The Bright Future of the Asian Gaming Market, 2014

from Gaming and Leisure Magazine

Spring 2014

www.gamingandleisuremagazine.com

Asia -- the gaming industry’s largest growth market through the past decade will continue to provide the most significant growth in 2014-2015.

Due to the significant number of gamblers in China, analysts have agreed that Asia will increase its position as the gaming industry’s dominant market in the foreseeable future.  Overtaking Las Vegas in gaming revenues in 2006, Macau’s growth has continued, most recently posting revenues six times greater than that of Las Vegas in the past year.  

Gaming and Leisure Magazine
Spring 2014

With two-thirds of Macau’s revenue coming from high-rollers, other countries in Asia have moved to increase their take from China’s highly mobile out-bound travel segment.  Considering some of the region’s top markets:

MACAU

As China’s only legal casino zone, most feel Macau still has significant room to grow.  With a projected growth rate of 20 percent, Macau will maintain the highest revenue growth rate through 2014.  Review of detailed analytical data indicates these high expectations are rather conservative.

Since there is not a significant casino opening until 2015, analysts conceed that 90-95 percent of Macau’s growth will be shared by the established properties.

Las Vegas Sands' fourth property in Macau, Sands Cotai is expected to open in 2015 while MGM and Wynn are expected to open new properties in 2016 - 2017.

JAPAN

Lawmakers in Japan have been reviewing a proposition to legalize gambling in the country, following in the footsteps of Singapore, Cambodia and the Philippines.  Japan’s approval of legalized casino gambling could come as early as the second quarter of 2014, which could create the Asia’s second largest gaming market. Recent reports indicate that Japan could generate gaming revenues exceeding $15 billion, doubling Las Vegas and ranking the market as the largest after Macau.

Business leaders from highly recognized companies like Lawson & Suntory Holdings have joined efforts to back the legislation.  They expect the RFP process to start before the end of 2014.  Partnerships are already close to being formed.   Las Vegas Sands could benefit substantially, as they’re expected to develop a project in lucrative Tokyo. Other casino operators including MGM Resorts and Wynn Resorts have planned to spend billions to build casino resorts in Japan once legalized.

With the Olympics coming to Tokyo in 2020, adding casino resorts in Japan will provide a spark for not just tourism, but also for the revitalization of local economies.

SINGAPORE

Singapore is currently the second most profitable gaming area in Asia behind Macau, and is expected to grow at a slower rate.  Though well developed, casino gaming in Singapore remains highly restricted due to limits set by the country’s Casino Control Act.

The two casinos – Marina Bay Sands and Resort World Sentosa -- account for all of the country’s gaming.  With the government fixing casino licenses at two through 2020, the growth will continue, but at a slower rate than Macau, Philippines and the new potentials in Japan.  

Weaker currencies and slower economic growth in Indonesia & India will likely dampen Singapore’s gaming growth.

PHILIPPINES

The Philippines’ position in global gaming is expected to grow in the coming few years, led by the opening of several casino resorts in Entertainment City a development by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.  This is expected to improve the country’s market share by roughly 4-5% in the next three to five years, from the current 3.3%.  The country’s gaming revenues reached $1.45 billion last year, and is projected to grow annually to $3.36 billion by 2020.

The attraction of the Philippines’ as a gaming destination comes from its positioning as a low-cost tourist destination as well as from a healthy domestic demand.  Growth will be driven by the absence of a heavy regulation on gaming by its citizens, growing tourist arrivals, and the rising number of integrated resorts.

SOUTH KOREA

Geographically situated in a prime location between China and Japan, South Korea provides an optimal setting for high-end integrated resorts. Earlier this year (2014) the Korean government piqued the interest of casino operators with a plan to ease restrictions on resort-scale casinos in dedicated economic development zones.

The government will soon release a new tourism strategy that will relax stringent financial rules that have limited foreign projects. The new plan will likely create an economic zone near Incheon Airport (Yeongjong Island) and turn it into a gambling center.  

