• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Features
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Junket investor Suncity eyes gaming opportunities in Japan

May 12, 2017 Newsdesk Japan, Japan Gaming Congress, Latest News  


Junket investor Suncity eyes gaming opportunities in Japan

Casino junket backer Suncity Group – said by investment analysts to be one of largest organisers of VIP gambling in Macau – is exploring opportunities for investing in casino resort business in Japan, an executive of the junket firm told GGRAsia on the sidelines of the Japan Gaming Congress in Tokyo.

“We’ve been studying the Japan market for over a year,” said Andrew Lo Kai Bong (pictured), an executive director and chief investment officer for Suncity Group. Mr Lo is also an executive director of Hong Kong-listed Sun Century Group Ltd, a firm chaired by Alvin Chau Cheok Wa, the chief executive of Suncity Group.

“We can provide [gaming] consultancy services [in Japan]; or that, plus casino management services; or the provision of consultancy services, casino management services plus investment, all together. We have quite a a degree of flexibility there,” said Mr Lo.

He added that his firm is waiting for more details to be announced by the Japanese government regarding the gaming tax rate and any player entry restrictions for casino resorts before deciding what would be its proposed investment in the Japan market.

“But as always, our firm will maintain an asset-light policy… we will keep our ears open, continue our networking and meet more local companies [in Japan],” Mr Lo told us.

Suncity Group aims to continue its international business expansion, its CEO Mr Chau stated during the group’s 10th anniversary celebrations in February.

Suncity Group is involved in the development of a casino resort in Vietnam’s Quang Nam province. The casino property is being promoted by Hoi An South Development Co Ltd, a venture between Suncity Group; Vietnam-based asset management firm VinaCapital Group; and Gold Yield Enterprises Ltd, a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Ltd.

Mr Lo expressed confidence regarding his firm’s goal of direct involvement in running casino operations in Japan.

“Suncity Group did begin with junket business. But throughout the past 10 years we have not been only focused on junket operations. In Vietnam, as you know, we have our own [casino resort] from the scratch: from the design of the property to the building of it,” Mr Lo remarked.

“Our team has gathered years of experience in understanding the needs of Asian clients… We have a large database of Asian patrons – they are from mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, and these places also happen to be amongst the top regional sources for Japan’s inbound visitors,” he added. “We do have our own selling points.”

Mr Lo, appointed as an executive director of Sun Century Group with effect from March 9, has been involved in development of Suncity Group’s overseas business, according to a Sun Century Group announcement filed to the Hong Kong bourse in March.

In an interview published in March by Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily, Mr Chau said it was “possible” Suncity Group’s VIP gaming interests would be injected into Sun Century Group. The latter firm has proposed changing its name to “Suncity Group Holdings Ltd”.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Macau Legend plans min US$300-mln further Laos input
    Macau Legend plans min US$300-mln...

    Apr 24, 2018  

  • Singapore govt touts gaming oversight consolidation
    Singapore govt touts gaming oversight...

    Apr 20, 2018  

More news
  • Wolstenholme named COO at Vietnam’s Hoi An project
    Wolstenholme named COO at Vietnam’s...

    Apr 26, 2018  

  • Asia Pioneer parent expecting 1Q loss
    Asia Pioneer parent expecting 1Q loss

    Apr 26, 2018  


Latest News

Wolstenholme named COO at Vietnam’s Hoi An project

Wolstenholme named COO at Vietnam’s Hoi An project

Apr 26, 2018  

Hoi An South Development Ltd has appointed Steve Wolstenholme (pictured in a file photo) as group chief operating officer (COO) for its Hoiana project, a US$4-billion casino resort located 30...
Read More
Asia Pioneer parent expecting 1Q loss

Asia Pioneer parent expecting 1Q loss

Apr 26, 2018  

U.S. operator Century Casinos dips toe in Vietnam

U.S. operator Century Casinos dips toe in Vietnam

Apr 26, 2018  

Slideshow

Macau casinos celebrate Chinese New Year

Interviews

  • BMM prepped for Macau EGM regulation update: White
    BMM prepped for Macau EGM regulation update: White

    Jan 04, 2018  

    BMM Testlabs “ticks all the boxes” with regard to its...
  • Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam casino biz to watch: Klebanow
    Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam casino biz to watch: Klebanow

    Dec 08, 2017  

    The regulated casino industry is well versed in dealing...
  • Cloud services, e-Sports highlights of MGS 2017: Chun
    Cloud services, e-Sports highlights of MGS 2017: Chun

    Oct 23, 2017  

    The presence of some of the leading cloud computing...
  • Crunch time for Tokyo casino option: Caesars exec
    Crunch time for Tokyo casino option: Caesars exec

    Jul 11, 2017  

    The Tokyo local election setback for Japan’s governing...
  • Suncity bets on Vietnam, resurgent Macau VIP: Andrew Lo
    Suncity bets on Vietnam, resurgent Macau VIP: Andrew Lo

    Jul 06, 2017  

    A multibillion U.S. dollar casino project on Vietnam’s...

Pick of the Day


US$1.46 billion

Las Vegas Sands’ net income for the first quarter of 2018



Most Popular

  • Macau regulator approves Lucky 6 side bet for baccaratMacau regulator approves Lucky 6 side bet for baccarat April 25, 2018
  • Wynn Macau Ltd profit doubles, peninsula revamp soonWynn Macau Ltd profit doubles, peninsula revamp soon April 25, 2018
  • Macau Legend plans min US$300-mln further Laos inputMacau Legend plans min US$300-mln further Laos input April 24, 2018

Copyright 2017 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us