Blog | Macau

Junket Commission Capped at 1.25%

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:42:26 +0800

Six casino operators in Macau agreed to set the maximum rate for junket commission at 1.25% through legislation, after coordination with the Government.

The consensus was reached after the Secretary for the Economy and Finance, Tam Pak Yuen (譚伯源) met with representatives of the six casino operators today (8 July).

The commission will include all components that constitute rolling chip commissions, and casino operators will have the obligation to report to the Government on how rolling chip commissions are distributed among brokers.

Those who are not compliant with the regulations will be subject to a fine and publication of information.

It is expected that the legislation will be passed by the Executive Council by August, which will come into effect after the Administrative Regulation is published in the Macau Special Administrative Region Gazette.

Tam Pak Yuen also said that capping the junket commission rate will be an effective rate to monitor the rolling chip commissions, while enabling the Government to fulfil its function as maintaining market order.

With regards to gaming revenue for 2008, Tam expected that it could reach the MOP100 billion benchmark.

Meanwhile, Tam revealed that more than 90 gaming tables have been authorised in the forthcoming Four Seasons Hotel in Cotai, and more than 200 at Le Arc in NAPE.

Source: BlogMacau.info

SJM Listing Delayed to 16th July

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 20:41:45 +0800

The listing of Stanley Ho’s casino enterprise is to be delayed, according to an announcement.

Those who have successfully bought shares from SJM’s IPO campaign will have the opportunity to withdraw their applications from today (9 July) until Friday (11 July).

SJM will announce the final IPO results by 15 July, and rebate cheques will be sent out on the same day.

SJM emphasised that only complete withdrawals rather than partial withdrawals are accepted, and those who do not wish to withdraw should take no action.

The casino operator in Macau supposedly has its share listed in Hong Kong’s stock market tomorrow (10 July), but is delayed because Stanley Ho’s sister Winne Ho applied for a judicial review in Hong Kong’s High Court over the plan.

The High Court is due to announce its verdict this afternoon.

Source: BlogMacau.info

Travel Permit Application Further Tightened

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:19:08 +0800

Applications by mainland Chinese residents to visit Macau is known to be further tightened, according to Macau media report.

The Macao Daily News quoted confirmations by police authorities in Zhuhai and Zhongshan that applications to Individual Travel Permits to Macau by residents of Guangdong Province has been further tightened from the beginning of this month, from once a month to once every two months.

However, no public announcements had been made regarding the decision, nor the travel agencies in Guangdong Province had received any official letters from the authorities.

Checkpoints in Zhuhai had not even been notified, and only realised the decision from the permits issued to individual travellers who passed the checkpoints.

Travel agencies believed that such restrictions will not affect their business, as the number of group tours to Macau organised by them continues to decline.

Restrictions to applications of Individual Travel Permits had been imposed by the mainland authorities several times since the policy to allow individuals to travel to Macau began in the latter half of 2003.

Meanwhile, police in the mainland is reported to be watching and taking measures to stop individuals using fake electronic air tickets to come to Macau as a destination, while claiming that it is a place for transfer to officers.

For application to Individual Travel Permits for business purposes, the Macao Daily News reported that police in Zhuhai has suspended all applications from 2 June, and re-registration has begun to all companies and entities that need to apply for such permits for their employees.

Operators in the tourism sector in Macau said that the decision came as a ‘no surprise’ to them, and many believed that it will be difficult for Macau to break the annual number of visitors benchmark of 30 million.

Other factors, such as the Sichuan earthquake, poor performance in the Chinese stock markets and the Beijing Olympics, may also contribute to the lack of willingness of mainland Chinese to travel.

An owner of a shop that sells local souvenir foods pointed out to the newspaper that his shop suffered from a fall of business turnover of 30% since the monthly application policy was imposed in June.

He predicted that his business turnover will be further decreased by 10% as a result of the new policy, while the average amount of money mainland visitors spend will remain at about RMB60 to 80 Yuan.

Source: Blogmacau.info

4 way talks dealt with Galaxy redundancy

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:18:00 +0800

Redundant workers from Galaxy casinos met representatives of employer, the Government and the trade union to discuss subsequent arrangements.

Galaxy casinos agreed to give a reply to the demand of the redundant workers for re-employment and pay cut this afternoon (2 July).

Director of Labour Affairs Bureau, Shuen Ka Hung (孫家雄) said after the three-hour meeting that the results were ‘positive’.

He also pointed out that the Bureau did not find any local employees made redundant from positions rather than croupiers, although it discovered that pregnant employees had lost their job, which could be against the existing regulations.

The Bureau appealed to those affected to contact them for assistance.

Meanwhile, some redundant workers walked away from the talks, accusing the employer for ‘not showing sincerity’.

They threatened assembly today and even appealed to colleagues to go on ’strike’

Source: Blogmacau.info

270 jobs lost at outsourced Galaxy casinos

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:16:43 +0800

Scores of redundant casino workers went to seek for help from the Labour Affairs Bureau, after two outsourced casinos run by Galaxy Casinos announced a job cut of 270 because of fierce competition.

