Macau Gaming Law

US: Gambling's move online likely to cost tribes

2012-02-11T17:15:00.001+08:00

Gambling's move online likely to cost tribes - News - ReviewJournal.com: "Indian tribes that have made billions of dollars from legalized gambling stand the most to lose as gaming migrates to the Internet, experts told Congress on Thursday."

New rules for slots ready this month

2012-02-10T11:04:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - New rules for slots ready this month.

Singapore Regulator Fines Casinos S$385,000 For Entry Breaches

2012-02-07T23:34:00.000+08:00

Singapore Regulator Fines Casinos S$385,000 For Entry Breaches - WSJ.com.

Two Cotai grants to be approved

2012-02-07T17:48:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Two Cotai grants to be approved.

Ten years after the historic 8 February 2002

2012-02-07T15:46:00.002+08:00

Ten years ago, on 8 February 2002, history was made in Macau. The final results of the public tender were officially announced: three concessions of casino games of fortune were provisionally awarded to Wynn, Galaxy/Venetian, and SJM.
Other three companies were also ranked: Sociedade de Diversões MP, S.A. (fourth), Sociedade de Diversões MGM-Grand (Macau), S.A. (fifth) and Macau Star, S.A. (sixth).
The negotiation of the concession contract with SJM was started soon after and it was signed on 28 March 2002. The old monopoly concession that had been granted by Governor Silvério Marques in December 1961 to STDM, and which had its taxation sharply increased by Governor Garcia Leandro in 1975-77, finally ended on 31 March 2002.

The Ponto Final newspaper headline was 'meia surpresa' (half surprise), reflecting some anticipations on the chances of other contenders which did not materialize. Looking back, it appears clear that the tender committee and the Government of the Macau SAR made the right decision, from which the SAR has greatly benefited in the ensuing decade.
JTM JTM2 JTM3

Sands’ parcel 3 to have 4,000-room property

2012-02-05T22:25:00.000+08:00

Sands’ parcel 3 to have 4,000-room property « Macau Business.

China’s capital flight looks ready for take-off

2012-02-05T19:59:00.000+08:00

China’s capital flight looks ready for take-off | Investors Fresh News – News Digest for Investors.

WikiLeaks on Macau issues

2012-02-04T13:21:00.000+08:00

WikiLeaks sheds light on Adelson’s Asia business - Salon.com.

Casino operator eyes Taiwan for resort investment

2012-02-04T11:34:00.000+08:00

Casino operator eyes Taiwan for resort investment - CNA ENGLISH NEWS.

Wynn vs Okada

2012-01-31T20:45:00.004+08:00

Nevada: Gaming commission says small slots parlors are complying with regulation

2012-01-30T18:31:00.001+08:00

Gaming commission says small slots parlors are complying with regulation - VEGAS INC.

Jockey Club revenues drop 15 percent

2012-01-30T17:14:00.000+08:00

Jockey Club revenues drop 15 percent « Macau Business.

Gaming promoters

2012-01-28T01:53:00.000+08:00

Jornal Tribuna de Macau.

Gambling Proposals Could Include Hawaii Convention Center

2012-01-27T00:06:00.001+08:00

Gambling Proposals Could Include Hawaii Convention Center - Honolulu News Story - KITV Honolulu.
LVRJ

Casinos in Saipan?

2012-01-25T23:40:00.002+08:00

The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, reachable via Guam (4 hours flight from Hong Kong) is considering whether to move ahead. Read in the Saipan Tribune.

Euro Vegas to be built by LVS in Madrid? Or in Barcelona?

