GGRAsia – Macao Gaming Show says attendance up 39 pct in 2014

Macao Gaming Show says attendance up 39 pct in 2014

Dec 02, 2014 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck

The Macao Gaming Show (MGS) 2014 edition had a 39 percent increase in attendees compared to the inaugural 2013 event said the organisers.

The latest edition of the three-day trade show and accompanying Macao Gaming Summit conference concluded at the Venetian Macao on November 20.

Attendance jumped from 8,634 in 2013 to 11,987 in 2014, stated the event’s managers. They added that the number of exhibiting companies rose 30 percent year-on-year to 146, and the number of exhibiting countries represented at MGS nearly doubled from 11 in 2013 to 20 this year.

Jay Chun, chairman of the Macau Gaming Equipment Manufacturers Association (MGEMA), the main organiser of the show, said in a prepared statement: “Our survey showed that over 96 percent of attendees are likely to return to MGS in 2015 and that 94 percent would recommend MGS to work colleagues or industry peers. Based on these findings and other show statistics, it is clear that MGS has built on the momentum generated following its launch in 2013; when many similar events struggle in their second year.”

MGS was now preparing “an ambitious but deliverable” strategy to take the event “to the next level”, he added.

Mr Chun stated, referring to the Macau gaming industry’s role in the Asian casino sector success story: “I am delighted that MGS has been able to play a part in assisting international gaming delegates to understand the dynamics of the city and the uniquely progressive vision of our government.”

Mr Chun is also chairman of Paradise Entertainment Ltd, the Hong Kong-listed parent of Macau-based electronic gaming machine maker LT Game Ltd.

MGS 2014 featured a zone called the MGS Slot Experience Center, the second time such a facility has been offered by MGS. It enabled invited casino VIP players, casino slot directors and managers, slot professionals, and general players to play slot machine exhibitors’ new products, and then vote for their favourites.

Based on two days of play, the show organisers gave four prizes. That for ‘Best Theme’ went to “Rising Dragon” by Konami Gaming Inc. The ‘Best Graphics’ winner was “Sky Rider Golden Amulet” by Aristocrat Leisure Ltd. The prize for ‘Best Sound’ went to “Samurai Dragon” by Aruze Gaming. The award for ‘Best Playing Experience’ went to “Novo Line Interactive Mix All-In-One” presented at the show by Macau-based Laxino Systems Ltd.

The third edition of MGS will be held at the Venetian Macao from November 17 to November 19, 2015.