Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING | January 2014 28 A star-studded cast turned out at MGM Macau this month to celebrate the launch of a first for the industry—a mystery progressive bonus for baccarat that does not require a side bet. Developed in partnership with slot giant International Game Technology, Golden Chip, as it’s called, is exclusive to MGM Macau for the next 12 months and is being made available to members of the resort’s Golden Lion Club. Well-known Hong Kong actor Gordon Lam Ka Tung joined TVB star Nancy Wu to officiate at a “gold chip” ceremony to kick things off. The two celebrities were then invited to play a demo version of the game. “We strive todeliver original anddiverse entertainment that offers something for everyone,” said Michael Jensen, executive director of Business Development-Casino Marketing for MGM Macau. “We are also constantly offering exciting and exclusive promotions to cater to the increasingly discerning tastes of our members.” Golden Chip is a reimagining of the classic table game with a mystery jackpot bonus that can be triggered, with no Good as Golden MGM Macau teams up with IGT to bring a unique mystery progressive bonus to baccarat side bet required, by any player at any time, thus heightening the anticipation and suspense at the table while creating an unparalleled and deeply immersive gaming experience. Linked to enrolled table games and available only to seated, rated players, the bonus was spiced up over an initial promotional period with a total prize pool of $8,888,888. The casino has been operating the network on 16 tables for the past month, said Mr Jensen, who professed himself pleased with the performance, especially with the fact that it is attracting new players to the tables. He added that the resort is looking into expanding the bonus to other types of tables. “Macau is a very competitive market,” he said. “To keep ahead in the competition, you need to be doing something different. We feel that [Golden Chip] is very different from what is out there.” Reno, Nev.-based IGT has been making steady inroads into the Macau market with a growing portfolio of “market-attuned” games, as the company describes them, geared to Asian players and highlighted on the slot side by standout performers such as Hong Kong stars Gordon Lam Ka-tung and Nancy Wu officiated at the formal launch of Golden Chip at MGMMacau on 6th January. TECH TALK

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