Inside Asian Gaming

IN FOCUS 16 Smooth Sailing Macau’s mass-market gaming revenue continues to comfortably outstrip that of the dominant but much lower-margin VIP sector. Mass revenue, which accounted for 29% of total revenue in June, was up 31% year on year. 20 Edging Closer Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Prime Minister Abe has indicated he is open to the idea of casino resorts as part of his strategy for driving economic growth. According to a new report by Morgan Stanley’s Praveen Choudhary and Mia Nagasaka, the long-awaited process of legalization could begin in the fourth quarter of this year. FEATURES 24 Back With a Purpose Never a company to take a back seat when it comes to innovation, WMS Gaming is mapping a strategy for success in Asia based on a dynamic new cabinet and a portfolio packed with new regionally specific games. 26 Security in Motion From storage to pit to disposal, protecting and tracking cards and dice in transit is what Malaysia-based Mega Fortris does, and casinos across Asia rely on it to do this as well as it can be done. 28 Commitment Renewed Aristocrat came to G2E Asia having just secured almost half the slot floor at Manila’s new Solaire Resort & Casino. It was a coup good for almost 600 machines, and it would prove instrumental in driving a solid first half for the Australia-based slot giant. BRIEFS 42 Regional Briefs 44 International Briefs 6 Crown’s Jewel James Packer appears to have won his battle to develop a luxury resort in Sydney the likes of which the gaming industry Down Under has never seen. Not that the outcome was ever in doubt. But what happens next is more difficult to handicap. C O N T E N T S COVER STORY Cover illustration by Rui Rasquinho TECH TALK 34 Custom Choice Abbiati is leading its expansion in Asia with premium chips and plaques that allow for high levels of personalization. The Turin, Italy-basedmanufacturer is enjoying strong sales on the continent, winning orders from the likes of SJM, The Venetian and Solaire. 38 Happy Customers At face value, a player’s club card does not really seem to be all that much—a plastic card with a magnetic stripe. But customer relationship management analytics are helping casinos boost profits by attracting more guests and keeping them at the resort longer.