Operators working to attract non-gamers ahead of renewals

Tuesday 9th of October 2018

Pansy Ho Chiu King, co-chairperson and executive director of MGM China says that Macau operators have been “collectively positioning” themselves to appeal to non-gamblers ahead of the 2020 and 2022 concession renewals.

Speaking to media on Monday, Ms. Ho said: “I think it is conducive for the industry as a whole to have the extra time to put together a stronger proposition and to demonstrate we are capable of attracting the non-gamers.” said Ms. Ho, quoted by Macau Business.

“...we shall have to see, because everyone is asking the same question, is it [the diversification efforts] effective? We will see if this will be changing the landscape,” she added.

The first of Macau’s gaming concessions are due for renewal / rebidding in 2020. However, the government has kept hush on how the process will be conducted - saying only that it is currently “researching” the renewals at this stage.

Some experts believe that diversification efforts may become a part of the requirements of new concessions, though nothing has been confirmed in this regard.

On the topic of the ongoing trade war between U.S. and China, Ms. Ho said that she hoped that all American operators will be able to show that they operate as local operators - “working towards building Macau.”

“Until and unless it gets to the point there is a very clear kind of political difference, I believe we are all trying to attain collaboration [between MGM operations in the United States and China] and we are demonstrating that it is possible,” she said.