Category: Blog

Thailand’s fast track casino legalization may rule out US operators such as Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International, and Singapore licensees Las Vegas Sands and Genting to accommodate the kingdom’s present, often illegal gaming interests.

That conundrum ranks among the top issues facing Prime Minister Srettha Thavsin’s government as it moves to create multibillion dollar “entertainment complexes” featuring casinos in Thailand within two years.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his biography, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, ex-Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

With NagaCorp’s Chinese customer base waylaid and its founder deceased, the Hong Kong listed Phnom Penh casino monopoly faces unprecedented challenges. Naga needs more of the nimble, out of the box thinking that built its 25 year run of success.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his biography, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, ex-Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

Hoiana is one of Vietnam’s trio of beachfront casino resorts. (Company provided photo)

Best in class beachfront casino resorts may lift Vietnam into the first tier of Asian gaming destinations. The Grand – Ho Tram outside Ho Chi Minh City, Hoiana near UNESCO World Heritage site Hoi An and Corona on the island of Phu Quoc set regional benchmarks gaming (and non-gaming) by the sea.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his biography, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, ex-Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

In the cool mountain air of a 130 million year old rainforest, Resorts World Genting is Asia’s largest and most unique integrated resort. Just 58 kilometers (36 miles) from Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, RW Genting feels worlds away. Malaysia’s only legal casino has to be different because the majority of the national population are barred from gambling.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his biography, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, ex-Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.

Shopping malls have become an integral part of integrated resorts. Retail makes many contributions to casino resorts, but its impact on the bottom line may surprise you.

Former US diplomat and broadcast news producer Muhammad Cohen is Asia editor at large for iGaming Business, a longtime contributor to Forbes, columnist for Asia Times and author of Hong Kong On Air, a novel set in his adopted hometown during the 1997 handover about TV news, love, betrayal, high finance, and cheap lingerie. See his biography, online archive and more at www.muhammadcohen.com; follow him on Facebook, ex-Twitter @MuhammadCohen and LinkedIn.