2012-01-25T23:37:00.033+08:00

The plan of Las Vegas Sands to build a so-called 'Euro Vegas' in Spain was first mentioned here last month. It seems to be moving ahead.
But it is now very clear that the project is to go ahead in Madrid OR in Barcelona. The press mentions that Mr. Adelson's company is in talks with officials from both cities. The Spanish press confirms that officials from Barcelona travelled to Las Vegas last November to discuss the project (1) and also lists in great detail the 'unprecedented' list of conditions requested by the company to Madrid (2), which is causing debate.
I would say that the huge rivalry between the two largest Spanish cities may provide an opportunity to make things really happen.
Or to build in both.
Unfortunately, the references to Macau that appear in the Spanish press are extremely negative, simplistic and misinformed, and show a total lack of awareness of what has happened in Macau in the last 10 years; some just repeat various allegations that have been discussed here under the heading 'Macau bashing' (3). It is very obvious from the style of the reports that not much is known in Europe about Sheldon Adelson and his business ventures in gaming and MICE in Las Vegas, Macau and Singapore.
(4) (5)
It remains to be seen whether this project will have enough gaming demand, assuming that it goes ahead. Generally speaking Europeans are not extremely keen on casino gaming and remain focused instead on lotteries, at least for the time being. In any event, the project is for an integrated resort and not just gaming; MICE should appeal to any world-class city and LVS is a leader in this segment.
Meanwhile, Harrah's/Caesar's project for Ciudad Real never really forged ahead (6).
USA Today
El Pais
Telemadrid

Gross gaming revenue of Macau casino games of chance 2003-2011

2012-01-25T22:15:00.007+08:00

[click to enlarge; 1 HKD = 1.03MOP (Unit:MOP million)]

The table above shows the gross gaming revenue generated by the various casino games of chance operated by the six sub/concessionaires. The source of the data is the Macau gaming supervision agency, DICJ.

VIP Baccarat continues to absolutely dominate, and has had a phenomenal growth in 2011. Mass market Baccarat takes the second spot, followed by slot machines (which, in fact, includes many machines which are electronic versions of various table games).

The best of the rest continues to be Cussec (also known as Big and Small or Sic Bo), a Chinese game played with three dice. The next on the list are Black Jack, Stud Poker and Roulette, all of which also recorded new all-time highs in 2011.

Then comes the real first surprise: the rapid rise of Live Multi Game, which was started in 2010 and has now climbed to the eight position.

More than 160 years down the road, the venerable game of Fantan, which once was the biggest game, continues to do very well and had another record year in 2011. The same cannot be said of Craps, which declined in 2011 for the first time after its introduction in 2007.

Paikao has recovered, but Fish/Prawn/Crab has been falling quickly and seems headed for extinction.

CA says internet gambling not punishable by PH law

2012-01-24T23:03:00.000+08:00

CA says internet gambling not punishable by PH law | ABS-CBN News.

Newsletter of the International Business Law master program at the University of Macau now available

2012-01-23T21:34:00.002+08:00

The second issue of the newsletter of the International Business Law master program at the University of Macau is now available. The program includes gaming law.

Taiwan man must pay Macau casino HK$75 mil. debt: court

2012-01-23T17:26:00.003+08:00

This decision of the Taipei District Court was reported in the Taiwan press today. If any of my students could get the case I would be thankful.
Man must pay Macau casino HK$75 mil. debt: court - The China Post.

Studio City casino still uncertain: Gov’t

2012-01-19T20:28:00.003+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Studio City casino still uncertain: Gov’t.

The project to take slot machines halls out of residential areas is going ahead

2012-01-16T17:21:00.001+08:00

New rules for slot parlours ready by March « Macau Business: "A new set of rules on the location of slot machine parlours is set to be ready by the end of March, the head of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Manuel Joaquim das Neves said."

Large casino to be built in Korea

2012-01-15T20:51:00.003+08:00

It looks like there will be a large casino right close to Incheon airport. It is not stated whether Koreans will be allowed. By the looks of it, they won't.

Incheon Airport May Add $3 Billion Resort on China Tourism - Bloomberg.

The Surprising Potential Winners of Online Gaming

2012-01-12T21:19:00.001+08:00

The Surprising Potential Winners of Online Gaming (BYD, MGM, SHFL, WYNN, ZNGA).

Okada sues Wynn Resorts

2012-01-12T21:08:00.004+08:00

Largest shareholder of Wynn Resorts sues company - Business - ReviewJournal.com.

