any more new casinos opening in the near future?? or do we have to wait till the completion of MGM, Wynn Resort Macau, Venetian, New Lisboa, Galaxy Mega Hotel etc??

I saw the video of New Lisboa .. but cannot find any pics of it
The New Lisboa hotel will become the tallest building in Macau after completion in 2005.

Galaxy Waldo
http://img59.exs.cx/img59/4861/102584565gBXdDv_ph.jpg

I thoughty they had a big neon sign

Maybe .. I am not really sure ..
coz this building was opened not long ago !!

One pic from today's newspaper
http://img64.exs.cx/img64/2641/m33.jpg

Wynn Resort Macau construction site
http://img55.exs.cx/img55/7316/173078765ttGdeY_ph.jpg

http://img28.exs.cx/img28/6171/171164585pBewjE_ph.jpg

mms://202.175.80.18/tdmvideo/19/3b.asf

download it before it's gone

http://www.wenweipo.com/image/2005/04/20/fij.jpg
http://www.singpao.com/20050420/photos/m702377SP.jpg
http://www.takungpao.com/news/images/20050420-jj-1.jpg

MGM Mirage said today the government of Macau has granted a subconcession to a joint venture with business partner Pansy Ho Chiu-king to build a $975 million casino resort in the Chinese province, which is poised to overtake the Las Vegas Strip in gambling revenue. The company also expects to build up to three casinos with Ho.

MGM Mirage would operate the MGM Grand Macau under terms of an agreement with Ho, the daughter of Macau gambling boss Stanley Ho. The partners would each own half of the resort and have a hand in operations.

The deal is subject to regulatory approval by Nevada gaming authorities. It has raised eyebrows in the investment community because of Stanley Ho's business dealings in Macau, where gang warfare and loan sharking were once rampant.

Stanley Ho is one of three concession holders in Macau and had a monopoly on the region's casinos for several decades. The Macau government in 2002 broke his monopoly by granting concessions to Steve Wynn's Wynn Resorts Ltd. and Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corp.

MGM Grand Macau will be built in the waterfront city next to Wynn Resorts Ltd.'s planned resort. It will feature 600 rooms, a casino with 300 table games and1,000 slot machines as well as several restaurants and entertainment amenities. It also will have 50,000 square feet available for future expansion.

Construction is expected to begin by the end of June for a planned opening in 2007.

MGM Mirage officials today praised Ho's "unparalleled experience" in the Macau, China and Hong Kong gambling market.

"The combined experience of these two partners brings a dynamic energy to this project which we anticipate will become the leading property in Macau," MGM Mirage Chief Executive Terry Lanni said.

President and Chief Financial Officer Jim Murren said the company has been working closely with Nevada regulators and other regulatory jurisdictions.

"We've done everything a responsible licensee can do and we have a high regard for our partner," he said.

The company acquired the subconcession from Stanley Ho's casino company but doesn't have a business relationship with him, Murren said.

In a note to investors Monday, Banc of America Securities stock analyst J. Cogan said analysts have been hesitant to give the company credit for its deal in Macau because of lingering concerns about how Nevada and other gaming regulators would view the company's association with Stanley Ho and his daughter.

While gaming regulators in Mississippi and New Jersey already have approved MGM Mirage's dealings with Ho, the Nevada Gaming Control Board is still investigating her dealings.

State Gaming Control Board member Bobby Siller said today that the board's investigative staff has been working on the Ho case for nearly nine months and that completion of the work is "close."

Siller said investigators have been working with regulators in Macau, but "you don't just walk in there and start reading."

There are cultural differences between the United States and the Far East and government transcripts can be in Chinese or Portuguese, he said.

He wouldn't estimate a date for completion, saying that investigators won't be rushed and the length of a probe depends upon the complexity of the individual.

"Some may take three weeks, some are going to be longer," Siller said. "Steve Wynn's licensing took 10 months or so, and he had already been licensed."

Siller said Ho is a director on several of her father's companies and each of those companies must be checked out.

Investigators also will investigate business probity, the character of the subject and her past associations. They'll also look at the individuals who have control over business operations and all aspects of each company's revenue stream.

"MGM must have control of the casino to operate in an environment that would not bring discredit to Nevada," Siller said. "All areas of the revenue stream are being investigated. Where is the money going? Is it going to people we're not comfortable with?"

When the investigative report is issued, the three-member Control Board will consider it in a public meeting. The Control Board's recommendation would then go to the five-member Nevada Gaming Commission for final approval.

Siller said approving agreements for equipment manufacturers was easier, since there was no agreement other than casinos in Macau acquiring slot machines from local operations. After International Game Technology and Bally Gaming won approvals, Las Vegas Sands and Wynn were authorized after receiving agreements straight from the government of Macau.