These workers, most of them are croupiers, claimed that they felt ‘threatened’ by the employer who told them to sign letters first before they were allowed to leave.

Although they were promised to receive compensation according to labour regulations, and that they will be re-employed once new casinos are open, they doubted why the employer did not made non-resident workers redundant first before making them redundant.

Some pointed out that non-resident workers who work outside of their authorised domains of activities create ‘extreme unfairness’ to them.

Together with the representatives of two non-mainstream trades union, they demanded a dialogue with the Secretary for the Economy and Finance Tam Pak Yuen (譚伯源) on 2 July on the issue of giving priority to local workers.

They threatened for further action if they did not receive ’satisfactory response’.

Galaxy Casinos issued a statement later which said that the redundancy decision was ‘helpless’, and expressed regret to those who are affected.

It also claimed that letters that promised to re-employ these redundant workers had been issued to those affected. They could be re-employed once the Galaxy Mega Resort is open.

The two outsourced casinos affected are Grand Waldo in Taipa and President in Macau.

Legislator Kwan Tsui Hang (關翠杏) from the trade union stream expressed concern to the recent developments, saying that it reflects the fact that the gaming sector in Macau has entered a period of adjustment.

She also said that it is time for the Government to assess fully the labour needs of the gaming sector, particularly to create opportunities to allow local croupiers to be promoted to become supervisors.

Source: Blogmacau.info

Beware : Fake MGM Macau Website

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 20:26:51 +0800

STATEMENT OF CLARIFICATION:

MGM GRAND Macau - Defraud Attempts by Fake Website under MGM GRAND Macau Found

[2nd, June, 2008 -Macau, Hong Kong] MGM GRAND Macau alerts the public of a suspected fraudulent website named “EA MGM GRAND Macau” (http://www.eamgm.com/) that requests for personal information and payment unlawfully using MGM GRAND Macau’s references; and announces the following：

1. The official and only website address of MGM GRAND Macau is www.mgmgrandmacau.com.

2. MGM GRAND Macau alerts the public to the fact that the Hotel and its official website are not related in any way, directly or indirectly, to the suspected fraudulent website "http://www.eamgm.com/", with a browser title bar named "EAMGM GRAND Macau".

3. The images and graphic designs of by MGM GRAND Macau have been illegally duplicated in the suspected fraudulent website http://www.eamgm.com/. MGM GRAND Macau reserves the right to take further legal actions.

4. MGM GRAND Macau will not be liable to any means of compensation and legal liabilities to anyone who provided personal information, and/or participated in any activities at http://www.eamgm.com/.

5. MGM GRAND Macau has notified law enforcement authorities about these activities.

If anyone is concerned that they may have revealed their security details to fraudsters, they are advised to contact police authorities.

Source: MGM Macau

Rolling chip commission set at 1.25%

Tue, 27 May 2008 20:57:59 +0800

The Government is of the opinion that the maximum rolling chip commission for junket operators should be set at 1.25%, saying that such level is ‘reasonable’.

The remarks were made by the Secretary for the Economy and Finance Tam Pak Yuen (譚伯源) in a meeting with six casino operators yesterday afternoon (21 May).

Present at the meeting were Stanley Ho of the SJM, Stephen Weaver of LV Sands, Francis Lui Yiu Tung (呂耀東) of Galaxy Casinos, Linda Chen of Wynn Macau, Lawrence Ho of PBL Melco and Pansy Ho of MGM Grand Macau.

Tam told reporters after the meeting that ‘one or two’ casino operators proposed to the Government to set the rolling chip commission rate for junket operators at 1.25% to the maximum, although some companies feel that the rate is still high.

He pointed out that the Government thinks ‘preliminarily’ that the rate is at ‘a reasonable level that all companies have relative consensus’. He promised further studies and will publish a detailed proposal in one or two months for consultation within the sector.

Tam also indicated that the Government will formulate guidelines based on the consensus reached within the sector. The guidelines will be complied with by the operators, with monitoring and coordination by the Government without intervention.

He warned that administrative and legislative means will be introduced if such guidelines are found not complied with, and these means may include penalties.

Meanwhile, a consultation group for the gaming sector will be set up by the Government within a month after the necessary administrative procedures are cleared.

Tam also revealed that certain operators suggested to the Government to limit the number of gaming tables, although opinions were divided.

He emphasised that the Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah (何厚鏵) had made clear that the development scale of Macau’s gaming sector will be strictly controlled, which should have responded indirectly that the number of gaming tables will also be within the scope of control.

Tam said that it is time for the Government to play a more dominating role in Macau’s gaming sector development, saying that the first four years were given to casino operators to explore the market and coordinate themselves.

The Government’s role is to coordinate the gaming sector development and the overall interest of the society, so that the economy can achieve a suitable degree of diversification.

The Macao Daily News described the atmosphere of meeting was ‘hostile’, with SJM’s CEO Stanley Ho criticising competitors for ‘neck-cutting’ competition, while other operators apart from LV Sands declined to comment further on the details of the meeting.

