensland Government has ended plans for Chinabacked ASF Consortium’s more than $7 billion integrated resort for Australia’s Gold Coast following strong opposition from environmental groups concerned about the impact a large-scale cruise ship terminal would have on the delicate marine eco-system. The company said it will work with the government in an attempt to find an alternative.

racing $2.7b sports betting Y12/13 $484.78m

when submitted should demonstrate that the applicant is worthy of the licence/approval.

However, the applicant needs to be armed and ready for the second stage.

also here where the information request can

applicant to comply.

The second stage is where the applicant,

seem unusual and quizzical to applicants not well

The better regulatory approach to this issue is

and information relevant to the applicant,

versed in the Australian regulatory approach.

adoption of what I call the “issue of concern”

is investigated. There may be questions of

Again, with the right advice and a necessary

approach. While it doesn’t excuse an applicant

a clarifying nature. For example, a foreign

degree of flexibility, additional information

from the obligation to supply or divulge

applicant may interpret a particular requirement

requests should not be insurmountable.

information, this approach can particularly

in a way that is different to the Australian

It is in the second stage where the most frustrating

help applicants, who are new to the regime, to

understanding.

delays occur. In defence of the regulator, it can

understand what it is the regulator is getting

In this second stage, however, the investigation

only base its decision on information supplied

at. Under the approach, the regulator openly

may prompt the regulator to ask for additional

by the applicant. If an applicant doesn’t supply

communicates with the applicant (usually

information. Often these requests come when

what the regulator asks for, the regulator will

through an advisor) the areas of greatest risk or

the applicant least expects it, particularly after

usually let the application (and investigation)

concern and gives an indication of what would

the deep and sometimes confronting collection

stall. Without a time clock ticking away against

mitigate or eliminate it. The applicant is then

of information at the pre-lodgment stage. It is

the regulator, the only real incentive is on the

given time to respond. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

AUSTRALASIA 38

VISITATION Jan. Tourism arrivals 45,688

+8%

China visitors 13,933

+12%

Arrivals from Korea soared 53 percent in January to 21,145 visitors, the highest ever monthly number from that country. Asiana Airlines operated additional flights to Saipan from Seoul four times a week beginning Dec. 2, while Jeju Air was also scheduled to add flights.

PACIFIC ISLES

Best Sunshine signs land lease for Saipan mega casino

Chinese Strategic Holdings Ltd, a Hong Kong-listed company, says the Tinian gambling regulator still needs to approve its revised plan to take over operations at Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino. The company has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong Entertainment (Overseas) Investments Ltd, the owner of the casino hotel.

Best Sunshine International has finally signed a lease agreement with the Department of Public Lands for a parcel of land where the first phase of its $7.1 billion Saipan casino development will be located.

Investment Group -- Silvia Siu and Xianjun

T

will feature 300 rooms, with one presidential

Meng -- were deemed to be suitable investors for a casino license.

Bridge Investment Group plans on building a $150 million resort at Tinian harbour. The resort

he group signed a 40-year lease on the

The company beat out rival Marianas Stars

suite, 15 other suites, and 58 executive rooms.

19,154 sq. m. of public land in Garapan

Entertainment for the only license to be

It will also have a 38,000-sq.m. casino-banquet

at the site formerly known as Samoan

granted on Saipan, but some analysts have

room, a wedding chapel, a fitness center, two

Housing Area with a negotiated and

expressed scepticism at the size of the planned

large restaurants, a shopping arcade and a

agreed upon appraisal value of $5 million, five

investment.

museum.

times more than the prior appraisal that set its

The company claims the island’s advantages

Other planned investments include Mega Stars

value at $901,000.

include its year-round temperate climate, stable

Overseas’ integrated resort on Puntan Kastiyu

The company, a unit of Hong Kong-listed

U.S. regulatory environment and natural beauty.

-- another multi-million dollar project targeted

Imperial Pacific, was granted a 25-year license to

However, the destination is some five hours

at China’s high rollers.

build and operate a casino on the largest of the

from mainland China, which was expected to

Then there’s Shanghai-based Saipan Jinghua

Northern Mariana islands in August last year. It

be the largest market.

Investments Ltd. which aims to develop a $4

has an option to extend for a further 15 years.

Meanwhile investment interest continues in

billion integrated resort on 300 hectares of

It doubled its original budget to $7.1 billion and

neighbouring Tinian. In February, the Tinian

public land located at Pina Plateau on Tinian,

said it plans more than 4,200 hotel rooms and

Casino Gaming Control Commission found

while Macau-based Alter City Group plans to

1,600 gaming tables.

that the two major shareholders in Bridge

invest $360 million. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

What has established our global reputation in the gaming industry?

At the Malta Gaming Authority, our regulatory philosophy, organisational principles and culture are focused on player protection.

Malta’s transparent legal framework and experience in regulating gaming has developed into a world class eco-system providing effective, innovative and efficient regulation.

Our regulatory framework provides assurances both locally and internationally that fairness and transparency are at the core of everything that we do. To this effect, our licensees are associated with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency.

Proudly recognised as a world class authority in terms of innovation, governance and diligence.

Malta GaMinG authority Suite 1, Level 3, TG Complex, Brewery Street, Mrieћel, Birkirkara BKR 3000, Malta t +356 2546 9000 F +356 2144 6950 E info@mga.org.mt www.mga.org.mt

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 40

Global Gaming Expo Asia

The heart of Asian gaming Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia) is the largest regional sourcing platform for global gaming and entertainment products. Held in Macau, the heart of Asian gaming and one of the fastest growing gaming markets in the world, G2E Asia is the hub where gaming professionals network and conduct business.