Wynn Vice Chairman Okada Sues to See Company’s Books in Spending Dispute - Bloomberg: 'Okada opposed Wynn Resorts’s HK$1 billion ($129 million) pledge in July 2011 to the University of Macau Development Foundation, according to the complaint.'

Group backed by Adelson targets Romney

2012-01-09T19:17:00.001+08:00

Group backed by Adelson targets Romney - News - ReviewJournal.com.

Academic calls for non-resident dealers

2012-01-07T14:22:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Academic calls for non-resident dealers.

Macau bashing, Chapter 1357

2012-01-04T20:46:00.011+08:00

Here we go again, this time courtesy of the Financial Times, then reproduced by CNN, and it takes the shape of a piece called 'Macau casino boom fuelled by illicit cash', signed by Enid Tsui.
In what is a classic trick of journalistic sensationalism, the title suggests something big to attract the reader and then delivers much less or nothing at all.
In this case, the suggestion is that 'illicit cash' is fuelling Macau's casinos.
In anyone's dictionary 'illicit cash' is money generated by unlawful activities or 'proceeds of crime', as criminal lawyers call it. However, that is not what is described in the piece, which discusses ways people find to work around China's foreign exchange controls. The journalist calls 'illicit cash' to what actually is legally gained money striving for 'freedom'. There seems to be not much awareness of the fact that Macau and Hong Kong have free movement of capital, unlike mainland China. Terrible journalism. One would have imagined that CNN and the Financial Times supported free movement of capital...
For the previous chapter of this ongoing series, see here.

Macau’s December Casino Revenue Increases 25% to $3 Billion

2012-01-04T12:03:00.001+08:00

Macau’s December Casino Revenue Increases 25% to $3 Billion - Businessweek.

University of Macau - Ph.D., Master’s & Postgraduate Programmes 2012/2013

2012-01-03T22:12:00.000+08:00

Admission to Ph.D. Degree, Master’s Degree and Postgraduate Certificate/Diploma Programmes and Postgraduate Studentships 2012/2013 is now open for application from 3 January to 30 March 2012. Applicants can submit on-line application during the said period. The admission regulations and on-line application are available at the UM's Graduate School’s website. Students interested in doing research in the field of gaming law are welcome to apply.

Cyprus: Is American casino mogul behind new project?

2012-01-02T13:30:00.001+08:00

Is American casino mogul behind new project? - Cyprus Mail.

Gaming outlook in 2012: Busy, busy, busy

2011-12-28T04:59:00.000+08:00

US: Gaming outlook in 2012: Busy, busy, busy - Business - ReviewJournal.com.

MGM sues junket for HKD 10 million

2011-12-27T17:08:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - MGM sues junket for HKD 10 million.

O projecto de Sheldon Aldelson para Madrid

2011-12-26T16:57:00.007+08:00

A imprensa espanhola dá conta do projecto de Sheldon Aldelson para Madrid. Um projecto muito ambicioso, um mega-resort gigantesco («Doce hoteles, seis casinos, un teatro para miles de espectadores, restaurantes y campos de golf, una inversión de casi 17.000 millones de euros, la creación de 261.000 empleos, cinco millones de turistas potenciales»). Um projecto com a envergadura, ambição e visão que seria de esperar de quem tem uma folha de serviços que fala por si em Las Vegas, em Macau e em Singapura. A localização para que se aponta é Valdebebas, uma zona de Madrid próxima do aeroporto de Barajas que já conta com projectos de instalações do Real Madrid, um Campus da Justiça e uma vasta zona verde.
As questões que surgem perante uma iniciativa deste tipo são as habituais.
Questões financeiras. Um investimento desta envergadura será viável? Há procura de jogos de fortuna ou azar que o torne sustentável ou corre riscos sérios? Que movimento de turistas será necessário? A componente de jogo será a principal? O jogo terá que peso no total dos rendimentos a gerar? Será um investimento a realizar em que prazo?
Questões fiscais. Qual a tributação aplicável? O Governo poderá fazer concessões para facilitar o investimento?
Questões de infra-estruturas. Os transportes permitirão levar ao complexo o número de turistas necessário para assegurar a rentabilidade? Se não, que será necessário construir?
Questões de concorrência. Há garantias de não concorrência, ou seja, um exclusivo? Um projecto desta envergadura deve ser entregue a uma só empresa? Haverá parcerias com sócios espanhóis?
Questões jurídicas. A regulamentação aplicável ao sector do jogo deverá ser ajustada, nomeadamente para atrair os grandes jogadores? É possível conceder crédito?
Questões político-sociais. Haverá oposição a uma expansão significativa do jogo? Se sim, por parte de quem e poderá tal oposição bloquear o projecto ou reduzi-lo de modo significativo? Que medidas serão tomadas para controlar ou minimizar os efeitos nocivos do jogo?

