• 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

MGM Cotai to open with mass tables, VIP play later: CEO

Oct 12, 2017 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Top of the deck  


MGM Cotai to open with mass tables, VIP play later: CEO

The casino resort MGM Cotai – promoted by Macau-based gaming operator MGM China Holdings Ltd – is set to open only with mass gaming tables, but VIP gaming is to be offered at a later stage, said on Thursday the firm’s chief executive, Grant Bowie. The Cotai property is scheduled to be launched on January 29, 2018.

“We certainly will be opening [MGM Cotai with] only mass tables but we are looking to develop relationships and we have already developed relationships with a number of junkets,” Mr Bowie told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the Macau Oktoberfest at MGM Macau.

“As we build up the property, we would expect that in time we will have [junket] operators in our property in Cotai,” said Mr Bowie. “The relationships we have [with junket operators] means we will have nearly all of the significant [VIP] operators [at MGM Cotai],” he added.

Mr Bowie has previously indicated that MGM Cotai would not focus on VIP play.

MGM Cotai is set to open on January 29, a date just before the Chinese New Year holiday period in 2018. Macau typically sees a spike in casino gambling during Chinese New Year. The firm had previously said the property was scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2017.

The overall budget for MGM Cotai has also been pushed up by about 4 percent to HKD27 billion (US$3.46 billion), according to a September filing to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Currently, MGM China operates only one property in Macau – MGM Macau, in the city’s traditional downtown casino district.

MGM China has previously indicated that the Cotai property would play to the strengths of its U.S. parent MGM Resorts International via entertainment and the experience of packaging a varied holiday experience under one roof.

Commenting on the market positioning of MGM Cotai, Mr Bowie said: “We all understand that Cotai is a new market for us. We also understand that we’re best positioned for the upper, premium market place. As we diversify and provide more entertainment, that’s going to attract a greater number of leisure and tourism visitors.”

The MGM China CEO did not directly comment on whether the delayed opening of the Cotai property and the budget increase might negatively affect the ramp up of the new casino resort. Mr Bowie however expressed confidence in the project’s prospects.

“Clearly we would like to open in the fourth quarter…but unfortunately as a result of the impact of the tyhoon [Hato] and the need for us to get the [government] approvals…we decided to move the opening to 2018. As a result, that also incurred more costs for us,” said Mr Bowie.

“We are thrown challenges all the time. We have to live with what the situation is… and we’re lucky because we have a very strong local team,” he added.


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

    Feb 26, 2021  

  • MGM China 4Q EBITDA positive, rev up 550pct sequentially
    MGM China 4Q EBITDA positive, rev up...

    Feb 11, 2021  

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

    Mar 02, 2021  

  • Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt
    Five groups qualify for next phase of...

    Mar 02, 2021  


Latest News

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  

Genting Singapore Ltd, the promoter of Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa casino complex, granted on Monday a total of SGD1.7-million (US$1.3-million) worth of performance-based shares to directors...
Read More
Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Five groups qualify for next phase of Nagasaki casino tilt

Mar 02, 2021  

2021 board named for International Gaming Standards Assn

2021 board named for International Gaming Standards Assn

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

  • Macau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent bossMacau VIP challenged by changes in China: Galaxy Ent boss February 25, 2021
  • 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
  • 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