G

2E Asia covers a total net area of

The inaugural edition of the All Asia Dealers

8,530 sqm, hosts 180 exhibitors, and

Championship will also take place during

is expecting around 9,000 visitors.

the three days of the show, with the opening

In 2014, more than 95 percent of

ceremony on Tuesday afternoon and finals on

the top Asian casino operators were at the

Thursday afternoon.

show, and 78 percent of visitors came from

As always, networking is an important factor

outside of Macau.

at the show and there are several social events

This year organizers, Reed Exhibitions, have

organized for different groups, including the

added a number of new features to the show, as

Slots Networking and Table Games Networking

well as the regular favorite events. In addition

Meetups on Tuesday evening, G2E Asia Welcome

to the G2E Asia 2015 Conference, the iGaming

Reception on Wednesday evening, Global

Summit and the Gaming Management Certificate

Gaming Women reception, Suppliers Party and

Program, the event also features an Integrated

International Masters of Gaming Law drinks to

Resort Forum, an IT & Business Solution Forum

name just a few. l

and the Asia Lottery Industry Forum.

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 42

PALTRONICS

Introducing our new table gaming products Paltronics Australasia is launching a new range of table gaming products at this years’ G2E Macau exhibition.

T

his strategic initiative began over 18

up to be maintenance free. This has been

3mm dot pitch display allowing extremely

months ago with the company investing

achieved by replacing the fault prone

bright high resolution images.

in state of the art product solutions for table

solenoid system with a contactless linear

Spectra displays are available with screen sizes

games with a key focus on Asian style games.

actuator, a technology that reduces friction,

from 19” to 39” and all feature integrated

The first prototype Sic Bo game was

wear and tear on core components.

side LED lighting. With eye catching game

introduced at the Macau Gaming Show last

Infinity has been also designed with security

graphics, statistical game history, flexible

year, and was very well received.

in mind, with a magnetic locking dome cover

template based background designs and

A core technology of the new Sic Bo game is

eliminating the exposure to “peeping”. With

dazzling effects this will ensure that Spectra

the Clarity playing surface. Clarity is a fully

automatic dice detection in development,

displays will compliment any gaming floor

sealed laminated layer with embedded LEDs

Infinity is the most robust and secure dice

design and draw players to the games.

producing vibrant and clear under-lighting

system on the market today.

Spectra displays are also designed for

and being fully sealed its maintenance free

Complementing the new Sic Bo system is the

Baccarat and Roulette games.

for life.

Spectra Table Display.

Paltronics Australasia has also entered

With a depth of only 18mm, Clarity is easy to

The Spectra displays are housed in a low

into a strategic partnership with Gaming

install in the table top surface and without

profile aluminium extrusion delivering the

Entertainment Systems (GES), a Sydney

the need to modify the main table structure

thinnest table display system available. The

based company specializing in state of the

beneath. Clarity includes adjustable

extensive range includes both LCD and LED

art table technologies. GES products to

brightness intensity and a countdown timer

versions with various colour options available.

be showcased at G2E include Lucky Ball, a

to promote faster play.

The LCD range utilizes the latest state of

new side bet game for Roulette available

Another significant development for Sic Bo

the art IPS wide-angle display screens with

on the Spectra Roulette display and GES

is the new Infinity dice shaker.

stunning graphical performance.

Progressive, a Poker Room jackpot and

Infinity has been designed from the ground

The LED range utilizes a high-resolution

bonusing system. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 44 Aristocrat

Innovation and maximum flexibility

Aruze

A fresh face for Aruze

Betconstruct

Presenting Asian style sportsbook

G

2E Asia will demonstrate Aristocrat’s ongoing commitment to providing the

most relevant product for the Asia Pacific region. The company has extended its games portfolio through focused investment behind the Entertainment & Jackpot segments, whilst innovating within its core segment. G2E Asia provides an opportunity to showcase the four key market-leading portfolio segments (breadth) and the content support (depth) behind each.

Fortune Tree is the latest in customer driven

B

developments and will be officially launched at G2E Asia with three of Aristocrat’s best games: 5 Dragons Deluxe, 50 Dragons Deluxe and Fortune King Deluxe.

Aristocrat is creating visual destinations on gaming floors in Asia Pacific, with thrilling game themes and packaging designed to create attention. Super Wheel Blast is a new game family with three support titles. Each one takes the player on a journey to three exciting and popular international destinations; New York, Venice and Hong Kong.

To provide even more choice and performance, Aristocrat has acquired ‘best in class’ talent to build entertainment style games tailored for Asia Pacific markets. Dan Marks - creator of the Global Entertainment segment - is now developing entertainment style games called the ‘E*Series’, which will be on show at G2E Asia with two new Asia Pacific themed product families spanning five titles including Magic Flower and 3 Emperors. E*Series games are designed to increase player engagement and entertainment on casino floors through enhanced graphics, animation and sound, plus stand-out win celebrations that really drive excitement.

Visit Aristocrat at stand #527. l

A

ruze Gaming is very excited about the launch of a fresh face to its library of

products, and will be proudly introducing Cube-X at G2E. This new platform has an ergonomically friendly cabinet that is composed of recycled materials, dual hefty 24-inch high-definition monitors, a liquid crystal display topper and button panel.

Aruze claims that the next generation processor board and operating system will provide the power and capability to accommodate innovative game features for years to come. With the launch of its new cabinet Cube-X and various new video/stepper/community game titles, Aruze is confident that they will provide customers a unique and diversified gaming product experience. Complimenting Cube X is the new cabinet launch of Cube X Video & Cube X Innovator, stepper. Three new progressive links namely Rapid Shot, stepper, Burning Hot JP, stepper & Extreme Video. As well as Virtual Roulette, which is the latest ETG product. Aruze also has come out with multiple titles for the CUBE-X G-SERIES. Players Party is now the 3rd generation G-Link communal video game. The company is now looking to aggressively expand to various regions to increase the existing regions market share. The future looks bright for this privately owned company as Aruze Gaming continues to innovate and surprise us, with many anxiously waiting to see what they come up with next.

