Bingo Bonanza - ABLE Philippines

From Bingo Life Magazine

Issue 15

December 2014

www.bingolifemagazine.com

An archipelago consisting of more than 7,100 islands, the Philippines is a tropical paradise that has become one of Asia’s most progressive and popular gaming and bingo destinations.

Though several domestic and international companies have stepped in to meet market demand, Leisure and Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) has clearly emerged as the number one supplier to the gaming and bingo sectors.

AB Leisure Exponent (ABLE) - Bingo Bonanza

Bingo Life Magazine
Issue 15, Dec 2014

Clearly the dominant bingo operator in the Philippines, AB Leisure Exponent (ABLE) provides professional bingo gaming throughout the Philippines. Doing business as Bingo Bonanza, the company owns and operates bingo parlors and equipment throughout the country. Their bingo parlors have become community and entertainment centers, a source of revenue for the government, and a sponsor for fundraising activities relating to social and educational programs.

Based in Pasig City, the company was founded in 1993 and operates as a subsidiary of LRWC.

Electronic Bingo versus Traditional Bingo

If financial results are an indication of the public’s preference between the electronic and traditional versions of Bingo, the electronic (E-Bingo) version is clearly the preferred gaming option.

In recent financial results, ABLE had experienced an increase in revenues as a result of growing sales of Electronic Bingo (E-Bingo) and Pull Tabs.  Reporting on results for the first nine-months of 2014, the company’s revenues came to PHP 3,116.9 million (GBP 44.7 million), which was an increase of PHP 104 million (GBP 1.5 million) from the same period in 2013.

These improved results reported in September 2014 were due chiefly to a 16% increase in E-Bingo and 176% increase in Pull Tabs -- partially offset by a 6% decrease in Traditional Bingo, and a 22% decrease in Rapid Bingo.

With it’s continued success with E-Bingo, Reynaldo P. Bantug, CEO of LRWC has stated the company will continue to “focus on expanding our bingo sites as well as the continued roll-out of the electronic variants of our bingo games, which have contributed to the net income increase in our AB Leisure subsidiary.”

In his statement at LRWCs annual shareholder’s meeting, Bantug continued to expand on their commitment to E-Bingo by mentioning that “the electronic version of bingo has continued to be the main driver of growth. We added 1,346 electronic bingo machines in 2013 to bring the total to 5,390 by year end."

Bingo Boutiques

At the end of the 2013 ABLE had a total of 74 bingo outlets, of which 39 were traditional bingo halls and 35 Bingo boutiques. Speaking from the firm’s last annual shareholder’s meeting, LRWC vice president Christina A. Bautista mentioned that the company is building an additional 20 Bingo boutiques in Metro Manila and other key cities in Pampanga, Cebu, Bacolod, Bohol and Isabela.  She further mentioned the cost of setting up a Bingo boutique would require PHP 10-15 million (GBP 143-215,000).

In total, LRWC had planned to spend as much as PHP 300 million (GBP 4.3 million) in 2014 to build more Bingo boutiques nationwide.

Bingo Bonanza National Open Badminton Tournament

The firm has enhanced their presence through its sponsorship of the Bingo Bonanza National Open, an internationally recognized competition taking place between 11-14 December at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. Sanctioned by the Philippine Badminton Association, the tournament offers a total cash prize of PHP 1.5 million (GBP 21,500) and is pulling in players from around Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Al Alonte from Bingo Bonanza has mentioned that “this is a major event, and Bingo Bonanza is here because we still believe that badminton is one of the sports that can bring glory to the Philippines.”

LRWC Acquisitions

Earlier this year it was announced that LRWC had signed an asset share and purchase agreement with Premiere Horizon Alliance Corp. (PHAC), Digiwave Solutions Inc. and TGXI to acquire 100 percent of TGXI’s outstanding capital stock for P620 million (GBP 8.9 million).

The acquisition has been expected to expand the firm’s operations into a new retail brand, taking them beyond bingo and into a wider range of e-games.  Coupled with the growing tourism sector, these acquisitions would allow the company to maintain the double-digit growth it has recently posted.  “With the growth in tourism and the economy, we can feel the increase in patronage in entertainment. So we are optimistic that, with the Philippine economy growing and the population hitting 100 million, [these developments are] directly proportional to revenue. More people means more spending power,” CEO Bantug said.