Stanley Ho told reporters that the 1.25% commission rate proposal was ‘put up by him’, and other companies collaborated ‘apart from LV Sands’.

He also accused LV Sands for introducing a rate at nearly 1.5% is ‘neck-cutting’.

Ho also proposed that Macau should limit itself to have 6,000 gaming tables, with each casino operator having 1,000.

Stephen Weaver pointed out that he understood the intention of the Government, but there are ‘practical difficulties’ in introducing guidelines., and said that it is difficult for him to comment whether this will be effective.

He also said that there is no need to restrict the number of gaming tables, pointing out that casinos with a lot of gaming tables do not equal to being able to attract customers, and that other leisure facilities are needed in this regard.

Sources admitted that certain casino operators experience difficulties in the recent ‘commission war’, saying that if the rolling chip commission rate is pushed up further, casinos may be losing money to do business.

Some VIP rooms have even set commission rate of 1.4% to attract junket operators to bring customers in, and rumours about foreign-based casino operators may introduce commission rates between 1.4 to 1.5% have been spreading around, according to Macao Daily News.

Some worried that with gaming revenue rate set at 5% in Singapore, the island city state may overtake Macau should the casino resorts open in a couple of years’ time, and whether the 1.25% commission rate limit will help a healthy development of Macau’s gaming sector is yet to be established.

Source: BlogMacau.info

Pokerstars Macau Opens !

Wed, 21 May 2008 23:17:40 +0800

Douglas, Isle of Man – May 19, 2008: Today PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site, announced the opening of Macau’s first live poker room - PokerStars Macau. Housed in Macau’s prestigious Grand Waldo Hotel and Casino in Cotai, it will have a 250 person capacity and offer cash games as well as a robust weekly tournament calendar.

The newly appointed poker room will launch on May 23 with a No-Limit Texas Hold’em Charity Poker Tournament to raise money for the victims of the recent earthquake in Western China. Participants will compete for $150,000 HKD in prizes, including entries to the $25,000 HKD buy-in September 2008 APPT Macau, after making a charitable donation to participate. The suggested minimum donation is $2,000 HKD.

“PokerStars is committed to the development of poker in Asia “said Joe Hachem, Poker World Champion and member of Team PokerStars Pro. “Although Macau has overtaken Las Vegas as the gaming capital of the world, it was only with the incredible success of the Asia Pacific Poker tour last November that Texas Hold’em poker started growing there. PokerStars planted the seeds and now this beautiful Poker room is going to be the garden where future champions learn to play. I wouldn’t be surprised if the next World Champion comes from Macau or elsewhere in China.”

Gary Woollard, General Manager of Grand Waldo Casino believes: “The arrival of poker as a gaming option in Macau’s casinos will encourage more people to come and enjoy all Macau has to offer. We are delighted to have a company with the reputation of PokerStars to manage what is sure to be a very successful and popular poker room.”

The charity event will be the first event of the “Macau Poker Cup” – a series of poker tournaments scheduled during the May 23-25 weekend, including a $1,000 HKD buy-in Deep-Stack event, the $10,000 buy-in Red Dragon event and the first of many satellites to the Asia Pacific Poker Tour’s second season’s events. Visit www.pokerstarsmacau.com for details.

The full schedule for the Asia Pacific Poker Tour’s second season will be announced shortly, but will kick-off at Grand Waldo Casino with the September 1-6 APPT Macau Main Event, a $25,000 HKD buy-in No-Limit Hold’em poker tournament with a guarantee of $10,000,000 HKD.

The luxurious Grand Waldo Hotel and Casino is one of Macau’s newest five-star hotel resorts and gives poker players, their friends and family, an opportunity to explore one of Asia’s most fascinating locations. With its wealth of Chinese temples, Portuguese monuments and beautiful gardens, Macau’s historic centre has been designated a World Heritage site.

Jeffrey Haas, President of the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, comments: “Poker has grown tremendously in Asia and we are very excited to be driving that growth, particularly as we were the first to produce live poker in Macau. After the success of the PokerStars.net Asia Pacific Poker Tour last November, a tremendous poker boom has resulted in Hong Kong and Macau – but it’s just starting. The significance of the PokerStars Macau poker room on Asia will likely parallel the effect that Chris Moneymaker had on the USA when he won the 2003 WSOP.”

To find out more about the PokerStars Macau poker room visit www.pokerstarsmacau.com.

Source: Galaxy Entertainment Group

The Number 8 Connections

Mon, 19 May 2008 19:25:33 +0800

First, it is a tragic and sad day for many, many, many Chinese folks and their loved one on May 12th 2008. The day earthquake arrived onto the people in Sichuan, China.

