Macau’s six incumbent gaming operators welcomed the new gaming concessions in separate statements on Saturday.
The six successful bidders were ranked according to the marks they were given by the government’s bidding commission.
MGM Grand Paradise Ltd
MGM Grand Paradise Ltd. thanked the Macau government for granting it the provisional award of the new gaming concession, adding that this enables it to “contribute to the future development of Macau’s integrated tourism and leisure industries”.
The statement noted that MGM will continue to develop the city with its strengths and contribute to the non-gaming industry, while making “vigorous efforts in expanding the tourist markets from foreign countries”. The company added that it will continue to “work with all sectors of society [on] a new chapter in the development of tourism, leisure, and entertainment and create a milestone of ‘integrated tourism in Asia’”.
Galaxy Casino, S.A.
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) noted that it was pleased for its subsidiary Galaxy Casino, S.A., adding that GEG will fully cooperate with the Macau government on the subsequent work involved, and continue to adopt the “1+4” appropriate diversification development strategy to operate integrated tourism and leisure, non-gaming projects, and promote the gaming industry’s healthy development.
GEG Chairman Lui Che Woo was quoted in the statement as saying that “deeply rooted in Macau, GEG has been fully supporting the central and Macau SAR governments on developing Macau, and contributing to the city’s long-term prosperity and stability. Looking forward to the next decade, we will incorporate innovative elements and our experience to further propel Macau’s development as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
He also thanked the Committee for the Gaming Concessions Public Tender and GEG staff for their efforts.
Venetian Macau, S.A.
Sands China Ltd. and Las Vegas Sands Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert G. Goldstein was quoted in a Sands China statement as saying: “Our commitment to Macau has never wavered and we are honoured to continue the partnership we began with the government and people of Macau 20 years ago”.
He added that “in the coming decade and beyond, we will remain steadfast in our strategy of continuous investment in Macau – in its economy, its people and its community”.
Sands China President Wilfred Wong Ying-wai added that the company was “elated” about the news of their successful bid. “We are grateful to each of our 25,000 team members for their tireless support and dedication. Our gratitude also goes to the tender committee for its meticulous and thoughtful consideration of the tender submissions. We will do our utmost to further contribute to Macau’s [appropriate] economic diversification and its continuing development into a world-class international tourism destination.”
Melco Resorts (Macau) S.A.
Meanwhile, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited., quoted Melco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lawrence Ho Yau Lung as saying: “We are honoured to have been selected and granted a provisional award for the concession to operate gaming in Macau and would like to thank the Macau government for running a smooth and transparent process. We are committed to Macau and its development as Asia’s premier tourist destination.”
Wynn Resorts (Macau) S.A.
President and Executive Director of Wynn Resorts (Macau) Linda Chen Chih-ling told the Chinese media on the sidelines of an event on Saturday that she was grateful for the opportunity to continue participating in Macau’s future development and that her company was confident of the local prospects, adding that her company will continue to consolidate Macau’s status as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure.
In the future, Chen said, her company will devote itself to investing in diversified projects such as sports tourism and art and culture tourism. However, she added, specific projects will be planned with the government, and that details will be announced after the contract is signed.
Chen also said she expected her company to make more contributions to the appropriately diversified development of Macau’s economy, while attracting foreign tourists to the city.
SJM Resorts, S.A.
SJM thanked the Macau government for “the opportunity to continue its contribution to the Macau economy and to the development of Macau as a World Centre of Tourism and Leisure”.
The company added that it will continue to work closely with the Macau government and the Committee for the Gaming Concessions Public Tender during the formal tender process’ final stages. “SJM is confident in the long-term growth prospects of Macau and looks forward to contributing to the sustainable development of the local economy in the coming decade”, the company said.
Caption: Baccarat generated 85.8 percent of Macau casinos' gross gaming revenues of 31.8 billion patacas in the first three quarters of this year, according to official statistics. - Photo: Wikimedia Commons