US: Dept of Justice issues opinion on online gaming

2011-12-26T03:26:00.002+08:00

The revised interpretation of the Wire Act by the DoJ is a major development, with wide ranging potential implications. See the blog of Prof. I Nelson Rose for detailed comments.
WSJ
Las Vegas Sun
LVRJ
Christian Science Monitor

SJM announces salary increase « Macau Business

2011-12-23T15:05:00.000+08:00

SJM announces salary increase « Macau Business: "SJM Holdings Ltd. has announced a pay rise for next year of 5 percent to 10 percent. The percentage of the increase is based on salaries, with employees with lower salaries getting higher raises. All SJM workers are entitled to the salary increase".

Galaxy Macau opens cinemas

2011-12-23T14:43:00.000+08:00

Galaxy Macau opens cinemas « Macau Business: "Galaxy Macau yesterday officially inaugurated its 3D cinema complex, UA Galaxy Cinemas".

Macau’s gambling industry: A window on China | The Economist

2011-12-21T01:57:00.009+08:00

Courtesy of one of the anonymous writers of The Economist, we are told in a complex and pretentious if not movie-like way what amounts to a simple and well known fact: there is money flowing out of mainland China via Macau. Not exactly breaking news, of course.
One would have thought that The Economist was aware that there is no free movement of capital in China.
As for the rest, read some of the entries that I have graced with the label 'Macau bashing', which describes the literary genre to which they rightfully pertain, and which also applies here.
This text of The Economist is not much of a window on China: it's more of a window on how anyone can fill pages with low quality reporting.
Next week perhaps The Economist could write on the following topic: London's financial industry: A window on Europe. The text should include spice on who may be attracted to deposit money in the City and why.
Macau’s gambling industry: A window on China | The Economist.

Spectrum Gaming Group Identifies Top 21 Casino Industry Trends for 2012

2011-12-21T00:53:00.000+08:00

Spectrum Gaming Group Identifies Top 21 Casino Industry Trends for 2012 - MarketWatch:

Is Nevada still the US leader in gaming regulation?

2011-12-21T00:21:00.002+08:00

Interesting reading.
Is Nevada still the national leader in gaming regulation? - VEGAS INC.

HK watchdog ends probe of Macau's Sands China

2011-12-20T14:32:00.002+08:00

Endless probes are not desirable in gaming, in corruption or anywhere really: either something is found and action is taken, or the 'case' is closed as a suspicion that did not materialize or was indeed rebutted, allowing everyone to move on.
HK watchdog ends probe of Macau's Sands China - BusinessWeek.

Las Vegas Sees Japan Casinos as Diet Seeks Quake Relief

2011-12-13T22:30:00.000+08:00

Las Vegas Sees Japan Casinos as Diet Seeks Quake Relief: Retail - Bloomberg.

Cotai plot granted ‘in principle’: SJM

2011-12-13T13:32:00.001+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Cotai plot granted ‘in principle’: SJM: "The government has agreed to grant a plot in Cotai to Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM) Holdings".

Seen in Las Vegas

2011-12-08T19:36:00.005+08:00

Facebook to host online casinos?

2011-12-06T12:06:00.000+08:00

Facebook to host online casinos? | Technically Incorrect - CNET News.

