• 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

Melco Crown confident re Japan casino bid: Lawrence Ho

Mar 06, 2017 Newsdesk Japan, Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck  


Melco Crown confident re Japan casino bid: Lawrence Ho

Lawrence Ho Yau Lung, chairman and chief executive of Asian casino developer Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd, says he is confident regarding his firm’s intended bid for a Japan casino licence, in spite of “intense competition” posed by fellow casino operators.

“Japan is the best opportunity [for casino resort investment] outside Macau, so the competition is going to be very intense: the largest gaming and entertainment firms from around the world as well as local large-scale Japanese firms will head for it,” said Mr Ho (pictured in a file photo) on Saturday, in comments to reporters. “But we are still confident about it,” he added.

Mr Ho made the remarks while in Beijing to attend the latest meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to China’s central government.

The Melco Crown boss had indicated at the CLSA Japan Forum 2017, an investor conference held in Tokyo last month, that the firm would “spend whatever we need to win”.

In a press statement issued on February 22, Melco Crown gave specifics on two possible locations in the city of Osaka, namely Umekita and Yumeshima.

Mr Ho noted in his Saturday comments that his firm would not in the meantime reduce its investment in Macau. He described that city as the “headquarters” of Melco Crown, and always its “best market”.

In November the firm said it expected to begin operating in 2018 a new, US$1-billion hotel tower with gaming at the City of Dreams casino resort in Macau.

In December Melco Crown told GGRAsia that plans were being developed for the second phase of Studio City a majority-owned casino resort that opened in the Cotai district in October 2015.

Mr Ho also briefly commented on a Macau government counter-proposal to an industry initiative suggesting stricter technical standards for air extraction systems in Macau casino smoking lounges. The industry’s proposal had been presented as an alternative to a complete ban on casino smoking.

Mr Ho said he was confident his company’s facilities could meet the standards proposed by the government, even though, according to the CEO of market rival SJM Holdings Ltd, that would mean air extraction standards normally associated with hospitals and medical laboratories.

“I think we can fulfill the government requirements [for casino smoking lounges], and that by doing so we can offer our clients more choices,” said Mr Ho.


  • tweet
Related articles
  • Suncity to open clubs at Londoner Macao, Lisboa Palace
    Suncity to open clubs at Londoner...

    Feb 26, 2021  

  • Melco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau recovery in March
    Melco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau...

    Feb 26, 2021  

More news
  • Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry
    Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for...

    Mar 02, 2021  

  • Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award
    Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in...

    Mar 02, 2021  


Latest News

Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry

Covid-19 test cert no longer needed for Macau casino entry

Mar 02, 2021  

From after the stroke of midnight on Wednesday (March 3) people wishing to enter Macau casino floors will no longer need to show a test certificate proving they are free of Covid-19 infection, said...
Read More
Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award

Lim Kok Thay, GEN Singapore execs in US$1.3mln stock award

Mar 02, 2021  

Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Mar 02, 2021  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Partners

Pick of the Day

”Consumers are increasingly comfortable using cashless technology, and they will continue to expect this option to be available on the floor"

Matt Wilson

Chief executive – gaming business at casino equipment and technology supplier Scientific Games



Most Popular

  • Galaxy Macau to add Raffles-branded hotel towerGalaxy Macau to add Raffles-branded hotel tower March 1, 2021
  • Melco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau recovery in MarchMelco’s Lawrence Ho hopeful on Macau recovery in March February 26, 2021
  • Macau casino GGR down 9pct m-o-m in February: govtMacau casino GGR down 9pct m-o-m in February: govt March 1, 2021
  • Macau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent bossMacau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent boss February 25, 2021
  • Suncity to open clubs at Londoner Macao, Lisboa PalaceSuncity to open clubs at Londoner Macao, Lisboa Palace February 26, 2021
Copyright 2014-2020 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us