I'm very curious to know about the Number 8 Theory in connections to this event. And this time, the Number is not that Lucky.

a) May 12th = 5 +1+2 = 8 in the Year 2008 at 2.28pm

b) The Chinese lunar date of May 12th is = 4月初8日 , also the Tibetan Lunar Calendar is the Month of 3b, in the Day of 8

(Medicine Buddha Day)

c) Quake happened with just 88 days away from the Beijing Olympics

d) Beijing Olympic officially opens on 8/8/08 at 8.08pm

e) The date of the deadly Tibetan protests 3(March)/23 = 3+2+3 = 8 (Also Medicine Buddha Day)

f) It had been 8 weeks passed since the Tibetan protest

g) Devastating Snow Storm this year 1(Jan)/25/08 (1+2+5 = 8)

h) Scientist had revised the strength of the Quake from 7.9 Richter scale to 8 Richter scale

3 Minutes of SILENCE

Mon, 19 May 2008 19:21:23 +0800

MGM GRAND Macau together with its team, guests and visitors stood in silence for three minutes to remember the victims of the Sichuan earthquake disaster

Macau, 19^th May 2008 – In accordance with the announcement of the State Council, MGM GRAND Macau’s team members stood in silence for three minutes from 2:28 p.m. on the first day (May 19) of the three consecutive mourning days to remember the victims of the Sichuan earthquake disaster. All activities at MGM GRAND Macau were suspended from operation during the three minutes of silence. Announcement was broadcast and signs were placed within the hotel and casino to notify guests about the National Mourning. Guests showed support to the arrangement. MGM GRAND Macau together with its team, guests and visitors solemnly bowed their heads and joined the silence to express their compassion.

Source: MGM Grand Macau

Galaxy brings leading resort brand to Macau

Sat, 17 May 2008 08:20:58 +0800

Banyan Tree to create a luxury resort featuring luxurious suites, pool villas and its award winning spa in Galaxy’s mega resort in Cotai

15 May 2008, Hong Kong / Macau - Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited ("Galaxy" HKSE: 0027) today announced an agreement for Banyan Tree Holdings Limited ("Banyan Tree" Singapore:B58), a leading Asian resort hotel brand , to develop and operate a luxury resort featuring luxurious suites, pool villas and its award winning spa resort in the Galaxy mega resort in Cotai, Macau.

"Banyan Tree is a leading developer and operator of luxury spa resorts in Asia. With its strong heritage and its reputation for design innovation, service, exceptional accommodation and spa facilities, it is an ideal partner for Galaxy’s mega resort. Banyan Tree will offer our customers an unrivalled combination of luxury and rejuvenation in the unique surroundings of the Galaxy mega resort. Together we will create the first authentic spa hotel brand in Macau." said Dr. Lui Che Woo, Chairman of Galaxy.

At present, Banyan Tree operates 23 resorts and hotels, and 64 spas across the world. At Galaxy mega resort, it will design and operate 254 rooms including 238 large luxurious suites, 16 floating villas with private pools, cabanas, and a specially designed world class spa combining a wide array of holistic treatments and therapies and for the first time in China and any Special Administrative Region, specially designed pool suites.

"This partnership with Banyan Tree will strongly complement our existing plans for the Okura Hotel and our own Galaxy hotel in the Galaxy mega resort, clearly positioning it as the most prominent Asian destination resort in Macau, delivering a unique blend of adventure, discovery, rejuvenation and surprise. This extraordinary tropical experience will stir the senses. I am confident that our unique offering will draw discerning consumers from, not only Mainland China and Hong Kong, but all corners of Asia and beyond." added Dr Lui.

"For Banyan Tree, we are very excited to have found the right platform to enter the Macau market. Both Banyan Tree and Galaxy share the same vision. We understand the needs of top-end Asian consumers and know how discerning and selective they are. By developing a world-class resort we are confident that we are leading the way in Macau's hospitality industry. With our long heritage and expertise in running exclusive resorts, hotels and spas across the globe, we are confident that Banyan Tree Macau will further enhance Macau's position as a leading global leisure destination,"said Ho Kwong Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree.

Themed around the concept of a "Mystical Oasis", the Galaxy mega resort will offer 2,164 5- star luxury hotel rooms including Galaxy’s own 1500 rooms, Okura Hotels and Resorts’ 410 rooms and Banyan Tree Macau’s 254 suites. The mega resort will have a strong Asian identity, with tropical features and design complemented by luxurious villas and cabanas, suites and rooms. The entire Galaxy mega resort will boast a world of gastronomic delights, cocktail lounges and vibrant bars, street style entertainment, relaxation living in the playful podium gardens, white sand beach and wave pool, awe inspiring architecture, one of the largest casinos in the world, and contemporary retail boulevards with the very latest fashion accessories. The jewel in Galaxy’s crown is scheduled to be completed in 2009.

Source: Galaxy Entertainment Group

Price War & Margin Squeeze

Sat, 10 May 2008 11:33:51 +0800

One of the most significant shift in Macao VIP Revenue landscape is the increase of commission rate of VIP rolling chip sales (i.e dead chips) from the traditional 0.7 % to the current 1.35% (offered by Crown Macau). Now, there is huge inter-casino pressure to balance revenues, market share as well as profitability at the end of the day.

Inside Asian Gaming's May cover story presents an excellent write up on this BIG Squeeze covering the tiny city of Macau.