Croupiers têm uma mensagem do Chefe

2011-12-06T11:49:00.001+08:00

Three casino dealers have written to the Chief Executive saying they would like to see a total smoke ban in casinos asap.

Croupiers têm uma mensagem do Chefe « Ponto Final.

Melco Crown's Lawrence Ho Makes His Intentions Clear

2011-12-01T11:21:00.000+08:00

Melco Crown's Lawrence Ho Makes His Intentions Clear - Deal Journal - WSJ.

Taiwan: DPP spokesmen file defamation lawsuit over trip - Taipei Times

2011-11-28T20:14:00.000+08:00

2012 ELECTIONS: DPP spokesmen file defamation lawsuit over trip - Taipei Times.

Cotai land & tables for everyone: not a good thing?

2011-11-27T23:24:00.013+08:00

According to the Macau Daily Times, 'The secretary for Economy and Finance has confirmed that the government is planning to grant a plot for casino development in the Cotai area to all of the six gaming operators'.
How is this plan for the medium term going to be done? Some time ago the SCMP published the following map, the full accuracy of which I cannot guarantee:

MACAU DAILY TIMES - All operators to get Cotai plots: Tam.

Casinos 'apenas' ficam com 18 patacas em cada mil apostadas

2011-11-23T10:30:00.001+08:00

O Jornal Tribuna de Macau publicou ontem um interessante artigo, do jornalista Sérgio Terra, que procede a uma análise financeira das receitas dos casinos e das receitas fiscais da RAEM, com o subtítulo «Casinos 'apenas' ficam com 18 patacas em cada mil apostadas». Este dado não surpreende, e só faltou elucidar os leitores sobre a matemática do Baccarat e a sua baixa house advantage para se perceber bem a razão.

UK: Fruit machines fill the gap as high street shops shut their doors

2011-11-21T10:21:00.000+08:00

Fruit machines fill the gap as high street shops shut their doors | UK news | The Observer: "Slot machines and gaming arcades are proliferating across Britain, as the economic downturn forces the closure of shops and leisure outlets".

Tables to spare

2011-11-13T22:09:00.000+08:00

Tables to spare « Macau Business.

LVS: Let’s sit and talk

2011-11-10T23:21:00.001+08:00

Sheldon Adelson speaks about lots 7 and 8 of the Cotai.
Let’s sit and talk « Macau Business.

Gov’t considers ban on problem gamblers

2011-11-07T17:59:00.003+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Gov’t considers ban on problem gamblers: "The government is considering a system to ban problem gamblers from entering casinos". "the government is studying the possibility of establishing a mandatory program that will allow the [IAS] bureau to instruct all casinos to ban some gamblers from entering their gaming floors".

Alterações à lei do jogo - parte 1

2011-11-05T10:50:00.001+08:00

Este artigo de opinião, publicado no jornal Ponto Final em 4 de Outubro de 2011, discute a questão de saber se os funcionários públicos devem ou não poder entrar nos casinos.
GODINHO - Alterações à lei do jogo 4 Out 2011.

Francis Tam já definiu o raio dos casinos

2011-11-03T09:11:00.000+08:00

Francis Tam já definiu o raio dos casinos « Ponto Final.

Slot parlours regulation almost ready: Tam

2011-11-01T17:27:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Slot parlours regulation almost ready: Tam.

Asia Embraces the Casino Economy

2011-10-21T23:15:00.000+08:00

Asia Embraces the Casino Economy - Businessweek: "Asia Embraces the Casino Economy. Japan, Korea, and Taiwan want to emulate the gaming success of Singapore and Macau".

U.S. Probe of Las Vegas Sands Comes Into Focus

2011-10-21T21:52:00.000+08:00

These stories just keep coming and coming, somewhat they never go away. But they do not get clarified either. It's just lingering around. Rumors today, bits of documents tomorrow, more tidbits the day after. Any concrete stuff? Not really.

U.S. Probe of Las Vegas Sands Comes Into Focus - WSJ.com: "Sands Investigation Comes Into Focus".

