Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | Dec 2007 22 Property Preview on the flood of casino choice now available in a city so long characterized by drought: “If someone had never seen a luxury car, and you put them in a room with a Rolls Royce, a Bentley and a Maserati and asked them which one they liked, they would have no idea. But they’d know they liked the room they were in.” As they took each one for a test drive, however, they would likely settle on a favorite. Although it is still speculation at this point, MGM Grand Macau is likely to ap- peal to a sophisticated and wealthy crowd, but one that is perhaps slightly hipper and younger than at Wynn Macau, especially as the swanky nightclubs come online. Luxury will be evident throughout the property, as expected at any glitzy new Macau casino resort, but MGM Grand Macau will probably feature noticeably more contemporary de- sign touches than its peers. On announcing the December 18 open- ing, MGM MIRAGE Chairman and CEO Terry Lanni commented it would “mark the be- ginning of a new era in Macau,” adding,“We have long anticipated our Macau debut and, most importantly, the opportunity to dem- onstrate the combined capabilities of our partnership. Many dedicated and talented individuals have spent months in preparation for this one moment. We look forward to opening the doors and letting Macau and the rest of the world see what we have created.” Pansy Ho commented: “The opening of MGM GRAND Macau is a banner day for Macau, its economy and its residents. The unparalleled international reputation of MGM GRAND will further propel the new prosperity enjoyed by the city, attracting ad- ditional tourist visits for longer stays and cre- ating many new jobs. We are excited to play an important part of the continued growth of Macau. This resort represents the first of many projects our partnership looks forward to creating to further Macau’s growth.” The MGM buzz began building from Oc- tober, when the 10-metre, 63-tonne signa- ture golden lion statue was unveiled outside the MGM Grand Macau. The building itself gets our vote for most attractive new casino hotel, and features three sections of vary- ing shades of gold—the structure’s shape evokes the swell of the ocean surf, while its mirrored façade reflects the hues of the South China Sea. The 35-storey MGM Grand Macau will feature 600 rooms, suites and villas. The ca- sino will offer 385 gaming tables, 890 slot machines and 16 private gaming salons for preferred customers. The expansive signa- ture Grande Praça conservatory—which will be two and a half times larger than the conserva- tory at the Bellagio in Las Vegas—will showcase Por- tuguese-in- s p i r e d architecture, dramatic landscapes and a glass ceiling rising 25 metres above the floor of the hotel resort. A resort’s personality is largely deter- mined by its staff, and MGM Grand Paradise Ltd runs its own dedicated training facility to ensure MGM Grand Macau’s 6,000 em- ployees are equipped to provide the highest standards of service. Pansy Ho also revealed that the MGM GrandMacauopeningwill bedirectedbyone of the principal organisers of the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, whose credentials include staging the 2004 Olympics closing ceremony in Ath- ens and the opening and closing ceremony of the 1998 FIFAWorld Cup in France. Pansy Ho Chiu-king