Casino operator Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd has told GGRAsia in response to an enquiry, that it is considering a number of “premium brands and concepts” as complementary services for the group’s integrated resorts.
GGRAsia’s question had referred specifically to the name “dragon-i macau”.
On July 20, MCO (IP) Holdings Ltd – an entity related to Melco Resorts – had applied in Macau for the rights to the branding “dragon-i macau”, encompassing various catering and entertainment-related services within a resort, including for nightclub services.
The name ‘dragon-i’ is well known in Hong Kong for a nightclub of that branding.
In Macau, Melco Resorts operates its Cotai flagship casino complex City of Dreams; along with Studio City, also in Cotai; and Altira Macau in Taipa.
City of Dreams currently has a nightclub called Para Club. Studio City has a nightclub called Club MOP.
In its generic reply, Melco Resorts said: “Melco continually explores and evaluates premium brands and concepts that complement the positioning of our integrated resorts.
“As part of our normal course of business, we regularly assess opportunities aligned with our development strategy and guest experience objectives.”
The nightclub brand “dragon-i” was founded and has been promoted by Hong Kong businessman Gilbert Yeung, according to corporate materials released in February 2024 by Black Spade Capital Ltd.
Black Spade Capital is a Hong Kong-based family office managing private investments of Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, chairman and chief executive of Melco Resorts.
The February 2024 statement from Black Spade Capital said it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Mr Yeung to launch a joint venture, described as a “global lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality group”.
The joint venture has been given a goal to explore business opportunities worldwide via the operation of a host of “high-end lifestyle and entertainment attractions”, such as “nightclubs, beach clubs, bars, restaurants and live performances”, the release mentioned.
Black Spade Capital also noted that the joint venture would target to launch “its first project” in Macau, followed by expansion into other cities in Asia and [the] rest of the world, offering a mix of “lifestyle and entertainment experiences”.
Mr Yeung has also owned several other nightlife and food and drink businesses in Hong Kong.