There are currently 17 foreign-only casinos in the country, which have been aimed at high-rollers from China and Japan.  The new initiative however, will likely open the casinos to Korean nationals.

At present, the only project in the works is a $1.7 billion joint venture between Korean owned Paradise Group and Japanese gaming firm Sega Sammy. This mixed resort property is expected to open in Incheon City in 2016.  The new tourism plan will be removing barriers for foreign firms, helping revitalize the Korean gaming market.

VIETNAM

A relative newcomer to the Asian gaming scene, Vietnam opened its first integrated resort in 2012.   A 2.5 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the expansive Ho Tram Strip features with a 541-room hotel and a state-of-the-art casino.  The facility is aimed at inbound luxury tourists from China, Japan and throughout Asia.  Vietnam’s world renowned beaches are only a 90-minute flight from southern China, adding to the allure of this new and lower cost destination.

Rose Rock Group, a global investment firm backed by the Rockefeller family, is expected to develop a $2.5 billion resort on the south-central coast, with a planned opening date in 2016. Though a casino has not been mentioned in early plans, the project compliments the industry’s growing interest in Vietnam as a tourism and gambling destination.

Gaming and tourism experts agree that Central Vietnam as at the beginning phase of a tourism & gaming growth stage.

CAMBODIA

Gaming in Cambodia has a bright future in the coming years.  NagaWorld, Phnom Penh’s only licensed casino has seen revenue grow by 15% based on a burgeoning mass market in Cambodia.  This resulted in a 20% rise in profits by through 2013.  NagaWorld, is in a fortunate position as they enjoy a lengthy casino license in the nation’s capital that runs through 2035.  

NagaWorld’s monopoly on casino gaming within 200km (124 miles) of Phnom Penh doesn’t extend to the Cambodia/Vietnam border, where a significant number of gamblers live.  A recent survey by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security found that more than 1,500 visitors traveled from Vietnam to a dozen small casinos just within the border. 

The United Nations World Tourism Organization has reported a 53% increase in visits by Chinese Nationals to Cambodia in the first half of 2013.  This surge in had represented 11% of Cambodia’s in-bound tourism.  With the influx of Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese gamblers, casino gaming is expected to grow in the foreseeable future.

Cambodia’s NagaWorld and their parent company, NagaCorp will be profiled in the upcoming issue of Gaming & Leisure.

Playing Away - Alias Nightclub, Mazagan Resort, Morocco

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

February 2014

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

Tọa lạc ở phía bắc bờ biển Ma Rốc ngập tràn ánh nắng, Mazagan Beach và Golf Resort là điểm đến tuyệt vời cho những người yêu golf và CLB đêm.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
February 2014

If you’re looking for that perfect mixture of traditional culture, golf and modern entertainment for your next getaway, then look no further than Mazagan Beach and Golf Resort’s blend of restaurants, clubs, golf and quality Moroccan culture.

The resort boasts a club, casino and an excellent line-up of events, in addition to the various bars located throughout the hotel.  Located in the heart of the resort, Alias Club is the perfect place for guests to relax.  The club, which can accommodate up to 1,000 people, is equipped with the latest technology in sound and lighting systems aimed to deliver a first class nightclub experience.

With panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, the resort features 490 rooms with the latest technical amenities and quality finishes, providing a warm welcome to couples and families alike.  Mazagan is also home to the longest golf course in Morocco – a par 72, 18-hole links course, designed by Gary Player.  It stretches along the beach, promising fantastic play for all skill levels.

If you’re after something a little different, then Mazagan Resort’s range of traditional modern Moroccan events can keep you entertained.  Events range from oriental nights at the Morjana Restaurants to jazz concerts at the Palm Grill, or beach parties with Moroccan and international DJs.