Casino Operators Announce Results

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:05:52 +0800

Four casino operators in Macau announced their results in 2007 in the Government Gazette yesterday (30 April).

The net profit for SJM is MOP1.8 billion after tax and contribution, and MGM Grand Macau has made a loss of MOP700 million.

The net profit for Galaxy Casinos is MOP560 million, and Venetian Sands MOP1.58 billion.

A local accountant said that the profitability of Venetian Sands is the strongest in the four casino operators.

Leong Kam Chun (梁金泉) pointed out to Jornal Va Kio that Venetian Sands was able to make a profit of MOP10 out of MOP100, while SJM made MOP5.40 and Galaxy MOP4.70 only.

He said that the emphasis on providing commissions to brokers might have contributed to the reduction of profits of SJM and Galaxy.

He also praised Venetian Sands for being fully compliant to the Government’s financial report-making guidelines, while the reports presented by certain other companies had been ‘over-simplistic’.

Source: BlogMacau.Info

Gaming Sector Development Frozen

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:42:08 +0800

The Government will not consider issuing more casino operation concessionaires in the foreseeable future.

The Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah (何厚鏵) told legislators that the decision will be formalised through legislation.

He also announced that new landplots, including reclamation landplots due to be authorised by the Central Government in the future, will no longer be conceded for casino development projects.

However, landplots that have already been conceded will not affected by the decision.

Meanwhile, the number of gaming tables and slot machines will also be controlled, and no further additions will be allowed before new measures are announced.

Slot machine parlours will also be ordered to move away from residential areas.

The Government will also legislate to control the commission provided to casino brokers, and a review will be conducted to service contracts.

Checks will be made to the qualifications of senior management personnel of casinos, with licences will be granted to them once they passed the checks, and casino operators will no longer be permitted to take part in running public utilities businesses.

Ho also emphasised that he will not allow casino operators to take part in the Government’s policy-making processes, when answering a question raised by Legislator Leong On Kei (梁安琪) which had already been answered by the Chief Executive.

The Secretary for the Economy and Finance Tam Pak Yuen (譚伯源) said in the press conference after the Chief Executive’s question time that these new measures will be in force immediately in principle, apart from the commission regime of casino brokers and licensing of casino managers.

He admitted that the speed of Macau’s gaming sector development is faster than expected, saying that if the sector developed at a speed over the course of 10 years, problems of resource shortage like Macau is having today should not have been emerged.

There are 29 casinos in operation in Macau, with about 4,000 gaming tables. In addition, about four to five casinos are being constructed in Cotai.

Source: BlogMacau.Info

‘No plans’ to lower gaming tax

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:49:03 +0800

The Government denied claims by Stanley Ho who told local press yesterday (28 January) that it is considering a ‘rebate’ to certain amount of gaming tax to casino concessionaires.

Jornal Va Kio quoted a source from the Government as saying that it so far has no plans to lower gaming tax, and it felt ’strange’ by Ho’s ‘rebate’ remarks.

The source pointed out that it is the Legislative Assembly which has the power to decide on taxation, and there is no rebate on gaming taxes during the 2008 budget bill, and hence such ‘rebate’ to casino concessionaires is simply impossible.

Meanwhile, the existing gaming law has to be amended before any gaming tax rate is to be readjusted. Such amendment in legislation has to be approved by the Legislative Assembly.

The Government so far also has no plans to amend the gaming legislations, the source said.

Stanley Ho told local press in a delivery ceremony of the ICBC to Seng Heng Bank that he ‘heard of’ the Government considering rebating certain amount of gaming tax.

There has been demands from a local casino concessionaire to lower gaming tax in order to enhance competitiveness in the market.

Current gaming tax in Macau stands at 35% of the gross income, plus a maximum of 5% of contribution to support Macau’s construction, social security and the Macao Foundation.

Source: BlogMacau.info

Visitors think Macau ‘more expensive’

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:45:39 +0800

Inflation pressure in Macau makes visitors to the city feel that it becomes more expensive for them to stay.

In interviews with several visitors who came to Macau during the Easter holidays, the Macao Daily News reported that those from Hong Kong and mainland China felt that Macau is becoming more expensive to visit.

One visitor from Hong Kong pointed out that while Portuguese tarts in Hong Kong cost HKD6 each, they cost MOP7 each.

The Tourist Price Index in 2007 was up by 9.51% compared to 2006, and hotel rooms make up half of the total expenses of visitors who choose to stay.

Meanwhile, a Korean visitors told the newspaper that Macau’s prices are ‘acceptable’.

A local economist pointed out that the relations between service quality and prices have become ‘disproportionate’, and requires attention by the sector.

Lao Pun Lap (劉本立) told Macao Daily News that Macau is no longer a cheap destination, while competitiveness of sectors other than gaming is weak.

Congested city centres and lack of cultural content in resorts may also result in the gradual loss of visitors, he said.

He appealed to the Government and the tourism sector to face the ‘crisis’ by reviewing the service levels and enhancing competitiveness.