Five more casino projects in COTAI

2011-10-21T19:16:00.000+08:00

Jornal Tribuna de Macau.

Lawmakers request clear gaming policies

2011-10-06T20:22:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Lawmakers request clear gaming policies.

Singapore Pledges Jail, New Tactics Against Financial Criminals

2011-10-03T11:27:00.000+08:00

Singapore Pledges Jail, New Tactics Against Financial Criminals - Businessweek.

Thailand: PM: Govt not keen on casino

2011-09-28T22:02:00.002+08:00

Bangkok Post : PM: Govt not keen on casino.
But make sure to read this piece of the Bangkok Post until the end.

The end of an era; what's next?

2011-09-28T14:31:00.001+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Stanley Ho sells remaining SJM stake.

Is this project going ahead?

2011-09-23T08:55:00.001+08:00

Is this project going ahead? Is this one of those projects approved before 2008? Nobody seems to know for sure.
Source: Professional Ground Decoder

Wynn Cotai ‘not yet approved’: Francis Tam

2011-09-21T13:18:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Wynn Cotai ‘not yet approved’: Francis Tam.

Growth of 3% p.a. in number of tables announced

2011-09-20T22:13:00.004+08:00

The good news is that there will be a regular increase in the number of tables until 2023. The bad news is that such increase is 3% pa. Conclusion: some will think that the glass is half empty, others half full...
A number of questions arise. First, the current Chief Executive shall be in power until 19 Dec 2019. Second, how is this 3% calculated, on what basis? Third, does it prevent converting mass market tables to VIP tables?
MB, JTM, PF.

“Em Macau, 99% das pessoas que começam a jogar não sabem o que é o jogo”

2011-09-19T12:43:00.001+08:00

“Em Macau, 99% das pessoas que começam a jogar não sabem o que é o jogo” | Hoje Macau.

Las Vegas Sands accusing fired former executive of stealing confidential company documents

2011-09-18T11:38:00.001+08:00

Las Vegas Sands accusing fired former executive of stealing confidential company documents - The Washington Post.

Macau gaming regulator receives international award

2011-09-16T22:17:00.001+08:00

Macau gaming regulator receives international award « Macau Business.

The future of gaming concessions in Macau

2011-09-16T21:13:00.003+08:00

The Macau Business magazine has published in September a piece on this important topic, signed by journalist Alexandra Lages. In fact, the journalist has contacted me by e-mail asking questions on the topic, to which I have replied. I started raising this issue quite a long time ago and I am pleased to see that it is finally being picked up by publications such as the WSJ, the SCMP and others, which tend to address the financial angle of the gaming companies, of course just a part of the broader question.A bit to my surprise, the quotable paragraph I wrote from my holiday location was not used in the piece. For the benefit of the readers of this blog, here it is: 'The system of concessions has evolved considerably from the monopoly era to the current regulatory framework. We now have concessions, subconcessions, gaming promoters and more. In order to discuss what should be the future it is necessary to begin by having a serious debate on the purposes, possible options, policy aims and limitations of the next generation of gaming regulation. I believe that various regulatory aspects can be improved and serve Macau and the industry better'.

Casino de Espinho condenado a pagar 82 mil euros a viciado do jogo

2011-09-12T21:44:00.000+08:00

Casino de Espinho condenado a pagar 82 mil euros a viciado do jogo - JN.

Wynn to go ahead with the Cotai project

2011-09-12T21:17:00.002+08:00

Wynn has accepted the terms and conditions of a land concession contract from the Macau Government for 51 acres in the Cotai, to develop a resort containing a ﬁve-star hotel, gaming areas, retail, entertainment, food and beverage, spa and convention space. It is good for Macau that this project is indeed moving ahead in such a large piece of land. More details surely will be disclosed in due course.

No timetable yet for Macau gaming license renewal - Inside Gaming - ReviewJournal.com

2011-09-11T22:17:00.000+08:00

Website: No timetable yet for Macau gaming license renewal - Inside Gaming - ReviewJournal.com.