FCLRC Gaming Operations

LRWC also runs gaming operations through its subsidiary, First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp (FCLRC), which operates and conducts internet and gaming enterprises and facilities in the Cagayan Special Economic Zone Freeport.  Because of the work they have done to promote this online jurisdiction, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority has given FCLRC an exclusive license until 2031.

First Cagayan has developed state of the art facilities at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport for LRWC’s locators.  For the first nine-months of 2014, FCLRC reported gross Revenues of PHP 978.7 million (GBP 14 million), an increase of 62% from the previous year’s figures. Net income of PHP 413.5 million (GBP 5.9 million) was an increase of 83% from the same period in 2013. The improvement in revenues was attributed mainly to the increase in the number of operational locators from 72 in 2013 to­ 80 in 2014 as against 72 last year ­ as well as the increase in locators' revenues. Hosting fees from restrictive and interactive gaming locators contributed 90.1% to total revenues, while license application and renewal fees accounted for the remaining 9.9%.

Accolades for the Philipppines, Positive for Bingo and LRWC

In his annual statement to the shareholders, CEO Bantug highlights that the country has received numerous accolades such as:

“One of the Next Eleven Economies to watch out for and 14th largest economy by 2050” – Goldman Sachs

“16th Largest Economy in the World by 2050” – HSBC

“Highest GDP Growth Rate in Asia: 6.8 percent in 2012 and 7.2 percent in 2013”

The firm remains “optimistic that these will further stimulate our economy and open more gaming opportunities for your Company. We are providing games that best describe the government’s byline that “it is more fun in the Philippines”. This will attract more players in our venues and we are more than ready to provide entertaining new games not only for the local market but also for foreign players.”

The Grand Ho Tram Strip, Vietnam

from Casino Life Magazine

November 2014

www.casinolifemagazine.com

Bill Healey reports on one of South East Asia’s most impressive Resort Casinos

Designed to draw domestic and international tourists to the pristine, sun-drenched beaches of southern Vietnam, the Ho Tram Strip is quickly becoming one of Asia’s top

Casino Life Magazine
November 2014

leisure getaways. With a focus on providing a personalized blend of excitement and relaxation, the Ho Tram Strip features something for everyone -- whether it be one of the region’s top golf courses, Vietnam’s first international standard casino, lavishly appointed accomodation, incredible entertainment options to premium dining shopping or exceptional recreational facilities.

“We are set on more than 400 acres of land along a 2.2 kilometer beach and surrounded by protected forest, and conveniently located just two hours away from Vietnam’s largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City,” said Stephen Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer of Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd, the developer of the Ho Tram Strip.

The first phase of the Ho Tram Strip - The Grand Ho Tram Strip - opened its doors in July 2013, and includes 541 five star rooms, gaming, meeting and convention space, nine bars and restaurants, a spa, teen’s and children’s areas, three swimming pools and gift shops.

The second phase will include a mixture of vacation homes comprised of condominiums and residential villa developments. Ultimately the Ho Tram Strip will one more integrated resort with world class amenities and three additional five-star resorts.

The Grand was the first truly integrated resort to open in Vietnam.  Its current gaming

facilities offer 585 slot machines, 90 table games and multiple VIP table rooms for the finest in full-service gambling. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the gaming features include:

Table games: 90 table games including VIP Baccarat, Baccarat, VIP Roulette, Roulette, Sic Bo, Blackjack, Ho Tram Stud Poker Progressive, Ho Tram Hold’em Poker, Progressive and VIP Texas Hold’em. Baccarat is the casino’s top table game.

Slots: 585 slot machine (including 118 electronic table games which consists of Roulette, Baccarat, Sic Bo and Craps; 32 machines in VIP-high limit area, 8 machines in private gaming rooms)

The casino offers a selection of multiplayer machines, including:

      Lucky Big Wheel - Aruze..........................................15

      Lucky Sic Bo - Aruze .................................................8

      Craps - Aruze ..............................................................8

      Interblock G3 Roulette.............................................64

      Interblock G4 Roulette & Baccarat........................38

Best performing electronic gaming machines include Aristocrat and Shuffle Master.  