Source: BlogMacau.info

Macau MTV

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:42:38 +0800

Here's 2 MV shot in Macau. One is in Thai and the other in Mandarin (Chinese)

A nice Thai MV featured with background of Macau . Though in Thai, it’s about the love story of two Thais who met each other accidentally in Macau ; the girl is an overseas student and the boy is a visitor. The man looks like Ah Rain, and the girl is pretty (not really look like Thai), the song not bad too. Check it out and wish you enjoy love and sweet moments in life !

何洁首张个人专辑《发光体》主打歌

Interview with Frank McFadden

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 21:52:44 +0800

Destination Macau's Anthony Lawrance had an up close and personal interview with one of the movers and shakers of Macau gaming industry, Frank McFadden, SJM President of Joint Ventures & New Business Development.

McFadden has worked on gaming projects in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He is now driving the development of new business for Macau's former monopoly gaming operator, SJM, which is about to launch an IPO on the Hong Kong stock exchange.

Harder Life As Inflation Up Over 8%

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 08:01:40 +0800

The inflation rate for January 2008 reached a record 8.3% compared to the same month in 2007, while a survey shows that poor families find food more unaffordable.

Figures released by the Statistics and Census Bureau shows that the Composite Price Index for January 2008 was 119.61, an increase of 8.30% compared to the same month in 2007. This is the sharpest increase in 13 years.

Such increase is caused by significant rises in prices of non-alcoholic drinks, housing and fuel, and medical care, at 14.42%, 14.26% and 12.53% respectively.

Fresh beef prices recorded a rise of 54.70%, while fresh pork prices had risen by 43.46%.

Other food prices, such as cooking oil, frozen poultry and sea fish also recorded rises of over 20%, and vegetable prices had gone up by 18.87%. Eatery prices also went up by 12.13%.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the Union for the Neighbourhood Associations of Macau among poor families show that over 60% of the respondents feel the pressure in paying for food and daily necessities.

Medical care came third of the expenses that the respondents, about 75% of which are receiving government assistance, feel the pressure in paying the cost.

The Union suggested the Government to implement a number of measures to help them, including increasing assistance, distribution of coupons, speeding up construction of public housing, public utilities price control, and buying beds in elderly homes.

They also suggested the Government to open up the channels to import food to increase supply.

One reader's comment: " I just wish to say that I am no expert in the areas of economy, inflation, or whatever subject that applies to Macao. However what I wish to say is that the overall quality of life of people in this town is continuously and sharply declining. It happens so fast that my head spin."

Used With Permission: BlogMacau.Info

Jackpot Winner's Claim Denied

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:57:15 +0800

The Government is following a complaint made by a local woman, who struck a MOP1.05 million jackpot at Venetian Macau but was denied claim for money.

The brother of the woman, surnamed Tang (鄧), is known to be promoting the slot machine jackpot campaign. Venetian Macau refused giving away the money for grounds that relatives of a member of staff took part in the game.

Ms Tang, who won the jackpot on 14 February, claimed that no one from Venetian Macau had informed her that she could not take part in the game because of her relations with her brother.

Tang claimed that she had requested members of staff of the casino to notify officers of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), but was told that they ‘would not deal with the complaint’.

She made a formal complaint to the DICJ on 18 February, and was later invited to make a statement on her experience.

Woman jackpot complaint not upheld

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau judged that the complaint made by a local woman to Venetian Macau for refusing to giving away her slot machine jackpot is not upheld.

In a statement, the Bureau pointed out that the woman, named Tang Si Wan (鄧詩蘊) won a jackpot of a promotional campaign rather than a game in technical terms, and that Venetian Macau had stated in the rules and regulations that the the members of staff and agencies of the casino, as well as their relatives, are not allowed to participate in the campaign.

Tang’s elder brother is a Player Development Manager of Venetian Macau.

Meanwhile, Venetian Macau did display clearly the rules and regulations at the entrance of and within the slot machine area where the promotional campaign took place when Tang claim the jackpot on 15 February. Such rules and regulations were not removed.

Since the rules and regulations had been approved by the Bureau, Tang’s complaint is not upheld.

Tang claimed, after receiving the adjudication, that she will ‘fight’ for her jackpot ‘until the end’, according to Macao Daily News report.

On 21 February, the CEO of SJM, Venetian Macau’s rival competitor, Stanley Ho, claimed that he will pay out the jackpot even if the winner is a relative of his member of staff.

Used With Permission: BlogMacau.Info

Ao Decided Not To Appeal

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 07:54:23 +0800

The former Secretary for Transport and Public Works, who is in prison because of corruption and money-laundering while in office, decided not to appeal against his 27-year jail sentence and confiscation of all bribes he received.

Defending lawyer, Nuno Simões, said that he had met Ao Man Long for about an hour in the Coloane prison.

Ao told him that he realised that the verdict made by the Court of Final Appeal cannot be appealed against, so he decided not to propose appeals against the Court’s verdict.

The two did not talk about whether a 27-year prison sentence is reasonable or not, claimed Simões.

He also indicated that he has not yet received any cases that he has to follow in connection with further investigation on his client.

