License expiration looms for Macau casinos

Along with falling revenue and billions invested in property expansion, license expiration threatens Macau casinos. In this game, authorities in Beijing and Macau hold all the cards.

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.

Sri Lanka casino tale highlights political risk

Investing in developing economies is risky enough. When the project involves an edgy product such as casinos, the hazards multiply. Add in a powerful clergy, and that’s how things went wrong for Australian billionaire James Packer’s Crown Resorts in Sri Lanka.

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.

Manila moves up Asian casino ladder

Recent openings of City of Dreams Manila and Solaire Resort and Casino’s Sky Tower have elevated the Philippine capital’s place in the Asian gaming pecking order. Full build out of the two resorts, plus the completion of two more $1 billion-plus casino properties in the coming years, aim to boost tourism and move the Philippines into the top echelon of gaming destinations in the region, and even the world.

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.

Despite casino slump, Macau shopping not dropping

Las Vegas Sands subsidiary Sands China’s big bet on Macau retailing keeps paying off, even as casino revenue slumps. Rival gaming operators hope to catch up when the new wave of resorts begins opening next year, but they’ve got a long way to go.

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.

Happy FU Day to Caesars, Manila

On this year’s Felix Unger Day, salute the odd couple of Caesars Entertainment and the Philippines. Caesars wants to build a casino resort in Manila, but Philippine gaming regulators are about as enthusiastic as Oscar was about taking in Felix.

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.

Philippines gears up for casino big leagues

The Philippines hopes to get on the regional gaming map with two $1 billion-plus integrated resorts opening in Manila in the coming months. These properties will need to bring in planeloads of foreign players to meet expectations.

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.

Russia tries to join the Asian gaming boom

On Russia’s far east coast, Vladivostok has lined up two Asia gaming operators to build casinos there. The region hopes to cash in on being closer to northern China than 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.

Macau stocks: expect a wild ride

Wells Fargo Securities analyst Cameron McKnight forecasts a “choppy” year ahead for Macau casino stocks. But for true believers, sharp drops represent buying opportunities.

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.