Aruze Gaming will be at booth #921. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

etConstruct will offer a localized version of its sportsbook that will

appeal to a wider audience in Asia as well as users who prefer an Asianstyle sportsbook. This Asian View has been designed to specifically meet the user experience that is familiar to customers in Asia Pacific. BetConstruct’s sportsbook with Asian View continues to provide an industry leading 20,000 live matches each month, as well as bet types such as Asian Handicap and Totals Bets which are of particular relevance to Asian markets. As a further innovation to be showcased at G2E Asia, BetConstruct will exhibit an updated Agent System designed specifically for the requirements of the Asian marketplace.

As an award-winning developer and provider of online and land-based betting and gaming solutions, with eight global offices and over 120 clients, BetConstruct is committed to helping its clients achieve their desired level of growth and success.

BetConstruct will be on stand #417. l

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT

Cammegh

Ready to impress

F

or its 8th year running Cammegh is using G2E Asia as a platform to

exhibit its roulette wheels and table

CPI

DLV

Enhanced communications and efficiencies

C

rane Payment Innovations will be exhibiting at G2E Asia with the most

comprehensive portfolio of automated

DLV forecasts a storm

D

LV believes that its new cabinet DIAMOND EXCEL with two 27”

screens will take the markets it is destined

game displays which are acclaimed to

payment systems in the gaming industry.

for by storm, with exciting plans to

be the world’s finest. Making its first

Among the products on display will be the

increase its presence in existing Asian

appearance in the region, having had its

MEI SC Advance note acceptor, EASITRAX

countries by rolling out machines in

debut at ICE last February, is the brand

Web and PPM Advance support tool. When

Singapore, Cambodia and the Philippines.

new Cammegh roulette side bet; Spread

used together, these products create a

The other Diamond cabinets, DWS with

Bet Roulette. Also on display will be

powerful cash management solution that

two 22”screens and HD with 24” screens,

Cammegh’s EyeCard and EyeCard Plus

enables newfound efficiencies throughout

which have already reached many markets

card recognition system accompanied by

operations.

of the world, will also be on display,

Billboard Display Systems showcasing

EASITRAX Web, a software extension of

showcasing the Diamond Games premium

the finest Baccarat graphics with

EASITRAX Soft Count, provides operators

multigames series and Vollinstars

ultramodern features such as: scheduled

with more flexibility when accessing and

jackpot, which is a 25-game program for

video streaming, 3rd party product

evaluating performance data to drive

standalone machine ULTRA 2.

integration, data logging and live export,

efficiencies from the slot floor to the back

Not to be missed is DLVBET, DLV’s

pin sharp HD graphics and custom

room. The data it collects from SC acceptor

recently launched online betting website,

graphics & animations. The cornerstone

heads can still be used to streamline the

where bets can be placed on different

of Cammegh’s exhibit will be the flagship

drop process, facilitate asset evaluations

sports and political events 24/7.

roulette wheel and the Mercury 360

and conduct preventative maintenance

With more developments up its sleeve DLV

together with the visually stunning

programs. EASITRAX Web makes it easier

wish to retain some mystery and invite you

Crystal wheel, Mercury 360 Aurora and

to import that data, and convert it into

to their stand to find out more.

the patented Slingshot 2 automatic

reports from anywhere in the world with

DLV are at booth #1039. l

roulette wheel. Cammegh’s analysis

secure intranet access.

tools; PitBoss and Wheel Manager will

PPM Advance is a next generation support

also be linked to the wheels, giving

tool that lowers maintenance costs by

visitors access to a complete Cammegh

facilitating quick and easy updates to

package.

in-field SC note acceptors. Its Bluetooth

Cammegh, continues to make remarkable

functionality option delivers enhanced

in-roads in Macau, with installations

communications to the user through an

right across the territory, the company’s

Android phone and tablet app.

latest installation with the Galaxy

Also on the CPI booth will be the CashCode

Entertainment Group includes nine

SM BackLoad note acceptor, which has the

Mercury 360 wheels with unique designs

fastest note-to-stack speed in the world

customised to Galaxy’s requirements

at 1.7 seconds. It is designed to support

featuring beautiful hand-painted

door-mounted applications with small

artwork complemented by Cammegh’s

footprints such as bingo, roulette and

pin sharp Billboard HD displays running

tabletop sports betting terminals.

Cammegh’s unique roulette side bets:

Finally, CPI will feature several coin

Spreadbet Roulette and Lucky Symbols.

acceptors and hoppers with varying

The Cammegh team look forward to

footprints and capacities to meet

welcoming everyone to this year’s show.

individual application requirements. The

Cammegh will be on booth #865. l

Universal Hopper is CPI’s best-selling coin hopper, with millions installed worldwide.

The Cyclone Hopper offers a smaller footprint and is ideal for applications where lower coin capacities are required, including the latest multi-pay gaming machines. CranePI is exhibiting at stand #739. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

% ia 0 s : l1 A f i a fo r r i e d e e c n t B co Sp ou ing se GB u -A sc m , di Ga ers 74 9 ad A re B

47

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SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 48 EVERY MATRIX

Extending its reach in Asia

Ezugi

Whispers of expansion

GPI

Showcasing new products

I

E

and cater to the growing demands of the

G2E. Also up its sleeve are more products

expanded portfolio of table game product

online iGaming communities in Asia.

and features in the pipeline but despite

offerings at G2E Asia.

G2E Asia is a very important event for the

our curious enquires can’t be revealed

Under the B&G brand GPI have developed

company, which is striving to extend its

until G2E.

a new line of technologically advanced,

reach in the ever-growing Asian market.

Meanwhile we have news that Ezugi is

plastic injection molded chips. The new

EveryMatrix has recently grown its

talking to several land based casinos

V-Series chips were designed to offer a

number of representatives in Manila

about adding a live stream from their

whole new range of versatile edge spot

and is earnestly working on attracting

casino floor and has generated a lot of

patterns that can be created with a choice

new clients in this region. EveryMatrix is

interest for Proxy Betting.

between two different size decals with

sponsoring bar drinks and organizing the

The company states that G2E has become

an infra-red security feature exclusive

private event at McSorley’s for clients and

more relevant for them in the past few

to GPI. In addition the V-Series chip line

partners, which will take place from 19-21

years since online has become more

is made with a new injection material

May, during the G2E Asia show. Find one of

prominent at the event.

formula that is much more durable and

EveryMatrix’s representatives to get your

Ezugi will be speaking about Mobile

includes ChipShield. With the large

invite, or ask the staff at the AGB booth for

Monetization in Asia on Thursday from

amount of handling by dealers and players

details.