The resort also provides both Poker and Slot Tournaments. For slot tournaments, there is a buy-in and a time-limit.  When the time limit expires, players have a final spin, starting with the player with the lowest credit.  If they win here, they can continue to play up to five more times, with the winner being the player with the highest credit at the end of the session.  The Grand has been playing this in heats, with a final round play-off to determine a winner.

“Our casino offering is targeting tourists from around Asia, with an emphasis on mainland China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Korea,” said The Grand’s recently appointed President, Shaun McCamley. “So far, tourists from the PRC have made up the

largest group of inbound visitors to the property. We also market to Viet Kieu (foreigners of Vietnamese origin) from all over the world, as well as the local resident expatriate community. The Grand’s non-gaming targets includes local Vietnamese, typically seeking a truly unique F&B, leisure and golf experience.”

Along with casino gaming, the resort offers an array of world-class leisure activities. In recent weeks (October 2014), the Ho Tram Strip delivered further on its vision to develop a truly unique destination resort in Asia with the opening of The Bluffs – a championship golf course designed by golfing icon Greg Norman.

With Norman himself on hand to cut the ribbon on a course he has called one of the two most beautiful that he has ever been involved in, the course has been open for preview play since early in 2014, The Bluffs has already been nominated for three Asia Pacific Golf Awards, including Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific, Best Golf Course in Vietnam and Best Golf Course Superintendent (Ali Macfadyen). In so doing, it became the first course to ever be nominated in three categories at the prestigious awards.

“To be recognized in such fashion without even being officially open speaks volumes to this course and the job everyone here has done,” said Ben Styles, General Manager of The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip. “We can’t wait for the world to come and enjoy what I firmly believe is as good as any golf experience that exists.”

Speaking from The Bluffs launch, Harbinger Capital Principal and Ho Tram Strip

investor Philip Falcone took the opportunity to announce that the Ho Tram Project Company would be developing both condominiums and villas which would be available to both international and domestic investors.

Adding to The Grand’s allure is the opportunity to escape into the resort’s signature spa. This beautifully designed sanctuary provides a constant cycle of anticipation while unveiling surprise and delight. Ancient healing traditions of the world’s richest cultures combine with modern sensory immersion technology to help restore balance and inspire a sense of rejuvenation, connection, and well being.

For a bold new evolutionary nightlife experience, Club 9 offers an unforgettable place to party. Embodying the mysticism, power and seduction of the dragon; the fashionable nightclub allows guests to indulge in their specialty cocktails as well as a unique bottle service presented by their gorgeous team of Natural 9’s.

In recent months, Asian Coast Development (Canada) Ltd., the owner of The Grand Ho Tram Strip, announced two new investments in the property in 2014. The first in July, was an investment of US$20 million by NewCity Capital, an entity established by American investor Mr. Chien Lee. In September, Asian Coast Development announced a US$50 million funding commitment from its majority shareholder, Harbinger Capital. Harbinger is the majority owner of Asian Coast Development Ltd along with minority owners Pinnacle Entertainment and NewCity Capital.

Asian Coast Development Ltd.’s Board of Directors recently announced the appointment of Mr. Stephen Shoemaker as Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors as well as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Shoemaker had previously served as ACDL’s President and Chief Financial Officer since 2008. With over 30 years of financial and operating experience in the hospitality and telecommunications industry, Shoemaker’s extensive background will be used in developing strategy, overseeing financial operations and fund raising activities.

Vietnam’s gaming scene is one to monitor closely, as the government prepares for a decree that could give the local Vietnamese an opportunity to enter the gaming floor. The Grand Ho Tram Strip is ideally positioned to welcome this traffic.

Bill has been working in the global leisure and gaming technology industry for more than thirty years. Based in Bali for the past ten years, he frequently writes and consults on gaming, golf, club and spa management.

