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.

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.

Macau casinos soar on strong VIP play

Aided by Chinese New Year crowds, February was Macau casinos’ best month in two years. Despite the much-discussed pivot toward mass tourism, VIP play is again leading revenue growth, though some doubt the trend’s sustainability.

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 finishes on high note but 2016 a loser

Continuing its tourism driven turnaround, Macau’s casino revenue rose in December but fell for the 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.

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.

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.

China pet project could dog Macau

Development of Guangdong Province’s neighboring Hengqin island is supposed to make Macau a bigger tourist draw. But this pet project of President Xi Jinping could compete with Macau without policy changes to let visitors flow freely over the border.

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 casino revenue slump hits 24 months

Amid Chinese President Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption campaign and slowing economic growth on the mainland, Macau’s casino revenue fell for the 24th straight month in May.

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.