14:35-15:35.

ChipShield is an anti-fungal that helps

EveryMatrix is also sponsoring the Asian

They will be doing a drinks session at

keep the gaming chips cleaner for longer

Gaming Summer Social in Manila on May

Bellini and invite anyone who would like to

with a more sanitary chip surface. GPI’s

23rd at 71 Gramercy, and hopes to see many

join to put their name down on the stand.

acquisition of Gemaco this past year,

new and existing clients there.

Ezugi will be on stand #407 and #409. l

included the operations in Asia. As a

n 2013 EveryMatrix opened an office in Manila, Philippines, in its quest to

ensure a strong presence within the region

zugi has launched a new Baccarat side bet and Knock-Out Baccarat which the

company is excited to bring to the stage at

G

aming Partners International will be showcasing the latest additions to its

B&G gaming currency line as well as an

The company looks forward to forming new

result, they can now offer customers in

partnerships with major industry players

Asia its Gemaco branded playing cards

in the Asian market, gaining valuable

and table layouts. The Gemaco branded

industry knowledge and establishing new

card line includes three paper stock and

contacts. l

a plastic card option to meet the varying requirements of casino operators. With manufacturing facilities in Asia, GPI can now also provide its customers with a variety of full graphic layouts for all of their gaming tables. GPI have also expanded the design options to its B&G line of European-style plaques. Visitors can expect a full demonstration of the company’s complete line of products GPI will be on #365. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

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SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 50 IDNPLAY

Live multi-player games

IGT

Showcasing a winning combination

I

I

over 150,000 active multiplayer IDNPLAY

management systems at G2E Asia where

gamers.

visitors will get a first-hand look at IGT’s

True to its mission statement announced

newly formed “Winning Combination” of

at iGA the company has acquired related

industry leaders.

sales and marketing and has been

They will also gain access to a diverse array

rolling them into one efficient low cost

of gaming innovation developed for the

operating infrastructure in preparation

Asia-Pacific market.

for acquisitions. “This event is important

“IGT is excited to showcase the combined

because at one time, the game industry

global strength of our newly formed

was focused solely on Europe and

company,” said Walter Bugno, IGT CEO,

the United Kingdom”, states Daniel

International. “At G2E Asia, we will present

Alexis, IDNPLAY’s Head of Marketing.

a portfolio that speaks volumes about our

“Nowadays, there are more than 2

Customer First focus and our commitment

billion game platforms, mostly mobile

to the success and growth of the Asia-Pacific

phones, in use outside of those countries.

market. IGT continues to invest in extensive

And with potential audiences of

market research with a global focus and

this magnitude, we need to focus

local emphasis, ensuring that the games we

on our presence in Asia especially”.

develop resonate with our customers and

The IDNPLAY team looks forward to

their players.”

the opportunity to connect with clientele

IGT will spotlight the company’s Asian

and international networks from the

culturally enriched progressive theme, San

industry.

Xing Bao Xi. Housed on the CrystalDual

IDN play will be on stand #26. l

cabinet, San Xing Bao Xi features two base

DN play has selected G2E to promote its network multi-player games such

as poker, dominoes, and live toto linking

Moderating iGaming regulation panel

nternational Game Technology will present a comprehensive portfolio of

innovative games, hardware and casino

game themes, Dragon Dynasty and Golden Frog, and boasts a series of play mechanics that elevate player excitement and encourage players to bet up.

Fu Gui Ji Li is another highly anticipated, Asian-attuned progressive title making its global debut at G2E Asia. Also housed on the CrystalDual cabinet, Fu Gui Ji Li offers exciting game play and communicates “luck” and “fortune” through a culturally relevant symbol set.

IGT will prominently feature the company’s Premium AXXIS product line with awardwinning TRUE 3D technology. Asian-themed games DRAGON’S TEMPLE 3D and DREAMS of ASIA will also complement an extended library of other TRUE 3D games.

IGT will spotlight a robust core portfolio of Asian-enriched themes on the G23 hardware, including new themes Dancing Lion, Eastern Treasures, Chinese Odyssey, Fortune Beast, Guardian’s Treasures, Lantern Riches, and more. The International Game Technology IGT team will be at Stand #909. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

Inspired

I

nspired, the leading provider of Virtual Sports, Mobile Games and

SBG Video Lottery, announces that its SVP of Asia and Strategic Markets, Harmen Brenninkmeijer, will be moderating a session on Regulation vs.

Prohibition at G2E Asia.

“Asia is an incredibly interesting growth region, particularly for gaming,” said Brenninkmeijer. “There are a lot of opportunities to introduce new types of gambling, but this naturally gives rise to the age-old debate between prohibition and regulation. My experience in the gaming industry, and particularly at Inspired, has been that cleaning up illegal gambling markets and establishing sound regulations to ensure player protection and tax collection is a positive step for governments, players and society in general. It’s a topic close to my heart so I am thrilled to be moderating a session on this very issue,” adds Brenninkmeijer.

For a number of years, Inspired has been working with operators across Asia to share its knowledge and experience in the implementation of new regulations and gaming services.

Asia is a key market for Inspired’s Virtual Sports and Mobile propositions. In China, Inspired’s Virtual Motor Racing rapid draw lottery game “Lucky Racing” is the best-performing lottery product in Hunan Province. Its Virtual Football, “E-Ball,” is live in the largest province for sports lottery in China’s Jiangsu Province. It will also soon be launching its Virtual Sports in the Philippines with the DFNN Group of Companies. l

We own/manage 30 casinos in Canada, USA, Europe, the Caribbean, Argentina and on luxury cruise ships.