Lifestyle Nightclub - On Top of the World in Beijing

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

November 2014

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

DAZZLING “YIN ON 12” ROOFTOP BAR WITH OUTDOOR TERRACE

OPENS AT NEW WORLD BEIJING HOTEL

YIN on 12, an elegant and modern Oriental-style lounge, has opened in the heart of the city at New World Beijing Hotel.  Featuring the largest open-air terrace amongst Beijing’s deluxe hotels, the 1,100-metre space on the 12th floor rooftop offers stunning views, fresh beats

Vietnam Golf Magazine
November 2014

from the in-house DJ, live local bands and a menu of some of the finest champagnes and single malt whiskeys.                      

“Yin” is the Chinese name for the traditional Chinese stamp or chop that represented an imperial signature. Fittingly, YIN on 12’s entrance features a large, amber-like chop on display and a collection of oversized calligraphy brushes; the same motifs appear stylishly throughout the space, enhancing its “modern Oriental” ambience.  The four-sided open bar features premium spirits bottle displays with theatrical lighting, flanked by views of the second inner ring road of the Chongwenmen area.

YIN terrace at New World Beijing Hotel

In addition to the intimate club environment inside, guests can also choose the East Terrace -- a lively al fresco corner featuring tap beers and freshly grilled and barbecued bites – or the West Terrace – a separate, sophisticated chill-out lounge space under the stars.

The YIN on 12 menu features an extensive selection of vintage champagnes, premium wines and fine single malt scotch whiskeys.  Cocktail lovers discover a menu of innovative hand-shaken libations, from Long YIN Iced Tea and Amber to Manchurian Cream.  A fun snack menu filled with creative nibbles and grilled skewers keeps guests satiated and happy until the late evening hours.

Yin on 12

New World Beijing Hotel

8 Qinian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

www.newworldhotels.com

Lifestyle Nightclubs :: SIN is IN

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

October 2014

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net  

vietnamgolfmagazine.net/lesuire/sai-thanh-soi-dong-cung-sin-ultra-lounge

SÀI THÀNH SÔI ĐỘNG CÙNG SIN ULTRA LOUNGE

Thời thượng, tinh tế và thanh lịch, SIN Ultra Lounge là điểm dừng chân không thể bỏ qua của

Vietnam Golf Magazine
October 2014

những tín đồ yêu CLB đêm ở Sài thành sôi động.

Không chỉ là phòng lounge độc đáo, SIN còn là CLB khiêu vũ và điểm đến khi đêm muộn của những du khách khi đến với Sài thành. Nơi đây bạn sẽ tìm thấy cho mình những khoái cảm đặc biệt được hòa trộn nên từ những ly cocktails độc đáo, các nhân viên thân thiện cùng không gian nội thất sang trọng giữa bầu không khí lung linh của âm nhạc và ánh sáng.

Mặc dù Sài thành đã có rất nhiều những CLB đêm, nhưng SIN vẫn mang đến những trải nghiệm đặc biệt hướng ngoại. Với vị thế đắc địa ở trung tâm quận 1, nơi đây là địa điểm hoàn hảo cho những người yêu thích tiệc tùng đắm chìm trong những bản nhạc DJ sôi động.

Không khó hiểu khi SIN trở thành điểm đến hàng đầu cho những ai mong muốn tìm kiếm những bữa tiệc chất lượng trong một không gian đẳng cấp quốc tế.

SIN Ultra Lounge

22 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Q1

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Website:  www.sinlounge.vn

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sinloungesaigon

==== English Version ====

Ushering in Vietnam’s newest dimension in nightlife is HCMC’s SIN Ultra Lounge.  Fashionable, sophisticated and elegant, SIN represents an evolution in clubbing that draws the city’s A-list. 

 

Appealing to one’s vanity, SIN is the quintessential lounge, dance club, and late night destination.  It is a hedonistic mix of fine cocktails and fine people with plush furnishings, fashionable décor, glowing ambiance, and the city’s top music.

Though there are other trendy nightclubs in the city, SIN brings an exotic, cosmopolitan cool to the heart of District 1.  The sensual venue provides the perfect environment for partygoers to enjoy sets by the cities biggest DJs, elevating it to the top of the class.  It has quickly become the premier destination for the trendsetter seeking the quality party atmosphere usually found in international hot spots.

