China travelers to move down market

A series of Sanford Bernstein reports shows that the wave of Chinese travelers is rising from below the current super-wealthy level, posing a raft of new challenges. Morgan Stanley research highlights some of those issues are previewing now 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.

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VIP revival tests Macau mass hysteria

As high rollers return and new rules restrict smaller money movements, longstanding assumptions that Macau and Beijing prefer mass market gambling look more dubious.

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.

Questions cloud Macau recovery

Macau casino revenue rose 20% in August despite typhoons, extending recovery to a second year. But sustainability issues linger as VIPs lead the recovery.

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.

Venetian Macao changed the game

Celebrating its tenth anniversary as the world’s largest casino resort, Venetian Macao transformed the landscape for Las Vegas Sands, its creator Sheldon Adelson and global gaming.

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 fuel Macau casino recovery

Macau casino revenue rose 26% in June, its biggest percentage increase since the city’s recovery began last August, to US$2.5 billion. Once again, high rollers led the rebound, even though the government wants to see more mass market tourism.

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.

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.

Macau casinos beat March expectations

With high rollers leading the way, Macau casino revenue rose 18% in March, way ahead of forecasts. Despite the VIP spike, government and casino operators insist the new Macau is all about mass market tourism.

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.