"We've been wrestling with this (Nevada companies seeking to do business in Macau) for 2 1/2 years now," Siller said. "This type of deal is new ground for us, but MGM (Mirage) is meeting the challenge. It's not an adversary situation."

http://img279.echo.cx/img279/9963/309691440ttvvniph2ok.th.jpg (http://img279.echo.cx/my.php?image=309691440ttvvniph2ok.jpg)

http://img280.echo.cx/img280/7296/269307724gfazynph8ty.th.jpg (http://img280.echo.cx/my.php?image=269307724gfazynph8ty.jpg)

Here, I found one

http://www.macautourism.gov.mo/newspic/mtt/10971345020s.jpg

im looking for some interior pics, hard to find any ..

It seems like Galaxy updated their website. Now it has bunch of renderings available online. Go check it out

http://www.galaxyentertainment.com/

It's not my favourite Casino, I have to confess.

Website: http://www.galaxyentertainment.com

http://www.galaxyentertainment.com/images/en/properties/mega-resort/photoB.jpg

Construction work has commenced and anticipation is building for the completion of Galaxy Mega Resort at Cotai, Macau. With bridges that link Cotai to Guangdong, China and the rest of Macau, as well as the Macau International Airport, all near by, traveling to this holiday destination will be truly quick and hassle-free. This will be Galaxy's flagship entertainment resort and a must-see vacation spot for travelers from Asia and beyond.

This expansive resort, scheduled to open for business in early 2008, includes a deluxe hotel and a huge themed casino. Guests can expect a relaxing environment and courteous service in every one of the 1,500 deluxe rooms and suites available in the hotel.

The casino will include approximately 450 tables, offering a wide assortment of popular and innovative games, and 1,000 slot machines in a pleasant, roomy setting. Players looking for higher limits can take advantage of the nearly 50 tables in a number of private VIP rooms.

Galaxy Mega Resort will also have many themed attractions the entire family can enjoy. Entertainment choices will include a water park, a health club and spa, karaoke lounges, retail outlets, an amusement arcade and a theatre, not to mention a variety of dining options, including restaurants, bars and cafes. In addition, the resort will feature multi-purpose convention and exhibition facilities as well as a business lounge making Galaxy Mega Resort the perfect venue for conferences and meetings.

Latest Site Progress – Jan 2006
http://www.galaxyentertainment.com/uploadedfiles/photos/properties/gallery/mega/photo01.jpg

http://www.galaxyentertainment.com/uploadedfiles/photos/properties/gallery/mega/photo02.jpg

Galaxy Entertainment opens Macau's twenty-first casino [ 2006-05-22 ]


Macau, China, 22 May – Hong Kong group Galaxy Entertainment opened Macau’s 21st casino - Grande Waldo Casino- in the landfill area between the islands of Taipa and Coloane in front of Hengqin island in the Chinese municipal area of Zhuhai.

The Galaxy group already has three other casinos on the Macau peninsula - Waldo, Rio and President – and plans to open two more: one in August this year and another in 2008.

Of the 21 casinos in Macau, 16 belong to gaming magnate Stanley Ho's, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau and one to Las Vegas Sands, to which the Galaxy group granted a sub-concession for opening casinos in Macau.

At least three more casinos are due to open by the end of the year: the Wynn Resorts hotel/casino, right in front of hotel/casino Lisboa, the Star World, another Galaxy hotel/casino, in the centre of the city, and a Casino at Fisherman’s Wharf by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau.

The gross revenue of Macau’s 19 casinos totaled US$1.6 billion in the first quarter of 2006, an increase of 16.5 percent on the same period of the previous year.

The development of the gaming and gambling sector in Macau has attracted large hotel chains such as Hilton, Conrad, Four Seasons, Sofitel, Intercontinenal, St. Regis, Shangri-La, Mandarin, Sheraton, Starwood and Crown, which have all announced agreements with casino operators to operate hotel complexes in Macau.

Wynn Resorts, one of the three groups to which the Macau government granted a casino concession in 2002, is due to open its first hotel/casino in September.

Wynn Resorts recently closed a deal with Australia’s PBL, associated to Melco, which is owned by Stanley Ho’s son Lawrence, for the sale of a gaming sub-concession for US$900 million.

The PBL/Melco consortium is expected to open its first hotel/casino, the Crown Macau, on Taipa island in 2007.

US company MGM Mirage, which has a joint venture with Pansy Ho – daughter of Stanley Ho – is also building a hotel/casino in the center of the city which will operate with a sub-concession of the license held by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, in 2007.

In 2002, when the monopoly of Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau came to an end, the group had 11 casinos.(macauhub)

Galaxy Entertainment Group has sold 20% of its business to the private equity firm Permira for about US$840 million, as it wishes to take a stake in what is now the world’s largest gambling arena.

The equity firm has said it will be paying HK$6.5 billion for a 20 percent stake in Galaxy Casino’s company, which now is building the second largest casino in the world, the GalaxyWorld Resort.

http://macaudailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/galaxyworld-resort.jpg
Even though competition is fierce from the likes of Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands, Martin Clarke, a partner at Permira, believes that there still are abundant opportunities in the region, particularly in China.

The firm plans to set up shop in Hong Kong in the first half of 2008, Clarke said. He and fellow Permira partner Guido Paolo Gamucci will join the Galaxy board as non-executive directors.