Documents reveal Chinese crime influence over Macau's casinos - ReviewJournal.com

2011-09-11T22:12:00.000+08:00

Documents reveal Chinese crime influence over Macau's casinos - Business - ReviewJournal.com.

Perseguições para manter o bom nome

2011-09-06T16:29:00.001+08:00

Wikileaks sobre Macau: Perseguições para manter o bom nome | Hoje Macau.

Aaron Fischer comments on Macau gaming

2011-09-05T10:50:00.003+08:00

http://www.bloomberg.com/video/74668243/

Thailand: casino gaming on the horizon?

2011-09-01T21:48:00.002+08:00

Professor Sungsidh Piriyarangsan has defended the legalization of gaming in Thailand, with sound arguments.

There is in fact a lot of casino gaming already, which goes on illegally, on more than 170 or so underground casinos, which generate corruption. A scandal is brewing these days in this connection.

In addition, there is plenty of gaming just across Thailand's borders, such as in Cambodia.

I believe legalization it is not a matter of if but when. Perhaps within 4 to 8 years. The possibility to build a mega casino resort in Bangkok would be of course a gaming company's dream come true: a very large city where there is strong demand, good transportation and infrastructures, massive tourism, etc.

It will happen. Like in Japan and Taiwan. The question will be under which exact shape and form. How many casinos or operators? Located where? Who can enter and who cannot? What will be the tax rate? And other key questions.
BP

Sands China still waiting for courts to rule on parcels 7 and 8

2011-08-30T22:44:00.001+08:00

Sands China still waiting for courts to rule on parcels 7 and 8 « Macau Business

Wiki cables on Macau

2011-08-30T22:20:00.001+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Junkets ‘encourage money laundering’: Wiki cables

Publish Post

Winnie Ho calls for HKEx probe of SJM directors

2011-08-14T22:16:00.001+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Winnie Ho calls for HKEx probe of SJM directors

HK listing could help Melco get casino

2011-08-08T06:56:00.001+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - HK listing could help Melco get casino

Um mundo de conflitos

2011-08-05T07:03:00.000+08:00

Um mundo de conflitos | Hoje Macau

Sands passa ao ataque no mercado VIP

2011-07-29T16:21:00.001+08:00

Uma peça de Sérgio Terra no Jornal Tribuna de Macau.

Analysis: International lenders may fold on Macau casino plans | Reuters

2011-07-29T16:12:00.000+08:00

Analysis: International lenders may fold on Macau casino plans | Reuters

O hotel mistério

2011-07-20T04:45:00.000+08:00

O hotel mistério | Hoje Macau

Studio City not to include casino: govt

2011-07-08T07:37:00.001+08:00

Studio City not to include casino: govt « Macau Business

Greyhound euthanasia sparks debate: Born to race

2011-07-08T07:25:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Greyhound euthanasia sparks debate: Born to race

Local gaming regulation ‘invites rumours’

2011-07-04T15:52:00.000+08:00

The MDT publishes today a long interview with Prof. I Nelson Rose.

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Local gaming regulat ion ‘invites rumours’

Michael Leven, President & COO of Las Vegas Sands on Vimeo

2011-07-01T23:04:00.000+08:00

Michael Leven, President & COO of Las Vegas Sands on Vimeo

Macau’s gaming regulator advises casinos to drop ultra-low denomination slot games

2011-06-27T16:09:00.000+08:00

Macau’s gaming regulator advises casinos to drop ultra-low denomination slot games

Govt doesn’t open game on Studio City

2011-06-27T16:02:00.000+08:00

Govt doesn’t open game on Studio City « Macau Business

Permira may sell stake in Galaxy

2011-06-21T18:05:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Permira may sell stake in Galaxy