A Golf Systems Software Executive in Asia

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

August 2014

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

Onboard a Qatar Airways flight between Singapore and Bali, I'm reflecting on the preceding six weeks of travel through eight Asian countries.  As the Boeing 777 prepares to land, I welcome the coming days to catch up with friends, paperwork and articles at several of the Kuta beach cafes nearby.

Vietnam Golf Magazine
August 2013

Though this recent odyssey had been a mix of business and leisure, the chief  purpose of this journey has been to conduct a market review for a young and dynamic Golf Club software firm, Quasar Golf. The Golf Club technology division of Quasar Group International has invested in developing new systems to expand their coverage in the East Asian markets.  A second purpose of this journey was to review high-end lifestyle venues ranging from top golf courses to spa getaways and rocking nightclub venues.

Traveling together with my wife, we made Macau our first stop.  We spent four nights at the Rocks Hotel, a 4-star venue on Fisherman's Wharf. The property was conveniently located, only 1KM from the Sands Casino and a short taxi ride from the Airport and Macau Ferry Terminal.  The room provided a pleasant view of the harbor and the bridges connecting Macau with Taipa Island.

The Macau visit was intended mostly as leisure stop, as we were invited for a complimentary signature treatment, a 90-minute Gem Stone Massage at Macau’s award winning Altira Spa. The experience started the moment we entered the facility.  Sitting at Spa reception on the 15th floor, Erny and I were quite impressed with the unmatched view of Macau peninsula and South China Sea.

As we’re escorted into the spacious spa suite, we found it a welcome sanctuary from the busy casino venues scattered throughout the peninsula and Taipa island.  Aside from offering the

Altira Spa, Macau

extraordinary panoramic view, the well-appointed suite provided us with a jacuzzi, steam room, shower and significant space to comfortably relax both before and after the treatment.

Our second leisure venue in Macau included a visit to Club CUBIC, the region’s top nightclub.  Located in the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel, Club CUBIC offered an evening of quality dance tunes that kept us occupied well into the night.  A feature of Club CUBIC can be found in the May issue of Vietnam Golf Magazine.

From Macau, we caught a ferry into Hong Kong Central to process our China visas, typically a 3-4 day process.   The TurboJet is a 60 minute journey to Hong Kong, this time with rather choppy waves coming from the windy, rainy weather.   In Hong Kong, we spent our days in Victoria Park and in several shopping malls on Hong  Kong Island. Two of our nights were spent visiting with friends at several of the nightclubs in Wanchai.

Our China visas were ready on the fourth day, so we caught a ferry into Shenzhen to stay in the Shekou area.   Here we were able to spend time at some of the local nightclubs and experience the many local foods in the smaller restaurants.   

Shenzhen Longgang Golf Course

The chief purpose of stopping in Shenzhen was to meet with a newly formed golf group. Affiliated with one of Shenzhen’s successful businesses, this new golf group has been looking to leverage international golf systems to expand their membership.  On their invitation, we paid a visit to Shenzhen Longgang Public Golf Course to get a feel for the level of golf education provided at their golf academy.   Though it was a rather rainy day, I was pleased to see the high attendance at their educational seminar.

Shanghai was our second stop in China, where we stopped to meet with leaders in the hospitality and leisure software sector. The meetings were focused on addressing the management needs of golf, spa & club prospects. They were interested in expanding their management systems ... to offer software products that appear local, but with international capabilities.  Though with many years experience in the market, they were having difficulty in finding suitable solutions for their golf & spa clients.

While in Shanghai we stayed near Nanjing Road, offering us the chance to spend time shopping along the pedestrian mall near the center of town.  The location was also convenient for an evening visit to The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront area where dozens of historical buildings line both sides of the Huangpu River.

A round of golf at Tiantai Golf Resort
Qingdao, China

We next flew to Qingdao to spend several days as a guest of the Tiantai Golf & Hot Spring Resort. Though it was an early morning flight followed by an hour car-ride to the resort, we were pleasantly pleased to arrive at the resort where we were put-up in one of their Superior Suites. The spacious two-room suite was well serviced by the resort’s staff and provided a very high level of comfort.