Listed on NASDAQ since 1994 (ticker: CNTY).

We are looking for small and mid-size casino investment and management opportunities throughout Asia.

Please contact Peter Hoetzinger, Co CEO & President, at peter.hoetzinger@cnty.com

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 52 Inteplay

Innovation and flexibility

JCM GLOBAL

Helping operators create better connections

Konami

New entertainment and creative interaction

J

K

to G2E. Connections are enhanced with

show. Konami’s newest releases include

FutureLogic printer technology featuring

a number of exclusive Asian market

products with the speed, flexibility and

titles, including original math games

durability to meet operators’ demands.

such as Opera Beauty, 5-reel video slot,

The connection continues with JCM’s

Dragon’s Glory, UltraReels video slot, and

system solutions, including Dynamic

Prophetess of Fortune on Rapid Revolver,

Network Applications (DNA), Intelligent

with more to be revealed at the show’s

Cash Box (ICB), PromoNet, Ticket2Go

opening.

and TableXchange. PromoNet intelligent

“Konami continues to invest its support

couponing identifies valuable players,

in new games, cabinets, and technology

targets both carded and non-carded

that help advance the future of gaming

players, links promotions to game-play

entertainment in many crucial Asian

and delivers promotions exactly where

regions,” said Matt Reback, VP of

and when they are needed. Of particular

marketing at Konami. “The games we’re

interest to operators in Macau and other

bringing to G2E Asia feature greater

regions with high-volume wagering at

volatility indexes, enhanced player

nteplay will publish its leading online

table games is JCM’s iV8 table game bill

interaction, richer pay tables, and custom

gaming platform, Mars, at G2E Asia

validator that can validate and process

art themes to further engage regional

along with many other fantastic new

large stacks of notes at 8 notes per second,

player demographics with fresh gaming

games such as Night Club, Baccarat

dramatically reducing buy-in time and

experiences. In particular, Konami’s

Wheel, Money on Trees and Wenzou Pai

increasing the number of potential hands

Prophetess of Fortune on Rapid Revolver is

Gow. Inteplay continues to invest in

dealt per hour.

powered by a unique multiplier mechanic

creating the most versatile and innovative

Also showing is the TableXchange, which

delivered through the stacked, spinning

gaming products for its global clients

brings the convenience of TITO to the table

top-box drums that amplifies wins up to

expressing confidence that, with its strong

by both accepting and paying out with TITO

100x.” said Reback.

commitment to building high quality

tickets, allowing full two-way transactions

Prophetess of Fortune is Konami’s newest

games, credibility levels will sustain and

compatible with existing casino TITO

release for Rapid Revolver, joining the

its client-base will continue to expand.

systems, increasing convenience for

award-winning debut title Rising Dragon.

Inteplay believes that customer retention

players and streamlining operations by

Both combine thrilling top-box lighting

is one of the most significant factors of

virtually eliminating the need to replenish

and effects in the upper stacked reels with

organizational success in this industry and

chips at table games.

dramatic art animation in the lower video

that gaming vendors should commit to

The connection is completed with

base game for a hybrid video-mechanical

establishing strong business relationships

JCMedia, a complete line of digital

reel experience. Konami’s big-screen

with the buyers. Inteplay plans to integrate

displays, production services and media

Podium Goliath cabinet will also be shown,

feedback and ideas discussed at the event

management systems that empower

with colossal sound and 32-inch dual

to future designs adding value to the

operators to communicate directly with

high-definition LCD displays.

company in terms of conceptualizing the

customers in a digitally dynamic fashion.

“Konami will be showcasing some of its

current trends, competitive environment

JCM Global can be found on stand #339. l

most promising new game themes on

CM is bringing its better, smarter and faster bill validation technology,

printer technology and systems solutions

I

onami Gaming, Inc. will present a milestone line-up of new Asian

market game titles during this year’s

and certainly in predicting the industry’s

Goliath, such as Heroine of the East and

future and therefore look forward to face

Mighty Emperor of Heaven,” said Reback.

to face conversations with experts in the

“Because Goliath is compatible with all the

industry.

same games as our classic Podium cabinet,

Inteplay will be on stand #501. l

operators have the greatest control and long-term flexibility to customize this product to meet their needs,” he said.

Konami Gaming will be at Booth #559. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 53 LT Game

A dramatic step forward

Mahjong Logic

Continued growth in the Japanese market

Microgaming

Largest collection of games in the industry

M

L

M

with new a cabinet and touch screen. Along

Logic and 2015 sees them focusing on

Lucky Firecracker and blockbuster Game

with this new addition come new games

continued growth in the Japanese market

of Thrones. It will be showing its all-

namely LT Power Tournament on Live Table

as well as finalizing the development

encompassing product range, including a

Multi Games System and LT Power Dragon,

of the brand new HTML5 platform. The

portfolio of award-winning slot and casino

an automatic/RNG electronic table game.

company is consistently adding new

games and a state-of-the-art Live Dealer

The LT Game flagship product of Hong

operators and partners throughout the

offering. With over 800 casino games, and

Kong-listed Paradise Entertainment’s

region with the release of several operators

more than 225 dedicated mobile games,

subsidiary is the e-Baccarat Table, replacing

in China and other Asian regions later

Microgaming says it isn’t just about

physical betting chips with digital chips and

this year. Mahjong Logic is excited to

quantity - the quality it claims is also

a ticket-in, ticket-out system eliminating

meet current partners, colleagues and

unmatched. Products will be demonstrated

human error which improves accuracy and

establishing new relationships. l

on desktops, mobiles, tablets and even

T Game brings new developments and products since last year’s G2E Asia. It

will be exhibiting a new Live Table Game

ahjong Logic will be using G2E Asia to showcase the Mahjong Logic P2P

solution. Asia is a core market for Mahjong

icrogaming looks forward to showing its wide range of games at G2E

Asia, including new favourites Lucky Koi,

speeds up game play.

wearables, highlighting cross-platform

LT Game says the dealer, players, and

capability featuring the latest iPhones and

physical cards help to retain the experience

Android-powered tablet devices as well as

of an old-fashioned card game, however

devices that are popular within the Asian

there is virtually no limit to the number

market. Built to be flexible and adaptable,

of players who can join the game via LT

its software can be localized, both in terms

game’s Live Multi-Game betting terminals,

of language and currency, with online slots

beyond the 5-10 players who sit around the

in over 45 languages and more than 25

electronic table.

currencies.

