Philippine hit, Macau miss in 2015 predictions

Last January, my prediction of a Macau recovery in 2015 was well off the mark, but I made better calls on the Philippines, Australia and Japan.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Casino fever cools in Korea

After 34 initial expressions of interest in June, only six bidders stepped up for South Korea’s two gaming license, and just two of these made the required $50 million deposit with their applications. Diminished enthusiasm may change the focus for gaming investment from Incheon, near Seoul, to Jeju Island, off the country’s southern coast.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Vietnam’s biggest casino ups its resort game

New management at Vietnam’s first integrated resort destination, the Ho Tram Strip announces more hotel rooms, villas and condos plus added resort amenities, even if the most of the new visitors can’t play in its foreigners-only casino. Hotels, restaurants and golf have better margins than casinos, especially in Asia’s cut-throat high roller market.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Macau junket promoters try casino ownership

As Macau’s VIP revenue continues to fall, junket promoters are moving into casino ownership in different ways.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.

Macau hits a new five year low in November

Despite the new Studio City casino resort, Macau gaming revenue fell to a five year low in November. The 32.2 percent plunge, the 18th straight monthly fall on a year-on-year basis, leaves observers wondering about Macau’s way out of its woes.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about television news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his bio, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook and Twitter @MuhammadCohen.