David Kurniawan, CEO of China Hospitality Synergy manages the property and was a very generous host during our stay in Qingdao.  One of the highlights was a round of golf, one of a few times I’ve been on a course this year.   I was very impressed with the condition of the course, and the helpful assistance of my caddy.   

We also treated to the use of the private VIP Hot Spring room for a couple hours following

Caddies on a rainy day at Tiantai Golf Resort
Qingdao, China

the round of golf.  With the high level of service provided, we welcome an opportunity to return to Tiantai for both the golf and the hot springs.

We were able to spend a day touring Qingdao, which included several of the city’s sights followed by a tour the world renown Tsingtao Brewery.  For those who enjoy their beer, a visit to Tsingtao and “Beer Street” is a must.Beijing was our next stop, where I spent two days meeting with China’s leading outbound golf travel group.   Recognizing the strongest global growth in golf, travel and business expansion is in China, our discussion focused on how to best satisfy the country’s need for international luxury golf travel.

Though I've been into Beijing a dozen times, this is the first time we took some time to make a trip to the Great Wall.   We had seen countless photos of the Great Wall, but to actually visit

Great Wall at Mutianyu, China

is truly awe inspiring.  It took us a couple hours to get there, but it is a journey that is well worth the time.    We decided to visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu as it provided amazing scenery and is a bit less traveled than the more common Badaling site.  While in Beijing, we made a quick visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.  Nice visits from the historical aspect .. personally I was much more impressed with the Great Wall.

From Beijing we flew to Colombo to meet with the software development team for Quasar Group.   The week in Sri Lanka was to review their newly developed solutions for Golf, Spa & Club clients in East Asia.  Their particular focus has been on China, and SE Asia, developing a multilingual system for use on tablet computers, smart phones, etc..

During our time there, we made several visits to Royal Colombo Golf Club, described as the oldest golf club in Asia.  A round of golf was offered, but since it was monsoon season, weather wasn’t cooperating.  Several squalls passed through during our time at the Golf Club with heavy rains and strong winds.  Other locations for product review meetings through the week included the Colombo Club and Colombo Rowing Club.

We spent two nights at Kama Colombo, the top nightclub in Sri Lanka.  Guest DJ on those

Guest DJ Erny & Resident DJs
Kama Colombo, Sri Lanka

nights was my wife, female DJ Erny from Bali.   She mixed mixed sets with Kama's two resident disk jockeys … DJ KC and DJ Sushan.  It was a full house on both nights.

We departed Colombo at 01h40 for a couple days in Bangkok.   Though we had an early morning arrival, the hotel near Siam Paragon allowed us an early check in at 9am.    The two days in Bangkok were intended for rest & relaxation, but quite a bit of our time was actually spent in shopping centers. We find it difficult to pass through Bangkok without stopping at several of the new malls lining Sukhumvit Road.

Our last country on this stop was Vietnam, one of my favorite places to visit.  Hanoi was the first stop, allowing us a day in which to meet the team at Vietnam Golf Magazine. It’s always a pleasure to build and maintain my relationship with the magazine, particularly while enjoying a strong Vietnamese coffee.

DanaBeach & Sailing Club
DaNang, Vietnam

Danang was the second stop in Vietnam where I had the privilege of visiting Montgomerie Links Golf Club.   I found it to be a very pleasing clubhouse surrounded by a world-class golf course. I definitely could see why it is consistently ranked as one of Asia’s top courses.

Our dining choices during the four days in Vietnam were mostly at small local restaurants. We did spend an evening chilling at the new DanaBeach Bar & Restaurant on the Danang’s sandy My Khe Beach.

Ho Chi Minh City was our final stop on this six week tour.   We spent the time in District One catching up with longtime friends hopping from a Hanoi-style noodle restaurant to a local beer garden to enjoy a Bia Sai Gon.

