The inaugural Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner saw a who’s who of Asia’s gaming industry come together at Macau’s Studio City to celebrate those who made a difference in 2018.
Inside Asian Gaming hosted the inaugural Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner on Friday 23 November 2018, with a full house of 300 distinguished guests filling the Grand Ballroom at Studio City in Macau to celebrate the memorable occasion.
The Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner saw IAG announce the final rankings of the 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50 – an annual countdown of the 50 most powerful and influential people in the regional gaming industry over the previous 12 months. The dinner also celebrated the start of the second decade of the Asian Gaming Power 50, which was first published by IAG in 2008. With owners and high-ranking executives from all of Asia’s major casino operators listed in the 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50, VIP guests at Studio City included representatives of Macau’s six concessionaires – Arnaldo Ho and Paul Baker from SJM Holdings, Buddy Lam from Galaxy Entertainment Group, Sean McCreery from Sands China, Michael Clifford from Wynn Palace, Graeme Croft from MGM Cotai and Geoff Andres from Melco Resorts’ City of Dreams.
Also taking part in ceremonial duties was Anthony Leong Man Ion from Macau gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Kathy Iong from the Macao Government Tourism Office and Legislative Assembly members José Coutinho and Professor Davis Fong along with other government representatives.
The Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner was attended by a broad spectrum of the local gaming industry, including leading Macau junket operators Suncity Group, Tak Chun Group and Meg-Star International, local law firm MdME, Australia’s The Star Entertainment Group, Solaire Resort & Casino in the Philippines plus leading manufacturers SG Gaming, Aristocrat, IGT, LT Game, Matsui and TCS JohnHuxley. The night saw guests welcomed with a quality selection of beer, champagne and wine supplied by the evening’s beverage sponsors – ASC Fine Wines, Macau Beer, Moët & Chandon, Omtis Fine Wines and Watson’s Wine Wholesale.
They were then treated to a fine five-course meal while being entertained by a troupe of glamorous dancers and a sizzling house band.
The highlight of the night, however, was the countdown of the 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50, which saw Sands China’s Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson narrowly pip Galaxy Entertainment Group’s Francis Lui for the top spot – claiming the number one position for the sixth year in a row. While Lui dramatically closed the gap on Adelson this time around, the biggest cheer of the night came from the Suncity Group table after it was revealed that the company’s CEO Alvin Chau had risen another two places in 2018 to number five. Needless to say the entire room filled with energy as the top few places drew nearer.
To see the full 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50 list, check out the December edition of IAG at asgam.com.
IAG is also pleased to announce that the second annual Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner will be held in Macau on Friday 1 November 2019, with further details to be released soon.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment was Title Sponsor of the 2018 Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala dinner, with Macau-based Lotus TV the Main Supporting Partner.
Scientific Games and Aristocrat were Platinum Sponsors of the event, which was also supported by Alphaslot, Aruze Gaming, EvolutionHR, Galaxy Entertainment Group, IGT, Meg-Star Group, Sands China Ltd and Wynn Macau.
The night was emceed by Hong Kong duo Yamilette M. Cano and Jose Chan Rodrigues, who are also featured in this edition of IAG.
