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.

Osaka sets Japan casino pace

The largest city in Japan that’s declared it’s seeking an integrated resort with a casino, Osaka wants to open the multi-billion dollar entertainment complex before World Expo 2025 debuts, a squeeze that gets tighter by the day.

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 extends SJM, MGM casinos to June 2022

Macau has extended the casino concessions for SJM Holdings and MGM China to June 2022, aligning them with the expiration dates for Macau’s other four casino operators. What will happen in 2022 remains as unclear as ever.

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.

Top Macau casino leaders speak freely

In different settings, leading casino executives and shareholders Lawrence Ho of Melco Resorts and Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment unexpectedly speak out on Macau and other key gaming issues. As public policy increasingly determines casino revenue, industry leaders may feel compelled to join the debate. And you’ll never guess Lawrence Ho’s corporate muse on property synergy.

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 mogul’s Lui Prizes surprise

Galaxy Macau chairman Lui Che Woo gives billions of his casino and property profits to good causes. The inaugural Lui Prize for World Civilization laureates demonstrate his serious commitment to rewarding the genuinely worthy without fear or favor.

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.

Lavish Louis XIII Plays On Despite Macau VIP Crash

Uber luxurious Louis XIII is vulnerable to Macau’s climate change accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping’s crackdown on corruption. But the company insists its casino hotel, recently renamed The 13, boasting a fleet of 30 “bespoke” Rolls Royce Phantom limos and invitation only retail atelier will open this year.

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.

Only 8% of Macau’s Chinese visitors plan to return

Investment bank CLSA’s Chinese Tourists 2016 report says just 8% of Macau visitors plan to return, highlighting the gaming capital’s shortcomings attracting China’s burgeoning traveling class.

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 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.

Macau casino slump runs to 17 months, Studio City rolls

The opening of US$3.2 billion Studio City didn’t reverse Macau’s 17 months of declining casino revenue. But the October numbers offer some subtle signs of a potential turnaround for the global gaming capital.

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 leads gaming’s Asia Top 50, but new names on list prosper elsewhere

Despite the yearlong slump in the world’s gaming capital, Macau still dominates Inside Asian Gaming’s Asian Top 50 at the front end, with eight out of the first nine and 11 of the first 13 names on the 2015 list. But all five of the list’s newcomers are making their bones beyond Macau.

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.