Inside Asian Gaming

27 26 Centre of the Constellation Tour of the Properties The US$385m StarWorld Hotel & Casino is located on the Macau Peninsula, at the heart of the thriv- ing Avenida de Amizade (Friendship Avenue) strip—whereWynn Macau, Sands Macao, and Stanley Ho’s new and old Lisboas also sit. The 38-storey StarWorld is Galaxy Entertainment Group’s first flagship entertainment complex, and is the tallest hotel in Macau. Its exterior boasts a huge LED wall, which, rather appropriately, creates a kaleidoscope of lights evoking the jewels of the night sky. StarWorld opened on October 19, 2006, and although it is the fifth property to open under the Galaxy umbrella in Macau, it is the first property Galaxy actually owns. The four other properties, dubbed “city clubs”—including Waldo and President along Avenida de Amizade, the nearby Rio, and Grand Waldo close to the Venetian on Cotai—are owned by third parties, with Galaxy keeping a share of revenues in return for operating the casinos within. StarWorld is more glitzy than the“city clubs,” and provided Galaxy its first opportunity to establish its own brand identity. That brand is based on Galaxy’s local experience. Galaxy Deputy Chairman Francis Lui pointed out that with 95% of visitor arrivals to Macau hailing fromAsia, Galaxy has a distinct edge“as a company owned and operated by Chinese,” giving it a better understanding “of the specific tastes of Asians for hotel, entertainment and dining.” Galaxy also believes its affordable prices will help it secure a niche and perhaps even an edge over foreign casino operators in Macau. StarWorld aims to provide what Galaxy refers to as “affordable luxury,” adhering to the company’s concept of an “Asian price point.” The dining options at StarWorld are mainly Asian, and, of course, reasonably priced, as are the 500 chicly-designed hotel rooms, including two Sky Suites. StarWorld also offers the usual range of en- tertainment and leisure facilities available at a five-star hotel. As for the casino, while the city clubs primarily target VIP players, StarWorld caters to both VIP and main hall customers. The property contains 238 gaming tables and over 500 slot machines. High rollers can play at either the stately fifth floor Jinmen Premier Club, pictured on the cover, or the several VIP clubs located on three separate floors. StarWorld Suite Dress: A. F.Vandevorst Shoes: Zara Photography: Ike Stylist: Alex Lam Models: Rosemary V. and Hiro Hayama Jewellery and watches: Palmiero Jewellery Design and Jacob & Co., courtesy of and available exclusively at Masterpiece by King Fook