SIN Ultra Lounge

22 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Q1

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Website:  www.sinlounge.vn

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sinloungesaigon

G&L International Roadtrip to Monaco

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

Fall 2014, Las Vegas

www.gamingandleisuremagazine.com

A Note From the Editor:  Bill has been G&L’s International Contributor since the beginning.  We sincerely appreciate his hard work and contributions.  Personally, I live vicariously through his travels.  When he submitted this article, he mentioned that his last six weeks had

Gaming and Leisure Magazine
Fall 2014

been harrowing and busy.  I thought I’d share his story with everyone.  Recently, Bill was on a Malaysia Air flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing (the same flight that went missing earlier this year).  As he was approaching Beijing around midnight, his flight was put into a holding pattern for an hour.  Finally they were then told to turn around and fly two hours to Shanghai.  After three hours on the ground in Shanghai, they took off again for Beijing and again suffered an hour-long hold near Beijing.  Finally, they were told to return once again to Shanghai.  To summarize, on the MAS flight to Beijing, they landed twice in Shanghai and finally arrived in Beijing thirty-six hours later.  It turned out to be all weather-related but the experience had to be nightmarish to say the least.  I remember the days of travel.  It sounds exciting to most people – but when I hear stories like this, I’m glad the only traveling I do is to my cabin on the weekends.  So, Bill, Keep the articles coming, but most of all, stay safe!

G&L International Road Trip to Monaco

Found amongst the exclusive, secluded shores of the French Riviera is the Principality of Monaco, recognized by many as the international capital of fashion and luxury.  The upscale casino enclave of Monte Carlo is found within Monaco’s secluded bays and elegant boutiques along the Mediterranean shore.

Offering a low tax rate and a luxurious waterfront, it’s not surprising to find that this city-state has the highest percentage of millionaires of any city worldwide.  The Principality is marketed by businesses as a tax haven and an investment destination, luring wealthy foreigners to relocate.  According to a Wealthinsight report in June 2014, nearly one in three people in Monaco is a millionaire.

Operating since the mid-1800s, the Casino of Monte Carlo is one of the top draws in the Principality, offering both casino gaming and high-end entertainment.  The facility includes the famed casino, the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, and the office of Les Ballets de Monte Carlo.  Although today gambling has been a minor contributor to the local economy, there was one point in time when it was the primary source of income for the House of Grimaldi and the Monaco economy. 

Though the present-day Casino of Monte Carlo is operated by the Société des bains de mer de Monaco (Monte-Carlo SBM), the ruling family still maintains a majority interest.  Through the 100+ years that Monte-Carlo SBM has been managing the gambling casino, the size of its employee roles has swelled to more than 3000, making it one of the top employers in Monaco.

Early desires to develop a casino in this seaside town began 160 years ago, with Princess Caroline, the shrewd, business-minded wife of Prince Florestan I.  She had proposed the venture as a means to save the House of Grimaldi from bankruptcy.  The intent had been to design the casino gaming industry to appeal to wealthy tourists who were seeking luxury and elegance away from home. 

In 1854 Florestan's son Charles began work on developing a prospectus to build a facility that would have a wellness spa, English-styled villas and a gambling casino modeled on Germany’s Bad Homburg casino.   

To reach the goal of attracting 4 million francs, Charles recruited a team from France —writer Albert Aubert and industrialist Napoleon Langlois.  Having been granted the concession to operate a bathing establishment and gaming tables for 30 years, Aubert and Langlois moved quickly and opened the first casino in 1856 in Villa Bellevu. 

Developing a spa & casino in 1850s Monaco had its share of logistical challenges, as roads between Monaco to Nice and the rest of Europe didn’t exist.  Furthermore, comfortable lodging wasn’t available, and the concessionaires’ failed to promote the new resort.  This resulted in fewer customers, and lower revenues than expected.  Unable to raise the capital needed to continue on, the property changed hands several times.

