CHAIRMAN
Emperor Group
POWER SCORE: 584
POSITION LAST YEAR: 40
CLAIMS TO FAME
• Runs prominent satellite casino in a prime Macau peninsula location
• Founded Emperor Group, best known for watch shops, comprising six Hong Kong listed companies ranging from films to furniture
An old pal who backed Stanley Ho’s first foray into VIP rooms, Albert Yeung was rewarded with a satellite casino operated under Ho’s concession, and he has made the most of it. Yeung’s Grand Emperor Hotel has a superb location on the Macau peninsula, around the corner from Ho’s flagship Lisboa complex.
Opened in 2006 and promising an “imperial experience” for guests, Grand Emperor was ahead of its time, Instagram ready with faux Coldstream Guards and a golden carriage for selfies, plus its “Golden Pathway” in the lobby paved with 78 one kilogram pure gold bricks.
But as the peninsula loses gaming customers to Cotai and new resorts offer greater luxury with more amenities, Emperor struggles to keep its shine. Revenue from its six level casino with 67 mass and 10 VIP tables plus 180 machines fell 9% to HK$1.1 billion (US$145 million) for its 2019 fiscal year. VIP roll decreased 14% to HK$19.3 billion. The company – listed in Hong Kong as Emperor Entertainment Hotel and also operating a non-gaming hotel in Taipa – says it hopes to capture a greater share of the premium mass segment.
For the full list of 2019 Asian Gaming Power 50 winners, click here.
