New Macau leader faces casino license expiry

Incoming Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng will preside over the expiration of Macau’s casino concessions in 2022. Beijing didn’t select Ho to rock the boat, good news for the current licensees that have invested billions to create the world’s largest casino hub. But they should be careful, not cocky.

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.

Asia needs Caesars’ Las Vegas flair

In the midst of a record US$17.8 billion takeover by Eldorado Resorts, Caesars Entertainment may pull out of its Korea resort, under construction in a market where the Las Vegas mainstay’s flair is needed most.

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.

Analysts defy Adelson, predict Asia casino glut

Union Gaming analysts Grant Govertsen John DeCree look at more than US$65 billion in Asia gaming projects now under development and see a likely glut, challenging Sheldon Adelson’s declaration that the region can support “ten Las Vegases.”

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.

Yokohama casino contest draws Adelson, Sands

Las Vegas Sands, led by multibillionaire Sheldon Adelson, heads the charge to win an integrated resort license in Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama, the most attractive casino site available in the vicinity of Tokyo so far. The Japanese capital itself has been mum to date on the casino question, focusing instead on the 2020 Olympic Games.

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.

Hong Kong protests put Macau, Beijing on edge

Even though there’s little direct impact on tourism and gaming numbers, continuing Hong Kong protests make Beijing and Macau nervous. The world’s largest casino hub relies on mainland China for the vast majority of player revenue, and Beijing decisions regarding Hong Kong will make waves in Macau.

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.