Inside Asian Gaming

13 FEBRUARY 2016 inside asian gaming Industry profile machines and those of our competitors. It was the only way to experience the joy and pain that comes from playing slots, and really understand what makes different machines fun and compelling. To begin with I had no idea of how to play and I lost a lot of money, but making the transition from a non-gamer to something of a hard-core gamer was a very memorable experience for me. I also have to say I learnt a great deal from Mr Takahiro Usui. He mentored me for many years and he has been a great teacher and boss. IAG: How has Macau changed over the years? AY: When I arrived five years ago Galaxy and Sands Cotai had just opened, and business was booming. Then came the downturn with revenues down every month, junkets moving out and tourist numbers dropping. I think this a normal development because relying 90% on junkets and one game, baccarat, I had to start using my own money in casinos, to play our own machines and those of our competitors. It was the only way to experience the joy and pain that comes from playing slots, and really understand what makes different machines fun and compelling. To begin with I had no idea of how to play and I lost a lot of money, but making the transition from a non-gamer to something of a hard-core gamer was a very memorable experience for me.