In 1859 the property began to make a profit, but still faced its share of difficulties as it didn’t meet the grandiose scale envisioned by Princess Caroline.  Frustrated by the apparent incompetence of the casino’s management, Carolie dispatched her secretary to Germany in an effort to recruit François Blanc, the successful French operator of the famed Bad Homburg casino.  Though he initially declined the offer, he finally did accept after a long period of persuasion.  It is said that Princess Caroline even called on Madame Blanc, suggesting that Monaco’s mild climate would be better for her ill health.

In 1863, François Blanc finally agreed to take the reigns of Monaco’s casino business.  With seed capital of 15 million francs, the “Societe des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers” was created.  As part of his incentive to relocate to Monaco, Blanc became the single majority stockholder in the company and received a 50-year concession (lasting until 1913).

Well connected in the industry, Blanc called on his connections within the industry and quickly began a massive construction project.  He also insisted on renaming Monaco’s Spelugues area to Monte Carlo, chosen to honor Prince Charles.  It was felt the name would be more attractive to casino visitors.

Though early attempts to establish the company combining casino gaming and wellness in Monaco had failed, Blanc’s arrival had reversed the trend.  Despite the many difficulties he inherited, Blanc was able to create a viable and profitable endeavor based initially on operating a casino and in ensuring years, the opening of luxury hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues. 

With gaming prohibited throughout Europe at the time, the Casino of Monte Carlo quickly attracted a wealthy, cosmopolitan members of society, who were drawn by the Principality’s flamboyance, luxury, and the magic of chance gaming.

Since its opening in 1863, the Casino of Monte Carlo has continued to expand and upgrade, but still maintained its Napoleonic era, Belle Époque décor.  With the success and continued growth, the Casino sought fashionable architects such as Dutrou, Schmit, Garnier, Trouzet, etc. to contribute to the long-standing sophistication of the site.

To this day, the Casino of Monte Carlo maintains its image of fashion, flamboyance and luxury, drawing the wealthy and famous from around the world.

All photos are courtesy of the Monaco Press Centre Photos

Legendary Nightlife - Club 9 at The Grand Ho Tram Strip

from Vietnam Golf Magazine

July 2014, 100^th issue

www.vietnamgolfmagazine.net

Club 9 at The Grand – Ho Tram Strip brings world-class entertainment to Vietnam. Opened from 20.00 until 3.00, Club 9 offers a range of entertainment sure to make the night legendary. Starting at 21.30, sexy showgirls kick off the night followed by hot pole dancers at

Vietnam Golf Magazine
July 2014

22.00. The live performance from Marlie and the Misfits Band rock the house from 21.00 until 1.00, after which guests can continue to dance the night away to pulsating beats provided Club 9’s resident DJ.

In true Las Vegas form, Club 9 also features nine tantalizing signature drinks crafted by skilled mixologists. Those wanting to add a little heat to their night can order a My Lambor On Fire, an enticing drink that combines Sambuca, Vodka, Kahlua and Bailey's. The mixologists are also experts at crafting drinks based on a guest’s preference. Sweet? Sour? Boozy? Fruity? Just tell them and your perfect custom cocktail will be presented to you. The bill is only settled when guests are happy with their libations.

Club 9

Ho Tram Strip

Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc 70001

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/Club9atTheGrandHoTramStrip

Friday Foursome with Bill Healey Quasar Group International

Ho Tram Strip -- Vietnam’s Newest Seaside Gaming Gem

from Gaming & Leisure Magazine

Summer 2014

www.gamingandleisuremagazine.com

Interview with Colin Pine

Ho Tram Strip’s first luxury integrated resort is drenched in tropical sunshine and bordered by Vietnam’s  untouched beaches fringing the East Sea. Combining elegant and gracious service with entertainment that pushes the limits, The Grand Ho Tram Strip is a perfect mix of exciting day life and exhilarating nightlife.

G&L is fortunate for the opportunity to chat with Mr. Colin Pine, General Director of Ho

Gaming & Leisure Magazine
Summer 2014

Tram Project Company.  He provides further insight into the present status and future of Ho Tram Strip.

[G&L] The Ho Tram Strip is positioned as an all-round tourist destination, helping usher in a new era for Asia’s leisure and entertainment industry.  What are some of the iconic features within the property helping advance this transformation?