Furthermore LT Game will be showcasing

Microgaming invites you to place your

its internationally acclaimed Live

business card in a box on the Microgaming

Multimedia Machine with two types of

stand for a chance to enter a free prize

cabinets namely LMG-6 and Slant-Top-4

draw to win a GoProHER04 Black edition

both exclusively designed for baccarat and

and 64GB memory card. The winner will be

Sicbo & Roulette.

announced at 3.30pm on the Microgaming

LT Game continues to increase its market

stand on 21st May 2015.

share in Macau exploring several different

Microgaming has a full team available

opportunities to enter into the global

and a bar to meet customers, network and

market with imminent plans to install

demo its product range at Booth #847. l

terminals at new sites as well as replenish existing ones in Cotai. LT Game looks forward to pursuing new product launches within the next few months and will be rolling out e-Baccarat tables to more casinos accompanying their products with the Intelligent Cash Access Machine.

Demonstrations of the e-Baccarat table and other table games will take place at Booth #909. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 54 Play’n Go

From strength to strength

RGB

SBTech

Exciting plans for Asia Pacific

Penetrating further into Asia

R

GB is now aggressively promoting its latest innovative products to new

customers across the Asia Pacific region.

Having recently secured new customers in the region, the company is focused on continued growth in this area. RGB is exhibiting EGM from WMS, SHFL, R. Franco, Bingo machine from Zitro, Multi Wheel of Central Gaming and Baccarat Smart Display Surface as well as RGB’s own Layout. As a one-stop solution provider with a healthy pace of adding new products to its current portfolio the company promises ongoing enhanced value and performance, bringing excitement and higher revenue to its customers gaming floors. RGB invites you to discuss your technical, support and operations management needs with its team at the show.

RGB will be on stand number #745. l

S

BTech prepares to showcase its portfolio of innovative products

specifically for the Asian market at G2E Asia. In addition to a powerful Asian facing sportsbook, SBTech’s powerful sports betting interface features all the popular Asian bet types, including Asian handicap and Over/Under, as well as over 200 other different bet types across more than 30 sports, plus coverage of more than 18,000 live events per month. SBTech will also be presenting Chameleon360, a potent egaming backend system which allows operators comprehensive control

​P

of an entire suite of integrated premium

lay’n Go will be showing its full award

casino gaming content from the industry’s

winning portfolio of Systems and flash/

leading providers, accessible by players

HTML5 casino games at G2E Asia, including

via a single sign-on for a seamless sports

table games, slots and jackpot games, all

betting and casino gaming experience.

available via desktop, mobile and server

SBTech has also just signed a deal

based terminals. Play’n Go has gone from

with Gameplay Interactive to provide

strength to strength in the Asian market

Asian market sports betting solutions.

since 2014 growing successfully in terms of

Gameplay Interactive powers some of

clients, products and presence. Exhibiting at

the region’s leading brands, including

G2E Asia the company is a natural part of its

w88.com, all of whom will benefit from

Asia business expansion.

the seamless integration of SBTech’s

The team look forward to meeting all of their

powerful sportsbook that has been tailored

current clients and finding new business

specifically for the unique Asian sports

opportunities to explore.

betting market. “Our latest deal with

Play’n Go will be on stand #1515. l

Gameplay Interactive is a fantastic step forward as it will see us penetrate further into the Asian market through a number of key gaming brands operating in the region,” commented Itai Zak, SBTech CEO. “Almost three quarters of Asia’s interactive/online gaming revenues come from sports betting and we’re confident our localised sportsbook will prove popular.” he said.

SBTech will be on stand #227. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 56 Scientific Games

Stronger together

Sega Sammy

More fun, more excitement

Silver Goose 8

All-inclusive, integrated gaming platform

A

C

is uniquely positioned as a global supplier

Philippines, Silver Goose 8 is acquiring

of choice, with the industry-leading Bally,

and operating gaming outlets to provide

Shuffle Master and WMS brands now under

electronic casino games to the Philippines

one roof.

community.

Its time-tested brands and comprehensive

Silver Goose 8, the integrated, all-

product portfolios are created and supported

inclusive, online gaming platform provider,

by a talented global team. At G2E Asia,

brings to the G2E table a wide spectrum of

the company will demonstrate its ability

gaming products including online Casino,

to leverage proven product brands and

Live Dealer, Sports, Binary Options, Keno

cutting-edge technology solutions that

and multi-player Poker. With a portfolio

benefit customers and help them grow

of over 200 slot games which include local

t G2E Asia 2015, Scientific Games will demonstrate the benefits of its merger

with Bally, emphasizing that the company

array of top brands will be on display.

