Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: Crown braces for the Bergin report

Friday 29th of January 2021

Crown Resorts heads toward contentious AGM

Good morning,

Within days the Bergin report will be delivered to the New South Wales government, and in its findings and recommendations the fate of Crown Resorts is likely to be deeply impacted, not only at the new Crown Sydney tower but also at Crown Melbourne, where the Victoria state government is also watching closely. For our Face To Face interview today, we set the stage with an enlightening discussion with gaming industry veteran David Green. Over in Japan, there has also been a major new development as Oshidori International announced that it is partnering with Mohegan to make a very strong bid for the Nagasaki IR development scheme. Finally, whether it be threats of imprisonment or of asset sales, the Imperial Pacific International saga marches on, and we’ve got the latest.

First, the news

Oshidori teams with Mohegan to strengthen Nagasaki bid prospects
IPI struggles to turn the corner
Genting completes sale of 50% of Macau project
Studio City Phase 2 shortlisted for sustainable building award
Local employees 89% of management at the six Macau concessionaires
Macau hotel and guest room occupancy up 9.1% in December
Wynn Resorts boasts most Michelin stars in Macau
State government aiming to officially ban locals from Goa casinos
96% of Clark Freeport businesses have resumed operations
Resorts World and PAGCOR fund medical center for police officers
Nepal hotel association reaches accord on pay cuts
Star Sydney to ease Covid operating restrictions
Crown appoints former SkyCity CEO Morrison as director
Singapore continues to show resilience in pandemic: Bernstein
SkyCity Auckland prepares 25th anniversary celebrations
500 com buys share of Loto Interactive

What you need to know

Oshidori teams with Mohegan to strengthen Nagasaki bid prospects

On deadline day for documents in Nagasaki’s RFP process, Mohegan Resorts and Entertainment has emerged as a partner for Hong Kong-listed Oshidori Holdings in what is shaping up to be Japan’s most hotly contested IR race. The two companies gave little information about their plans, apart from to announce that they intend to collaborate to create a world class integrated resort in Sasebo City.

IPI struggles to turn the corner

The plight of its foreign workers has put pressure on Imperial Pacific International as never before, with even the US Department of Labor recently demanding action from the court, including the possible arrest of Chairwoman Cui Li Jie. In the latest turn, US District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona Manglona has ordered IPI to satisfy the remainder of the consent judgment with the Department of Labor by March 1, threatening that otherwise she will appoint a receiver to gather and liquidate IPI’s assets.

Insights

FACE TO FACE

Interview with David Green: Crown Resorts and Bergin inquiry

Gaming industry veteran David Green sits down with AGB Nippon Executive Editor Michael Penn to discuss the Bergin inquiry in New South Wales, Australia. At issue in the narrow sense is Crown Resorts’ fitness to gain a casino license for its newly-opened Crown Sydney tower. However, during the course of the inquiry held late last year, and the whole series of damaging, indeed devastating revelations about Crown Resorts and its management practices emerged into public view. As Green explains ahead of Bergin’s findings and recommendations, the stakes have now grown considerably, and what is at risk is not only Crown’s position in New South Wales, but also its position in Victoria and beyond.

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Jade: bringing back sports...and more

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