Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming JUly 2015 26 Cover Story W hile real and proposed multibillion dollar integrated resorts take center stage, Vietnam’s winning gaming properties have far lower capital investment and target specific market niches. Aristo International in Lao Cai, on Vietnam’s border facing Hekou in China’s Yunnan Province, had its soft opening last May with 40 tables, 58 EGM seats and 428 hotel rooms once construction was completed in November. Aristo, which boasts a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, spa, five restaurants and eight retail shops, cost $55 million and replaced the smaller Lao Cai International with eight tables, 36 EGM positions and 34 rooms that opened in 2002. Australia-listed Donaco International owns Aritsto, upping its stake in the Lao Cai venture from 75% to 95% at the start of last year. The Lao Cai provincial government Some of Vietnam’s niche casinos have been successful enough to significantly raise their bets By Muhammad Cohen Small is Beautiful – and Profitable Australia-listed Donaco International owns Aritsto, upping its stake in the Lao Cai venture from 75% to 95% at the start of last year. The Lao Cai provincial government remains a minority partner in what Vietnamese officials call the country’s most profitable casino, posting a $9 million net profit in its fiscal 2014. Lao Cai Province