Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho confirmed Thursday that the company has opened three gaming areas specifically designated for foreign players in its Macau casinos.
IAG asked Ho about the foreigner-only gaming areas at the Grand Opening of an indoor water park and new hotel tower at Studio City, part of the property’s US$1.2 billion Phase 2 expansion.
“Both City of Dreams and Studio City have foreign gaming areas, two at City of Dreams and one at Studio City,” Ho replied.
“There are a lot of gaming tables … now that the crowds are increasing and the visa restrictions for visitors have been reduced, I believe there will be more visitors on 1 May.
“This year, Melco is not expected to lose money, but the pandemic has caused the company to lose a lot of money in the past three years and the bank debt has increased substantially, so we will have to work harder to pay off our debts.”
Melco previously announced a net loss of US$931 million and Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$600,000 in 2022, compared with a net loss of US$810 million and Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$235 million in 2021.
Ho also pointed out that Melco would open new facilities in the future, including the relaunch of iconic resident show “The House of Dancing Water” at City of Dreams.
“Now that border tourism has been restored we look forward to using the new facilities to attract more visitors to Macau, including international visitors, he said.”