The six week tour provided an opportunity to review the state of golf club and leisure software solutions in the east Asian market.  It also provided insight into how regional cultures influence facilities management and should be a significant consideration in the design of effective management solutions.

I welcome my next travels into Vietnam, China and throughout the region this September.

Những Ngộ Nhận Về Handicap - Golf Handicapping Myths

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

vietnamgolfmagazine.net/golf-focus/nhu-ng-ngo-nha-n-ve-handicap

Re-posted by Tam Dao Golf and Resort

www.tamdaogolf.com/modules.php?name=News&op=detailsnews&mid=718&mcid=41

Chuyên gia Bill Healey chia sẻ những hiểu lầm mà các golf thủ hay mắc phải về hệ thống điểm chấp để có thể dùy trì sự hấp dẫn vô tận của môn thể thao golf.

Tạo ra một sân chơi cho những người yêu golf thông qua hệ thống handicap là công việc quan trọng của các hiệp hội golf và câu lạc bộ trên toàn thế giới. Mặc dù phương pháp khác nhau, nhưng họ đều có chung mục tiêu là cung cấp một cơ hội công bằng cho người chơi ở mọi cấp độ. Cho dù sử dụng cách tính của CONGU, USGA hay một phương pháp khác thì mỗi hình thức đều có những hiểu lầm cơ bản sau đây:

Ngộ nhận 1: Các golf có thể trông đợi chơi đúng với handicap

Sự thật là các golf thủ có thể chơi đúng với handicap chỉ trong khoảng 20% thời gian. Trung bình, họ thường chơi vượt 2 hay 3 gậy so với điểm chấp. Lấy phương pháp tính của USGA làm ví dụ, hệ thống sử dụng 10 điểm số tốt nhất trong tổng số 20 điểm số chênh lệch gần đây của bạn. Rồi làm phép nhân với 0,96. Nếu trình độ của người chơi ổn định, họ có thể hi vọng chơi với điểm chấp trong khoảng 20% thời gian. Hiểu một cách đơn giản, handicap dùng để đại diện cho tiềm năng của golf, không phải khả năng thực sự của họ.

Ngộ nhận 2: Hệ thống handicap không công bằng khi bắt những người chơi handicap thấp thừa nhận sự chênh lệch về điểm chấp với đối thủ.

Nghiên cứu của USGA và Liên đoàn golf Anh cũng như nhiều tổ chức khác đã xem xét điều này. Họ đã kiểm tra sự khác biệt giữa handicap toàn diện với handicap ¾ trong các cuộc thi đấu. Những nghiên cứu này đã đi đến kết luận duy nhất – sự khác biệt/chênh lệch giữa handicap của 2 người chơi là hợp lý và công bằng. Sử dụng những chênh lệch điểm chấp đầy đủ là hoàn toàn công bằng trong những trận đấu đơn và đấu 4 bóng cho tất cả các trình độ handicap.

Ngộ nhận 3: Độ dốc càng cao, sân golf càng khó đánh

Có hai yếu tố trên sân golf được sử dụng trong việc tính toán, đó là độ dốc của sân và độ khó của sân. Hai yếu tố này được kết hợp cùng lúc và thiết kế để dự đoán điểm số mà người chơi có handicap khác nhau đánh từ tee. Trong đó độ khó của sân góp phần quan trọng vì nó áp dụng cho người chơi tiêu chuẩn. Độ dốc của sân chỉ đơn giản cho biết những chướng ngại vật, những khúc cong và quay vòng trên sân có thể nhân lên những khó khăn cho golfer có handicap cao. Thông thường sân golf có độ khó cao kết hợp với độ dốc thấp sẽ đánh bại sân có độ khó ít và độ độ cao. 