Ken Jolly, vice president of Scientific

platform provider for PAGCOR

regulated electronic gaming outlets in the

their businesses. More than 80 innovative products from across the company’s diverse

urrently the technology and gaming

and network progressive jackpots offering

K

eeping the momentum going for its

different Live Dealer products with both

sophomore year following its debut

Asian and European dealers.

at last year’s G2E Asia, Japan based Sega

The company boasts 33 Baccarat tables,

Games Asia, said: “G2E Asia 2015 is a

Sammy launches two large-scale ETGs,

8 Roulette tables, 8 Blackjack tables, 3

great opportunity to showcase a range of

“Sicbo Bonus Jackpot” and “Exciting

Sicbo tables, 3 Dragon Tiger tables, 1 Texas

product categories, along with premium

Baccarat” both with renewed player

Hold’em poker table and 1 Caribbean

content including Da Fu Da Gui - the Asian-

terminals. Sicbo Bonus Jackpot was

Poker table and a Sportsbook covering over

themed 4-level progressive link that is the

approved earlier this Spring in Macau

400 different leagues, with an average of

continuation of the successful Duo Fu Duo

and the company is proud to announce

10,000 live games for in-play betting every

Cai phenomenon. Our team is excited to

the start of sales at G2E Asia. The Sega

month. Silver Goose 8 games are available

present our products, designed to entertain

Sammy team is looking forward to seeing

on websites, download game clients,

and perform like no other.”

all of the casino fans play its new games,

mobile and tablet devices all reinforced

Scientific Games will display an outstanding

collecting valuable feedback from casino

with a comprehensive administrative

line-up of Bally-brand games on the Pro

fans and operators and selling some

backend system that provides unified

Series and Equinox cabinets that will appeal

Sicbo Bonus Jackpot units.

player account management, promotions

to players in the Asia-Pacific market. The

The company states that its focus is

and marketing tools, affiliates module and

company follows the success of Duo Fu Duo

on giving casino fans games that have

sales and management reports to cater to

Cai with a new Asian-themed progressive

never been seen before. With strategic

daily operational needs.

link called Da Fu Da Gui, which means “big

marketing plans in Macau well underway,

Silver Goose 8 looks forward to feedback

riches, big honors.” Da Fu Da Gui, inspired

stay tuned for upcoming additional

on its integrated gaming platform and

by Duo Fu Duo Cai with the dedicated Asian

projects.

lucrative collaborations with partners.

content and math model, offers players the

Sega Sammy will be on stand #965. l

Silver Goose 8 will be at stand #512. l

anticipation of big wins with its Double Luck Jackpot feature.

When players reveal three Double Luck symbols during the jackpot feature, they win the current jackpot amount, plus the startup amount of the winning jackpot level. The Da Fu Da Gui link launches with Rich Traditions and Jade Eternity on the Pro Wave cabinet.

Scientific Games will be at booth #473. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

SUPPLIER SPECIAL REPORT 57 TCS John Huxley

Solution-based products

T

CSJOHNHUXLEY will be showcasing its cutting-edge technology product

portfolio at G2E Asia, a region where it

Weike Gaming Technology

Investing for the future

XPG

Plans for growth and expansion

W

eike Gaming Technology once again participates in G2E Asia.

This year the region will be getting its

continues to boast a strong presence.

first look at the new integrated 4-level

“Once again, we will be revealing new

progressive jackpot Ultimate Treasure,

products and solutions that reinforce

Jin Yin Cai Bao and Super 8. “The rapid

our strategy to innovate and develop our

development and rise of the gaming

portfolio,” said Tristan Sjöberg, executive

industry in Asia are the push factors for us

chairman. “We continue to deliver

and following the success of our products

solution-based products that drive and

introduced last year we will continue to

grow our customers’ businesses.” he said.

put additional resources and create new

On show for the first time in Asia is GFL

exciting developments specific to the

Media, a substantial asset featuring a

Asian market according to the approved

X

media and display system where content

standards,” said Peter Kup-Ferroth, VP

can be altered, scheduled and configured

of product marketing. Highlights at G2E

gaming market and cutting-edge products.

from a central point and sent to any display

Asia will be the standalone game portfolio

connected to the platform, enabling

which includes Wu Song, The Peranakan

operators to react quickly to changing

heritage-themed game, Graceful Fortune

levels and requirements of player activity,

and an exciting 50-line game. Chinese

change table limits and displayed media

specific themes include Dou Di Zhu Gold,

from a central point and control the

Warrior Mulan and the new Flaming

delivery of content. Holding a library of

Mountain, Dragon gift and Muay Thai.

game and bonusing variations on a server

“We strongly believe as an Asian Gaming

that allows up to the minute optimization

Manufacturer that, as the Asian gaming

of floor setups like that of GFL Media.

industry continues to grow, Weike’s

Also featuring, as part of the GFL Media

regional focus will continue to provide

module is Blaze, a gaming surface

strong service levels for operators” said

technology offering stunning game

Kup Ferroth. “We are investing for the

animations projected through a traditional

future and we always have the customers

gaming layout. In addition to Sicbo and

in focus. It is important to have a long

Roulette, visitors will also see an Asian

term perspective and always make sure

inspired LED Money Wheel for the first time.

we give the best combination of product

Also being launched is i-Depsys, the

requirements and value for money in every

Intelligent Drop Box that can be integrated

market,” commented Ray Poh, COO of

into any gaming table. Ideal for the 24/7

Weike Group.

operations in Asia, i-Depsys is a fast

Weike will be on stand #1231. l

and intelligent cash handling system that counts large sums of cash quickly, using the most reliable optical note recognition systems that counts and sorts up to 200 notes at a time, reducing the need to manually count, sort and determine if the notes are legal tender. The

PG says that G2E Asia has always been an important showground for

companies to stay on top of the global XPG will be demonstrating its unique Live Dealer Casino solutions at G2E Asia with a large range of classic casino games such as Blackjack, Baccarat and Roulette that will be showcased alongside Dragon Tiger, Sic

Bo, Casino Holdem and Caribbean Poker.

XPG provides flexible and quick integration with any existing operation and thirdparty solutions via API, delivering in record time at competitive rates.

Owning two main studios, XPG customizes product packages based on the region of operation, boasting stable and highly secure systems with beautiful, experienced dealers.

XPG has exciting plans to invest further in more advanced technology and product development to enhance production and provide more value-added services to meet the evolving demands of the digital landscape, as well as its clients, ensuring the company stays ahead of the digital game.

The XPG team is keen to share its experience in the field and hope to meet industry leaders to discuss how to exploit digital opportunities.

XPG will be at stand number #707. l

TCSJOHNHUXLEY Asia team looks forward to welcoming everyone to introduce these new products.

