Japan must get real about casinos, opponents

Failure to agree on a gambling addiction legislation earlier this month is another indication that Japanese officials haven’t gotten serious about casino legalization. They seem convinced public opposition to casinos will evaporate.

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.

VIPs drive Macau to big May

Revived high roller revenue led Macau’s 24% casino revenue rise in May. But long term opportunities still lie in the mass market.

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.

Philippine gaming grows on shaky ground

With billions of new investment in Manila integrated resorts, Philippines casino revenue was the fastest growing in Asia last year and has kept up with the pace this year. But IGamiX Management & Consulting managing partner Ben Lee says Philippine growth rests on shaky foundations and may not last. (The interview took place and was posted before the Resorts World Manila attack.)

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.

Philippine casino tragedy points way ahead

After at least 35 deaths in the attack on Resorts World Manila, Philippine tourism stakeholders must confront perceptions of violence, not debate whether they’re valid.

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 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.

House of Cards interview on Asia airs this week

My recent interview on radio’s House of Cards airs this week. I give host Ashley Adams my views on Asian gaming, poker and bridge, as in the one connecting Hong Kong, Macau and Zhuhai.

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 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.

Melco-Crown split extends to hotels: Lawrence Ho

In an exclusive interview, Melco Resorts chairman Lawrence Ho says Crown Towers will be replaced at its City of Dreams properties in Macau and Manila. To be published in the June issue of Inside Asian Gaming, the full interview reveals Lawrence Ho’s reasons behind the exit of James Packer’s Crown Resorts from the former Melco Crown partnership and how Muhammad Cohen’s coverage influences Melco boardroom strategies.

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.

The Philippines fights back

In a turbulent 2016, the Philippines crossed the US$3 billion barrier and was the fastest growing major gaming market in Asia. Resort expansion continues in a market that sees room to grow in the domestic and international segments, but is not dependent on Chinese visitors.

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.

Korea casino resort opens amid Chinese boycott

North Korea’s aggressive missile testing and nuclear ambitions casts a shadow over the opening of US$1.1 billion Paradise City outside Seoul. South Korea’s deployment of the US THAAD missile defense system in response has led to a boycott by Chinese tour groups, the resort’s target 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.

Japan casinos face defining questions

While the global casino industry giddily dreams of integrated resort locations, why Japan wants casinos and what will make them Japanese loom as defining issues.

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.