Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING MARCH 2018 6 Reality bites www.asgam.com I F you’re anything like me, you couldn’t help but react to the recent spate of powerful men accused of various levels of sexual misconduct with the hope that the next one “outed” isn’t one of your idols. Inevitably, as was the case when Kevin Spacey’s name hit the headlines, there is that moment of dread when you realize you will never see their unique talents in the same light again. It’s a heavy price, but one that must be paid. Of course, we don’t idolize business entrepreneurs like we do film or rock stars, but I suspect I wasn’t alone in letting out a large sigh when news first broke of accusations levelled against Steve Wynn – undoubtedly an iconic figure in the global gaming industry. Wynn’s influence is undeniable. Alongside Sheldon Adelson, he is credited with transforming Las Vegas from the shady home of mafia and mobsters to the convention and entertainment capital of the world. Take a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip and you’ll recognize his handywork almost every step of the way. Wynn reimagined the Golden Nugget, expanding and turning it into the classic ode to old Las Vegas that it is today. He built The Mirage and Treasure Island, then went much bigger with the opening of Bellagio in 1988. Thirty years on, Bellagio remains arguably the most famous casino resort in the world’s most famous casino town thanks to starring roles in hit films such as Ocean’s Eleven. After selling his properties to MGMGrand for US$6.6 million 12 years later, Wynn started a new company in his own name, Wynn Resorts, and set to work on his next project, the uber- opulent Wynn Las Vegas. Soon after, he took his expertize global by winning one of three gaming concessions on offer in Macau. The result was Wynn Macau, which proved hugely successful after opening in 2006, and Wynn Palace which, at a cost of US$4.2 billion, raised the bar yet again when it launched in 2016. To this day, the Wynn name towers unmistakably over the Las Vegas and Macau skylines. Yet, the simple fact is that those shimmering golden buildings have lost some of their luster amid the accusations of sexual misconduct that saw Wynn step down in February from his role as Chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts. Wynn has denied the allegations. There is still much to be determined in the coming months and years in regards to Wynn, his former company Wynn Resorts and the buildings that bear his name. I won’t even try to predict how it might all play out. But it does prove – and rightfully so – that in this new world we live in, no man and no brand is untouchable. Ultimately, it also begs the question: who will be next? Ben Blaschke Managing Editor We crave your feedback. Please email your comments to [email protected]. EDITORIAL