Inside Asian Gaming

DECEMBER 2018 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 23 What about non-operators who have a strong voice in the industry, like regulators, media commentators, analysts, academics, suppliers, consultants, gaming lawyers and so on? We have looked at the power wielded by all of those, but after careful consideration concluded that it was impossible to include regulators (PAGCOR’s Andrea Domingo’s position on the list is purely as an operator, not a regulator) and after considering the power of people in all the other categories it was only direct operators who made it into the top 50. How do you pick between the owner/CEO and the COO of a company? Many gaming companies have a charismatic and entrepreneurial owner/CEO and a perhaps more seasoned and level-headed gaming professional in charge as President and/or COO. By default, being an owner necessarily ranks many more Power Score points. After all, the owner can always force an appointed COO out of his job. But in some cases a hired COO can be even more powerful than their “boss” when the owner delegates a very large proportion of decision-making responsibility. The answer is decided on a case by case basis. Why isn’t Dr Stanley Ho on the list anymore? Dr Ho was retired from the list in 2011 after he effectively withdrew from active day-to-day management of SJM. As one seasoned industry professional put it, “You can’t put him in with normal people.” We agree. Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow selection panel members for their tireless work and excellent insights. And so, without any further ado, we present the 11th edition of the Asian Gaming Power 50. Enjoy! ASIAN GAMING POWER 2 0 1 8