Macau is raising the cap on poker tables to encourage more growth in the poker side of the gaming industry. World Gaming Mag report “reliable industry sources” told them that 20 poker tables will now count for just one baccarat table after the original cap had put a huge amount of pressure on the enclave’s poker eco-system. The change is being made by the DICJ and goes against earlier admissions that the table cap in casinos wouldn’t be raised for some time. Poker King Club’s Marketing Manager, Roberto Wong, confirmed change and told Poker Portal Asia: “Currently we are running eight cash tables and before there were six tables.”
Table numbers have been a contentious issue ever since Francis Tam, secretary for economy and finance, announced a cap of 5,500 would stay through 2013 and then increase 3 percent per year for 10 years after. This is very much a case of Macau’s hand being forced to change so that the poker industry isnt case off by casinos and not them changing tack on the original statement.
MGM China’s project on the Cotai strip will only have a small focus on gaming if their CEO is to be believed. Macau Business report Grant Bowie admitted to local media that gaming will be a “small” component of MGM’s new Cotai project. It has still yet to get full government approval but Bowie explained it will include up to 2,000 hotel rooms and has a capacity for 500 gaming tables. He added: “We’re very satisfied with the progress we have had and I believe a decision will be eminent.”
Sands China has renewed the contract of their president and CEO for a further year. Edward Tracy will stay in the position until August 26, 2013 and garner a basic salary of US$1.2 million – plus incentives. It comes after the CEO exercised a number of share options early this week.
