Inside Asian Gaming

September 2009 | INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 7 The Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 The second annual ranking of the industry’s most influential people When following daily and weekly news events in the Asian gaming industry, it’s not always easy to see the big picture. The global credit crisis and subsequent global economic recession, for example, have tended in the last year to grab the bulk of the headlines. If one pauses for a moment and tries to take a longer view, it becomes clear that it’s not the industry’s talent pool that has somehow drained away. It’s just the general level of confidence and the financial framework that has changed. Things are still moving forward, however, in multiple Asian markets. The Philippines opened its biggest casino yet only a few weeks ago. Taiwan appears to be closer to legalising casinos than at any time in the past 20 years. Two new integrated gaming resorts complete with tournament-standard golf courses are expected to begin construction in Cambodia and Vietnam, respectively, within the next 12 months. Singapore is even closer to launching its two integrated resorts. It is people—talented and driven people—that make those things happen. All the money in the world won’t help without the human will to succeed. In the biggest Asian gaming market, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment has opened its City of Dreams resort, and L’Arc, licensed by Dr Stanley Ho’s casino company, SJM, is due to open this month. In the online sector, Internet use in Mainland China continues to grow rapidly, especially among the young, giving unparalleled opportunities, particularly for providers of so-called ‘soft’ gaming services such as role playing games. That online growth is reflected in some of the names on the Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 . Against this background, the recession looks more like a blip than an insurmountable hurdle. The trend is upward and onward, and the people listed here in the Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 are among the best of the best. Their goal may be to make the most money possible for themselves and their companies. But in doing so, they are helping to create and maintain a culture of excellence in terms of products and services that has the ability to make the Asian gaming industry not only the highest grossing in the world, but the very best. We invite you to be part of the Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 debate by emailing your comments to the editor at michael@asgam.com . Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 Sponsored by: KaiRo International is one of the world’s leading specialists in casino startups in emerging markets. KaiRo International whilst primarily involved in the European and African gaming industries in both ownership and operations are currently expanding into Asia. The KaiRo International team is made up of gaming executives who have had numerous years of experience in all aspects of the gaming industry, from stand-alone slot machine operations to full-fledged mega casino resorts. KaiRo International sees numerous opportunities in the Asian market for the small to mid ranged size of operations with both live game and slot machines. KaiRo International is currently involved in projects in Vietnam and is investigating possible opportunities in neighboring countries. John A. Robbins, Chairman of KaiRo International said: “We are very happy to be the sponsor of IAG ’s Asian Gaming 50 – 2009 list. The list has become a valuable at-a-glance guide to some of the key figures in the Asian part of the industry. It contains not only historical information about how the industry leaders rose to prominence, but also some insight into where they, their companies and the regional industry may be heading next.” About the sponsor