[CP] The realization of the vision for our overall project starts with the natural setting in which we are building.  The area of Ba Ria-Vung Tau where The Ho Tram Strip is located has a beautiful 2.2 kilometer stretch of beach on one side and a protected forest on the other, with our world class links golf course built on the natural sand dunes in between.

The first phase of our development is of a scale and scope never seen before in Vietnam and the first resort has drawn fabulous reviews for the truly luxurious finishing touches that are used through the property.  The Ho Tram Strip is the first truly integrated resort project in Vietnam and is currently planned to ultimately include casinos with total of 180 live table games and 2,000 electronic gaming machines.  Beyond gaming we are focusing on world class entertainment and leisure features.  This is evidenced by The Bluffs, our signature 18-hole links course.  Mr. Greg Norman, the designer of the course has called it one of the top two sites he has ever been involved with, and we are confident that it will not only be the best golf course in Vietnam, but one of the best in all of Asia.

Colin Pine

We plan to continue to roll out first of its kind/best in class features to build on the base of luxury sport, spa, F&B and MICE product that already exists with the first phase of our project.

[G&L]  What are the target markets of The Grand - Ho Tram Strip?

[CP]  On the gaming side our focus is mainly pan-Asia.  Key target customers include mainland Chinese, Thais, Malaysians and Singaporeans, Japanese and Koreans.  We also place a strong emphasis on marketing to Viet Kieu (foreigners of Vietnamese origin) from all over the world, as well as the local resident expatriate community.

Our non-gaming targets includes local Vietnamese, typically seeking a truly unique F&B, leisure and golf experience with MICE travel as a key driver of through-the-week trade.

[G&L]  What type of restrictions are there on Vietnamese nationals? Will they be allowed into the casino facilities?

[CP]  Under Vietnamese law, only persons with proof of foreign residency may enter the casinos.

[G&L]  There are concerns that the HTS is too far from Ho Chi Minh, and that it will be difficult to get visitors to the site.  How are you addressing this?

[CP]  This is a misconception that we are always happy to clear up.  With the new

expressway for Ho Chi Minh-Long Thanh–Dau Giay which was inaugurated earlier this year, coupled with the widening and improvements to Highway 51, the journey to our site is now comfortably under two hours from downtown Ho Chi Minh City.

Certain customers may also come down to the Strip by helicopter. They will be helicoptered directly from Ho Chi Minh City airport to our landing pad directly at the resort.

The Long Thanh Airport will also shorten the journey when it comes on line.  It is expected to service all international visitation for south Vietnam and have a traveling time to our site of less than 1 hour.

[G&L]  The properties within the HTS are of high standard and have received many accolades.  What special honors have these properties received?

[CP]  Watch this space!  We are still a new property, technically still in our soft-opening period for the resort, and with a golf course that has just entered "preview play" operation.  We will look to enter relevant awards for both the resort and the course in the near future.

[G&L]  What future developments can we expect from the HTS in Vietnam and internationally?

[CP]  The first phase of the first integrated resort The Grand - Ho Tram Strip opened in July of last year, bringing 541 rooms, extensive F&B and other leisure amenities, as well as its casino. The second phase of The Grand is underway, which will add another 559 rooms and further leisure/F&B/shopping facilities. Ho Tram Strip will include at least one more integrated resort with a number of other resort properties and world class amenities.

[G&L]  How does social media play into your overall marketing mix?

[CP]  The Grand has a dedicated social media team in-house, as well as a consultancy retained to work on its social media presence.  We regard is an integral part of our marketing mix.

[G&L]  How is HTP involved with Corporate Social Responsibility?

[CP]  HTP has a long history as an active corporate citizen, having supported orphanages and various initiatives around Vietnam since our inception.  Our team also gets involved, with one of the most recent examples being The Grand's President, Mike Santangelo, who recently participate in a long distance cycling to raise funds for a local charity in Ho Tram.  Our next initiative will be focused around the importance of water-ways in Vietnam, so stay tuned for more information on that!

G&L would like to thank Colin Pine for his insight into Ho Tram Strip, the newest gaming gem on Vietnam’s unspoiled seaside.