Inside Asian Gaming

IAG AUG 2021年8月 亞博匯 36 architecture and progressive technology while also paying homage to Genting’s roots with subtle Asian touches throughout, including in the art and décor.” Despite its Asian touch, the success or otherwise of RWLV looks likely to rely upon – initially at least – the American customer, although that domestic focus may be able to pivot somewhat in the coming years. “It is definitely targeting local Americans more than, say, Chinese tourists,” offers Samuel Yin Shao Yang, Associate Director, Research – Equity Markets for Maybank Investment Bank Berhad. “Genting originally intended to target Chinese tourists when it bought the land in 2013, but when the Las Vegas baccarat and mini-baccarat market started heading south after 2013 due to the anti- corruption drive, tightening monetary policy and capital controls in China, Genting pivoted RWLV back to local Americans. “That said, I don’t think it will do RWLV any harm in relation to Chinese tourists if it pivots to local Americans. Look at Wynn Las Vegas – it does not overtly pivot to Chinese tourists but is the casino of choice for Chinese tourists visiting Las Vegas.” The big question, according to Bernhard, is when the Chinese high roller will return. “Genting knows a thing or two about that patron, and we’ve catered to that patron arguably as well as anybody on the Las Vegas Strip,” he says. “If you look at the baccarat numbers on the Strip over the past 20 years, they’ve shot northwards. COVER STORY