Ngộ nhận 4: Lỗ có index 1 là khó đánh nhất trên sân

Điều này hoàn toàn có thể nhưng không phải với hầu hết các trường hợp. Việc phân cấp vị trí lỗ được thiết kế cho các trận đấu lỗ, không phải đấu gậy, nhưng nhiều golfer thường bỏ qua điều này. Cú đánh thêm về cơ bản được chỉ định ở lỗ phía trước hoặc sau. Điều này giúp phân bổ số gậy trong những trận đấu lỗ. Khi áp dụng mục 17 trong hệ thống handicap của USGA, các lỗ không được phân loại theo độ khó liên quan đến par, mà được xác định dựa trên việc người có handicap cao cần dùng bao nhiêu gậy để đảm bảo “điểm số” trong những trận đấu với người chơi có handicap thấp.

===== English Version =====

Golf Handicapping - Myth Busters

Equalizing the playing field through golf handicapping has been a significant undertaking by golf associations and clubs around the world. Though their methods may vary, the overall aim remain the same -- to provide a fair and equitable opportunity to golfers of all playing levels.

The twentieth century American writer, John Updike put it well:

“In many sports such as tennis, one player’s superiority over another is quickly established and monotonously reaffirmed. The inexhaustible competitive charm of golf lies in its handicap strokes, whereby all players are theoretically equalised and an underdog can become, with a small shift of fortunes, a top dog.”

Whether using the CONGU, USGA or other handicapping method, the aim remains the same. Each has their distracters as well as a series of myths questioning the value of a handicap. Herein are a few of my favorites:

MYTH 1: Golfers can commonly expect to play to their handicap.

The truth is, golfers can expect to play to their handicap only 20% of the time. On average, they typically play two or three strokes above their handicap.

In using the USGA method as an example, the system uses the best 10 of your last 20 score differentials. The worst 10 are thrown out of the calculation. Additionally, there is a .96 multiplier used in calculation. For a player who's quality of play remains static, they can expect to play to their handicap only 20% of the time.

Simply put, a handicap has always been intended to represent a golfer’s potential ability, not their actual ability

MYTH 2: The handicap systems are unfair in requiring lower handicap player to concede full handicap difference to his opponent. Three-quarters of the difference was more equitable.

Quite a bit of research has been put into this by United States Golf Association, English Golf Union and others. They have investigated the merits of full versus three-quarters handicap difference in competition.

Their analytical review, along with independent pieces of research have come to a single conclusion – full difference between the handicaps of the two players is clearly the proper and most equitable allowance.

Using the full handicap differences preserves fair-play in singles and foursomes match play across all handicap categories.

MYTH 3: The higher the slope, the harder the course.

There are two components of the course used in the calculation, slope rating and course rating. The two are taken together and are designed to predict the scores that golfers of different handicap levels will shoot from each set of tees. It’s actually the course rating that carries most of the weight, as it sets the standard for a scratch golfer. The slope simply indicates how much the hazards, twist and turns on the course could multiply the difficulty for a higher handicapper.

Handicap executives do highlight that for pure difficulty, a high course rating/low slope rating combination beats a low course rating/high slope rating every time (72.8/114 is harder than 67.8/127 at every handicap level).

MYTH 4: The Number 1 handicap hole is the most difficult on the course.

It could be, but its not always the case. Often overlooked by the general golfer, assigning rank to holes is designed for match play, not stroke play. Stroke are typically allocated with odd on the front and even on the back. This helps evenly distribute strokes in a match play event. When Section 17 in the USGA

Handicap manual is followed, it’s not to rank the holes by difficulty in relation to par, it’s to identify the holes where a high-handicapper most needs a stroke to secure a “half” in a match against a low-handicap player. Often it would be the most difficult hole, but not always.

These myths about golf handicapping are only a sampling, many others exist.

Handicapping has been, and remains a relatively inexact science. Associations have poured significant research into brining uniformity and equity to the game. A golfer's understanding of the process will help maintain golf's "inexhaustible competitive charm."