The politics of casino visits

2011-06-18T19:30:00.016+08:00

The Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr. Wang Guangya, has been in both Special Administrative Regions in the past week. Among his stops were short visits to two different casinos, the Grand Lisboa and the Galaxy.
This is of course unusual. And in light of the highly meticulous, well planned, detailed and scripted manner of operation of Chinese diplomats and Government officials, no one in their right mind could consider this to be an accident.
The question then is 'only' to determine what is the correct interpretation of the signal or message conveyed by this visit. What does it mean?
As well known, there are formally six sub/concessionaires in Macau. Two are fully owned by foreign (American) interests (Wynn and the Venetian). Two are joint ventures between Chinese and foreign (American and Australian) entrepreneurs (MGM/Pansy Ho and Melco Crown); and two are owned by Chinese shareholders (SJM, the successor to STDM, which started operations in 1962; and Galaxy).
Therefore, the visit of Mr. Wang Guangya covered exactly the two companies fully controlled by Chinese capital, and not any the others. What this may imply is not clear, but it is objectively an emphasis on the Chinese companies, to whom some sort of signal is being given.
Another aspect to consider is that the visit coincided with the public announcement of the sale of a 60% stake in the Macau Studio City project from eSun to Melco Crown, which clears the way to the minority partner New Cotai Holdings LLC to gain an effective foothold in the Macau market.
Was this simply a coincidence? The two events have in no way been related and of course they have no formal link. Was it a sign of reassurance given to the Chinese companies at the same time in which another set of foreigners comes in? Is the message being conveyed that no more foreign companies shall be allowed into the highly lucrative Macau gaming market? It is hard to determine in a precise manner.
More broadly, the fact that Mr. Wang Guangya actually visited some casinos, a rare or even remarkable step by itself, is clearly a sign of support to the Macau gaming industry.
In general, these events highlight the enormous value of the existing oligopoly sub/concessions, which operate in a system that is legally closed to aspiring entrants, for whom it is effectively impossible to enter the world's largest gaming market.

UPDATE: This entry was mentioned by our friends at the Macau Business magazine.

eSun sells Melco Crown a majority stake in Macau Studio City

2011-06-16T23:09:00.005+08:00

It has been reported that eSun shall sell its majority stake in the Macau Studio City project to Melco Crown.
This is clearly a major breakthrough that now should allow the long delayed project to go ahead. The parties had been in litigation in Hong Kong courts for years.
Hence, Melco Crown shall operate a second integrated resort in the Cotai, in partnership with New Cotai LLP, a US company which shall have the remaining 40% stake.
Therefore, New Cotai LLP shall join the ranks of American gaming companies Wynn, the Venetian/LVS, and MGM.
Press release
WSJ MB

Singapore Gaming Model to Lead Way for Other Asian Nations: Analyst - CNBC

2011-06-12T14:14:00.000+08:00

Singapore Gaming Model to Lead Way for Other Asian Nations: Analyst - CNBC

Suspicious casino deals reach 300,000 in 2010?

2011-06-10T17:42:00.006+08:00

Suspicious casino deals reach 300,000 in 2010: this is the title of a report today in the Macau Daily Times newspaper, quoting DICJ legal adviser Duarte Chagas during the first edition of the Annual Review of Macau Gaming Law.
Such an astounding number of suspicious transactions of course could not possibly be correct.
The reporter obviously confused the reporting of suspicious transactions to GIF with the reporting of all transactions above MOP/HKD 500,000.00 to the DICJ.
This mistaken report was repeated in the Macau Business online; hopefully it will not make it to the print version.
For more details on the applicable laws, see Jorge Godinho, 'Financial strategies of crime control in the Macau SAR’, in Jorge Godinho (ed.), Studies on Macau civil, commercial, constitutional and criminal law, LexisNexis, Hong Kong, 2010, pp. 249 ff.
UPDATE: The MDT has on 23 June corrected the mistaken report.

US gaming head downplays greater regulatory risks

2011-06-09T23:23:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - US gaming head downplays greater regulatory risks

Revision for junket bylaw needed

2011-06-09T20:40:00.000+08:00

MACAU DAILY TIMES - Revision for junket bylaw needed

Rankings per property

2011-06-09T18:05:00.001+08:00

The Portuguese-language Jornal Tribuna de Macau publishes today a rare ranking of revenue per property.