Used With Permission From: BlogMacau.Info

Mixed reactions over Hotel Lisboa demolition

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:30:58 +0800

SJM’s CEO Stanley Ho guaranteed that the very first building of Hotel Lisboa will be maintained, while local historians appealed to him to consider carefully over the demolition plan.

Ho admitted that the Hotel Lisboa, inaugurated in 1970, is more like a ‘cultural relics’ to many people. The design of the complex like a bird’s cage is also connected with the principles of Fong Shui, and so it will be maintained.

He expressed hopes that the result of the design contest could be due before the Lunar New Year on 6 February. The existing staff of the hotel will also not be affected as a result of the demolition plan, pledged Ho.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Macau History Association (澳門歷史學會), Chan Sü Weng (陳樹榮), pointed out that Hotel Lisboa is another landmark of Macau just after the Ruins of St. Paul’s.

Recalling that there was once an appeal to list the hotel as a protected cultural heritage as a symbol of the development of Macau’s gambling industry, he appealed to SJM to consider carefully the demolition plan.

He suggested that alternatives could be considered so that the building, which connects closely to Macau’s image as a casino city, could be maintained at the highest possible degree.

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Hotel Lisboa to be rebuilt

Architects are invited to design a new hotel complex at the present Hotel Lisboa site, which is likely to be demolished next year.

The SJM issued a press release yesterday (2 January), announcing that the Hotel and Casino Lisboa will be rebuilt, and an international contest will be held to allow architects to design a new complex which will measure a total area of 17,500 square metres.

The new complex is to begin construction in 2009, and is expected to be completed by 2012.

The Macao Daily News reported that the existing Hotel and Casino Lisboa will be closed in 2009.

Meanwhile, SJM had returned the assets of the Hotel Lisboa to the Government in July last year, in exchange for a permanent concession for ’scores of millions’ of Patacas.

Source: BlogMacau.info

Baccarat Great Learning Master Class : David Sofer

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 10:44:52 +0800

David Sofer, best disciple of Master Zuan Xin, is currently teaching Baccarat Great Learning. It is a good opportunity to have a face to face session for those yearning to master the grand game of Baccarat. David will be based in Los Angeles Chinatown for around 4 to 6 months to teach. As the saying goes, "Teacher opens the door, but you must enter yourself."

David Sofer Email : DsoFer888@Yahoo.com

December 2007 newspaper clips from Sing Tao Daily (USA)

AoMen.TV

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:47:02 +0800

Aomen.TV is the first and only online video channel for viewers in China and around the world who want to stay in the know about what's on, when and where, in the all-new entertainment & gourmet capital of Asia.

Created by the Red Ant Media Group, Aomen.TV produces short-form travel features and special stories about Macau, including our regular 'Destination Macau Report', which delivers updates of what's happening along with reviews of the best shows, things to see and do, plus interviews with celebrities and leading business players. The Red Ant Media Group is a Hong-Kong based network of media professionals that publishes Destination Macau, a bi-monthly, bi-lingual magazine with a readership of 75,000 copies.

Melco Needs Macau Momentum

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:32:27 +0800

This article from TheStreet.com is an update of current Melco PBL's situation.

Excerpt: Melco PBL's (MPEL) attempts to dominate the VIP segment of the booming Macau casino market have taken a positive turn.

Yet, for all the supposed good news, the stock is stuck in neutral, trading at levels seen six months ago. Once again, the word is "manana." I can't help but wonder: How long will long-term investors stick around?

Court orders Cotai Waterjets suspension

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 17:27:03 +0800

The Government has suspended the authorisation for Cotai Waterjets to operate ferry services between Taipa and Hong Kong, after its reasoning was rejected by the Court.

The Court of Second Instance did not agree with the reasoning by the Government, which claimed that suspending the validity of authorisation ‘will severely hamper public interests’.

The reasoning came after North West Express, another ferry operator, applied for an order to suspend ferry operations by Cotai Waterjets.

The Government has notified the Court’s decision to maintain the ban to Cotai Waterjets, while waiting for the final verdict.

Source: BlogMacau.info

MGM Grand Macau Grand Opening

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 21:31:39 +0800

MGM Grand Macau Announces Grand Opening Celebration

Stylish new icon to open December 18th

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MGM Grand Paradise, a 50/50 joint venture between MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Pansy Ho Chiu-king, announced today that the much anticipated grand opening of the MGM Grand Macau resort casino has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 18th, marking

the powerful partnership's first venture into the rapidly growing Macau gaming market.

"We believe December 18th will mark the beginning of a new era in

Macau," said Terry Lanni, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. "We have long anticipated our Macau debut and, most importantly, the opportunity to demonstrate the combined capabilities of our partnership. Many dedicated and talented individuals have spent months in preparation for this one moment. We look forward to opening the doors and letting Macau and the rest

of the world see what we have created."

