Inside Asian Gaming

inside asian gaming November 2016 14 Cover Story going forward. It’s probably down to the machinations of the casino exhibition industry. Now that’s a very aggressive, cut throat industry and I fear that margins make the difference here rather more than markets themselves. You’ve heard it so many times, because it’s true, but MGS is a unique exhibition. It’s owned and organized by the domestic trade association, it’s supported by all the key gaming bodies in Macau, it’s backed financially by four Government departments; it has a PRC Government officer sitting on its board; and it reaches all the companies around the world. That’s our current status – and I feel it’s a strong one. But we’re a young, ambitious exhibition which has a USP of Government support, industry support and the Chinese and international buyers support. And more importantly, we’re here to stay. MGS has a three-year vision that it is determined to see through. And then it will be producing a further three year plan for the next phase of expansion and development. I can only speak for our own show, but that’s our commitment. But your point about two gaming shows is there to see and “MGS has a three-year vision that it is determined to see through. And then it will be producing a further three year plan for the next phase of expansion and development ... that's our commitment.” debate. However, you must assess it from the perspective that they offer different propositions; they are priced differently; they are funded differently; and their proceeds are distributed differently. I’ve always been a major supporter of G2E Asia through my own businesses, and the MGEMA membership have been ardent backers of the show since it began. Funnily enough, one could argue that the MGEMA members are probably the reason why we have two shows in Macau! We have supported G2E all the way down the line and its success and growth is actually a measure of our members’ commitment to it as much as anything else. And this commitment remains a key factor. I think it’s a good show. I would obviously prefer a stronger influence in the running of the exhibition from our own marketplace. I would also prefer more investment from the G2E Asia exhibition making its way back into the operations of the domestic market through MGEMA and its members. I think these initiatives would be a major step forward, but that’s the politics of the situation. Shows are about business and our task is to make sure MGS continues to make its mark and make good on its vision of growth and development.