Inside Asian Gaming

IAG FEB 2023年2月 亞博匯 90 DIVERSIFICATION: AN OPERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The Macau gaming industry has entered the “New Normal” era. The supply-driven model of “if you build a casino, people will come” is long gone. The collapse of the junket system has also prompted most casinos to pivot to the mass market, particularly the premium mass segment. Unlike VIP players recruited by junket agents, premium mass consists of predominantly non-hosted players engaging in high-limit gaming. This strategic pivot is advantageous for casinos, who can benefit without VIP junkets cutting into their profits. Casino operators are placing long-term bets on the expanding middle class in China and across Asia. Various non-gaming projects are encouraged to develop Macauasacity of tourismevents, including MICE, entertainment and shows, sporting events and themed amusements. Sports tourism, for instance, draws enthusiastic tourists to a destination. This leisure- based travel has become one of the fastest-growing trends in tourism. With our existing sports facilities, we must know our limits and focus on certain regionally popular sports. Competitive sports such as basketball, volleyball, table tennis and marathon running COLUMNISTS