"The opening of MGM Grand Macau is a banner day for Macau, its economy and its residents," said Pansy Ho Chiu-king, Managing Director of MGM Grand Paradise. "The unparalleled international reputation of MGM Grand will further propel the new prosperity enjoyed by the city, attracting additional tourist visits for longer stays and creating many new jobs. We are excited to play an important part of the continued growth of Macau. This resort represents the first of many projects our partnership looks forward to creating to further Macau's growth."

Located on a prime site on the Macau peninsula, MGM Grand Macau will be a stylish icon at the center of the Macau gaming industry. The new resort will feature 600 rooms, suites and villas; a grand casino offering approximately 375 table games, 900 slot machines and 16 private gaming salons for preferred customers; and the signature Grande Praca showcasing Portuguese-inspired architecture, dramatic landscapes and a glass ceiling rising 25 meters (82 feet) above the floor of the resort.

The 35-story resort will also include convertible convention space,

world-class spa and swimming pool facilities, and a variety or restaurants that continue in the MGM Grand tradition of culinary talents celebrating the diversity of international tastes and influences. These unique elements, combined with the high-quality service provided by its 6,000 employees will define this new resort.

About MGM Grand Paradise Limited

MGM Grand Paradise Limited is a 50/50 venture owned and jointly

operated by MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM) and Ms. Pansy Ho Chiu-king. MGM Grand Paradise was formed to develop, build and operate resort casinos in Macau S.A.R under a sub-concession agreement approved by the Macau government.

Under construction and located on a premier site on the Macau peninsula is MGM Grand Macau. The resort will consist of approximately 600 rooms, suites and villas, several restaurants and entertainment facilities and a casino complex consisting of approximately 375 table games and 900 slot machines. The total cost of the project is budgeted at USD $1.25 billion. MGM Grand

Paradise is currently working with the Macau government on a second development site in Cotai.

About MGM MIRAGE

MGM MIRAGE (NYSE: MGM), one of the world's leading and most respected development companies with significant holdings in gaming, hospitality and entertainment, owns and operates 17 properties located in Nevada, Mississippi and Michigan, and has investments in three other properties in Nevada, New Jersey and Illinois. MGM MIRAGE is the largest landholder on the Las Vegas Strip, with significant undeveloped landholdings in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City. The Company recently opened MGM Grand Detroit, a major new resort; and will open another, MGM Grand Macau, before the end of the year. Also under development is CityCenter, a multi-billion dollar mixed-use urban development in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.

The Company has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Dubai World whereby MGM MIRAGE will contribute the CityCenter assets into a newly formed joint venture equally owned by the parties valued at $5.4 billion. MGM MIRAGE has signed a definitive agreement with Kerzner International Holdings Limited and Istithmar Hotels FZE to develop a new multi-billion dollar integrated resort property on the Las Vegas Strip. The Company has a separate definitive agreement with the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing forming a strategic relationship to pursue non-gaming business opportunities in the People's Republic of China. MGM MIRAGE supports responsible gaming and has implemented the American Gaming Association's Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming at its properties.

MGM MIRAGE has received numerous awards and recognitions for its industry-leading Diversity Initiative and its community philanthropy programs. For more information about MGM MIRAGE, please visit the company's website at http://www.mgmmirage.com.

About Pansy Ho

Pansy Ho is managing director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited (HKSE:

HSTGY), a leading Hong Kong-based conglomerate operating four core businesses -- shipping, property, hospitality and investments. Shun Tak will not be a participant in MGM Grand Paradise. In addition to her position with Shun Tak Holdings, Pansy Ho is chairman of Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre. She is also a committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference of Beijing, member of the executive committee of All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, executive vice president of Guangdong Chamber of Foreign Investors, founding honorary advisor and board director of The University of Hong Kong Foundation for Educational Development and Research and advisory council

member of the Better Hong Kong Foundation.

Statements in this release which are not historical facts are "forward

looking" statements and "safe harbor statements" Under the Private

Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and/or uncertainties, including risks and/or uncertainties as described in the

company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Source : Press Release PRNewsWire.com

Barron's Extensive Article on Macau Casinos

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 08:09:19 +0800

Below are 2 links on a well researched article by Kopin Tan for Barron Online. For those with investment concerns in Macau casinos, these are good info.

Part I

Part II

SJM appeals to void Venetian ferry license

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 08:04:31 +0800

SJM’s Standley Ho urged the Government to terminate the contract with Cotai Waterjets which will operate ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong.

His fourth wife, Legislator Leong On Kei (梁安琪) also asked the Secretary for the Economy and Finance Tam Pak Yuen (譚伯源) at the Legislative Assembly’s plenary session why the Government granted a licence to a company ‘which does not have experiences’ in operating ferry services.

Ho made the statement at a dedicated press conference, and made clear that he made that ‘in the name’ of the member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the CEO of SJM.

He claimed the Government’s decision to grant the licence to Las Vegas Sands’ Cotai Waterjets is ‘unfair, unjust and not open’.

He expressed concern that the operation will bring risk to the environment and the safety of the waters, as the ‘lack of experience’ of the company may bring danger to ‘collision’.

He urged the Government to withdraw the decision.

Copyright & Used With Permission of : BlogMacau.Info