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.

Lawrence Ho puts it on the line in Macau

With gaming interests from the Mediterranean to Russia’s Far East to Manila in three listed vehicles and a big ticket opportunity in Japan, Melco Crown Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho says he’s focused on Macau. His biggest challenges is making Melco Crown properties add up to the sum of their parts.

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 shifts shape Asian gaming in 2017

As Beijing continues to squeeze high rollers, Asian gaming will look beyond China in 2017, and southeast Asia will be a big winner.

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.

Predictions for Macau, Manila, Mickey hit marks

Last January’s forecasts for Parisian Macao to excite visitors and Manila to get its mojo back proved correct, as well as Shanghai Disneyland sharpening competition for leisure spending across the region. Stay tuned for 2017 predictions.

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.

Philippines’ Duterte targets Macau tycoon

In the wake of an alleged illegal online gamig operation, featuring the arrest of 1,300 Chinese nationals in the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte issues a presidential arrest warrant for Macau junket tycoon Jack Lam, amid allegations of bribery and tax evasion.

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 billionaire Razon exits Korea’s Jeju

The sale of Jeju Sun by Philippine billionaire Enrique Razon Jr’s Bloomberry Resorts to junket promoter Iao Kun reflects changed expectations for Korea’s gaming market and for 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.