Predictions for Macau, Manila, Mickey hit marks

Last January’s forecasts for Parisian Macao to excite visitors and Manila to get its mojo back proved correct, as well as Shanghai Disneyland sharpening competition for leisure spending across the region. Stay tuned for 2017 predictions.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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.

China holds cards in Bahamas’ largest casino project

The stalled US$3.5 billion Baha Mar casino resort has a Chinese suitor after Beijing money pushed the original owner out.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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.

Philippines’ Duterte targets Macau tycoon

In the wake of an alleged illegal online gamig operation, featuring the arrest of 1,300 Chinese nationals in the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte issues a presidential arrest warrant for Macau junket tycoon Jack Lam, amid allegations of bribery and tax evasion.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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 comeback reflects new focus

Beyond resilient high roller revenue, Macau’s comeback shows a shift to more general tourism. But as a tourist destination, Macau remains a work in progress.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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.

Genting Singapore switches casino bet to Japan from Korea

Resort World Sentosa owner Genting Singapore sells its half of a South Korea integrated resort to gamble on Japan casino legalization, which has made unprecedented progress since Genting’s announcement.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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 powers to best gain in 31 months

After 26 straight monthly declines, Macau’s gaming revenue grew 14.4% in November, the highest rate since April 2014, with both high rollers and tourists playing key roles.

Totally globalized native New Yorker and former broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is a blogger for Forbes, editor at large for Inside Asian Gaming 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.