TCSJOHNHUXLEY will be at Stand #1239. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 60

may GTI Asia Taipei Expo 7-9 May 2015 World Trade Centre, Taipei www.gtiexpo.com.tw SAGSE Central America and Caribbean 13-14 May 2015 El Panama Hotel, Panama City www.sagsecc.com East Coast Gaming Congress 27-28 May 2015 Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City www.eastcoastgamingcongress.com G2E Asia 19-21 May 2015 The Venetian Macao www.g2easia.com

June IAGA International Gaming Summit 2-5 June 2015 Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, Vancouver www.theiaga.org/2015-gaming-summit Russian Gaming Week 3-4 June 2015 Sokolniki, Moscow http://rgweek.ru/en Peru Gaming Show 10-11 June 2015 Centro de Exposiciones, Lima www.perugamingshow.com

iGaming Super Show & Amsterdam Affiliate Conference 23-26 June 2015 RAI Amsterdam www.igamingsupershow.com

JULY World Gaming Executive Summit 6-8 July 2015 W Hotel, Barcelona www.terrapinn.com/conference/wges Casino Marketing & Technology Conference 14-16 July 2015 Rio, Las Vegas www.casinomarketingconf.com

AUGUST Gaming, Racing & Wagering Australia (GRWA) 11-12 August 2015 Sydney, Australia www.gamingdownunder.com Australasian Gaming Expo (AGE) 11-13 August 2015 Sydney Exhibition Center @Glebe Island www.austgamingexpo.com

SEPTEMBER Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 29 Sep - 1 Oct 2015 Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas www.globalgamingexpo.com

October

N. American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) Annual Conference 15-18 June 2015 The Inverness Hotel & Conference Center, Denver www.nagra.org

EiG 20-22 October 2015 Arena Berlin www.eigexpo.com

Canadian Gaming Summit 16-18 June 2015 Caesars Windsor, Ontario www.canadiangamingsummit.com

Eastern European Gaming Summit 23-24 November 2015 Inter Expo Center, Sofia www.balkangamingexpo.com

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015

International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) Annual Conference 13-15 October 2015 JW Marriott Hotel, Lima www.iagr.org/lima2015 International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) Annual Conference 14-16 October 2015 JW Marriott Hotel, Lima www.gaminglawmasters.com

November

Summit of iGaming Malta (SiGMA) 4-7 November 2015 InterContinental Hotel, Malta www.maltaigamingsummit.com SAGSE Latin America 10-12 November 2015 Centro Costa Salguero, Buenos Aires www.monografie.com/sagse_bsas/ingles/index.php Malta iGaming Seminar 17-19 November 2015 Hilton Hotel, Malta www.maltaigamingseminar.com Macao Gaming Show 17-19 November 2015 The Venetian Macao www.macaogamingshow.com

LAST WORD 62

Shifting sands Sharon Singleton*

What a difference a year makes. This time in 2014 analysts were predicting a slight slowdown in volumes for the June/July duration of the FIFA World Cup, followed by a pick up from September.

None predicted the collapse in VIP revenue that led to the first annual decline in gross gambling revenue in Macau since records began.

G

* Managing Editor, AGB

GR has continued to slide into Q1, with few

how many tables they will be allocated to fill the cavernous

analysts bold enough to predict the market

casino halls that are taking shape in the new resorts.

has hit a bottom. Most still expect a recovery

There is increasing doubt they will receive the number

later in the year as new properties on line,

they had been expecting when the initial projections for

but the most bearish out there say even that won’t be

the resorts were made.

enough to drag the world’s biggest gambling hub out of

Companies are also struggling to commit to exact opening

its current slump.

dates for the new properties as they are uncertain how

The government calls the slowdown in growth the “new

many workers the government will allow them to hire to

norm” as the industry gradually shifts away from the

complete the projects.

stellar growth propelled by China’s high rollers to the

“We’ve struggled with adjusting our work schedule on

mass market. That’s a change that should ultimately

construction to the permissions we’ve been given for

prove a benefit for the industry as the business is far

workers on construction by the government,” Wynn said.

more profitable without the commissions to junkets and

Executives at Las Vegas Sands, which also missed expectations

expensive perks to woo VIPs.

with Q1 results, echoed his comments. The opening date

Operators, in line with pressure from the government and

for the company’s Parisian resort is already at least two

Beijing are also making a push to diversify their products

quarters behind schedule and its opening timetable will

to offer more non-gaming facilities.

depend on whether a request for more labor is met favorably.

Markets and companies can and will adapt to the changing

And then there is the potential 21 million cap to tourist

economic environment, however what’s more difficult to

arrivals from mainland China that comes amid complaints

overcome is uncertainty.

from locals that the city is overcrowded.

Wynn Resorts Chairman Steve Wynn recently urged the

That’s a major concern for operators who will be seeking

Macau government to provide clarity for casino operators,

to fill double the current number of hotel rooms in Macau

who have ploughed billions of dollars into the new resorts

as the new Cotai properties open over the next three years.

currently under construction on Cotai.

A large part of the optimism about the territory’s future

“There’s no question that uncertainty is the plaguing

hinged on pent up demand within China and increasing

word of the day in Macau,” he told analysts on a recent

mass visitation, especially given the ongoing anti-corruption

conference call.

crackdown crippling the VIP sector.

Wynn Macau saw its Q1 property EBITDA tumble by 45

“We never know quite what to expect these days,” Wynn said.

percent year-on-year, below most analysts’ estimates

Adelson poured cold water on the idea of the visitor cap,

and slashed its dividend to just $0.50 from $1.50.

saying it would be impossible to manage and could kill the

Robin Farley, an analyst at UBS read the cut as a clear sign

MICE business that the government is keen to develop.

of this elevated uncertainty.

“From my standpoint as a MICE operator, all MICE to Macau

Operators are still waiting to hear from the government on

would collapse,” he told analysts recently. l

Asia Gaming Briefings | May 2015