Inside Asian Gaming

November 2016 inside asian gaming 43 REGIONAL BRIEFS a closer look at the numbers, which saw gross gaming revenue grow 1% year-on-year and 7% sequentially. Those numbers follow a number of interesting findings, which include a 16% year-on-year increase in GGR from Live Multi Game terminals, a 12% rise in Sic- Bo and slot machine GGR up 8% sequentially. Notably, baccarat accounted for “only” 87% of GGR – the lowest mix in seven years. “Our take is that the lower tiers of mass market continue to be the strongest segments in the market today,” said Govertsen. “Sands China is in the best position to capture an outsized proportion of this lower tier play, followed by Galaxy Entertainment. “Our long-term Macau thesis is predicated on our view that the lower tiers of mass represent the bulk of the future profit growth story in Macau and the best place to be is therefore the west side of Cotai rather than on Millionaire’s Row that forms much of the east side of Cotai.” Runaway junket boss found “CTFE is looking forward to having Baha Mar join its portfolio of world-class integrated resort development projects,” said CTFE Chairman Henry Cheng. “We are fully committed to this project and plan to hire as many Bahamians as possible to work at the property.” Baha Mar Resort was originally scheduled to open in 2014 but numerous delays, including an application for bankruptcy by the developer, have prevented its completion. CTFE said it would implement phased opening and would invest heavily in various pre-opening activities while providing numerous job opportunities for locals. Chow Tai Fook last year became majority partner in the US$4 billion Hoi An South integrated resort project in Vietnam alongside VinaCapital and Suncity. It is also part of a consortium that successfully bid for the US$3 billion resort development in Brisbane. Sands, Galaxy best placed for future Official 3Q16 figures published by the DICJ last month suggest that Sands and Galaxy are the operators best placed to take advantage of Macau’s rapidly evolving gaming demographic. So says Union Gaming analyst Grant Govertsen following Former Macau junket figure Huang Shan, who disappeared in 2014 and is alleged to have taken an estimated HK$10 billion of investors’ money, has been found in Cambodia. According to the Macau Gaming Information Association (MGIA), Huang was tracked down by fellow junket boss Zhang Zheng and members of the “Justice Alliance” after more than two years in hiding and has been relocated to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam where he is being held by creditors’ representatives. Tony Tong, founder of the credit risk management and collection services provider Pacific Financial Services, vice chairman of the MGIA and investment advisor to Heng Sheng Investment, said that Huang Shan went voluntarily with Heng Sheng staff to the Heng Sheng VIP Club at the Royal Ha Long Bay Casino. In a statement, Huang apologized to his victims for causing harm and pain. He will be held responsible for all debts and has asked creditors to come to the VIP Club at Ha Long Bay in Vietnam for discussions on settlement. They will need to present documentation with Huang Shan’s signature proving the debt. Tong, Pacific Financial Services and the MGIA are said to be helping several creditors fly to Vietnam to meet with Huang.