Galaxy Entertainment, which operates the five-star Galaxy StarWorld Hotel and is developing the 2,500-room Cotai Mega Resort in the former Portuguese colony, increased revenue nearly five-fold to HK$6.332 billion in the first half of 2007.

http://macaudailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/galaxy-starworld-casino-macausm.jpg
The Hong Kong firm said Permira would buy 452 million shares from Galaxy shareholder and mid-tier property firm K.Wah International Holdings (0173.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) for HK$3.8 billion, and another 323 million new shares from Galaxy for HK$2.7 billion.

Galaxy will also sell 150 million new shares to institutional investors at HK$8.42-HK$8.82 apiece.

After the deal, Hong Kong tycoon Lui Che Woo and his family will retain 52 percent of Galaxy, which would see outstanding debt reduced by 29 percent to HK$6.5 billion.

source (http://macaudailyblog.com/macau-casino/galaxy-entertainment-has-sold-20-of-its-business-to-permira/)

http://macaudailyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/galaxyworld-resort.jpg

this new design looks fake, the old one was much better.

i think it is a design of Carlos Marreiros

What do you guys think about this project? Will it be successfull? It seems that Macau is over supplying casinos. It's quite boring just casino & casino everywhere in the island. Why not other new project like targetting for family leisure?

I dont see much progress going on, this project is probably halted or something else happen. Worst Yet to Come.

Hope they build something nicer

what a bunch of clowns......back and forth, pause, back and forth.........questions but too late.....delay......

Lawmaker questions Galaxy's land concession
Monday, 06 April 2009


Lawmaker Au Kam San inquired the government into the justification of granting casino companies large land parcels at very low prices, especially when the financial crisis has crippled Macau's business environment.
The Official Gazette last week consolidated six land parcels occupying about 30,000 square metres near Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança on the Cotai Strip, and transferred them from the government public property to the government private property.
In that way a larger land parcel as large as 440,000 square metres was formed and then granted to Galaxy Casino, S.A. as a private company's own asset for its flagship property construction.
According to the lawmaker's interpellation, Macau's gaming industry has been slowing down, but the government's action to grant a gaming company a "massive piece of land" without going through an open tender was "shocking".
At the same time, Au also pointed out that the construction of the Galaxy Macau resort had already started before the land concession was completed.
The mega resort, however, has its opening date postponed, which was originally scheduled for 2008, due to economic impact.
Au said there are only about a few hundreds of workers at the construction site, and with this small number of workers the property "will be unlikely to begin operation even in three years time."
However, the lawmaker said meanwhile the government granted such a large land parcel to the company by exempting a public tender, which he added was "ignorant of the current situation and unbelievable."
Secretary for Transport and Public Works Lau Si Io said last week that there was no “special situations” with the consolidation for the Galaxy Macau project
He also said that the land concession process of Galaxy was "the same" as that of other gaming operators, in which "construction always starts before the concession is completed."
On the other hand, Au criticised the government on how land premium is calculated.
The 440,248 square metres of land granted to Galaxy Casino, S.A. should be worth a market value of at least 30 billion patacas, the lawmaker said.
However, he said that the premium of that land parcel was calculated at a maximum amount of some three billion patacas based on the calculation method revised a year ago.
Au also claimed in the interpellation that among the few hundreds of Galaxy Macau construction workers, only six were locals but were already dismissed at the end of March, whilst those who stayed working were all "imported or illegal workers."

They better start introducing an no smoking law in the restaurants such as in HK and Europe instead of bullshitting around the pot on prevoius issues.
The next big decision they probably get it wrong again and need to revisit it a year later.

The Venetian (plots 1,2 and 3) and Galaxy land concession deals were effectively completed in 2002--this is just the formal documentation of the Galaxy deal. Each received the same amount of acreage. Pricing has always been a mystery but I have never seen anyone anywhere do a property valuation that was not susceptible to a hindsight second guess. In 2002 no one wanted the Cotai land enough to commit to investment. The gaming companies were the only ones willing to commit. The economy was depressed and Macau longed for the day when the 3 (now 6) concessionaires would open casinos and bring about rapid economic growth.

We should lighten up--as governments go it is a pretty benevolent government. Ever been harassed by a Macau police officer or deprived of life or property by the government of Macau? I didn't think so. Any inequities that exist in Macau are relatively minimal when viewed from a world wide perspective.

Exactly right, In 2002, the Macau government was lucky to have so many operators agreed to invest, most other place when trying to lure investment have to give away more, free land, tax incentive, subsidised utilities, just to name a few.

Now all the invested capital has shown some results, the land is thus worth somethin, then people come out and say they paid too little. Maybe they themselves should have invested in the land when it was worth next to nothing, then they would not say anything now.

You guys understand a shit about Macau politics. It's why you give such value to Au Kam San thoughts. He is troublesome and he has nothing to do apart from complaining about everything. It's why he is there.

They better start introducing an no smoking law in the restaurants such as in HK and Europe instead of bullshitting around the pot on prevoius issues.
The next big decision they probably get it wrong again and need to revisit it a year later.

Here it comes the American style point of view. Lovely piece of art!
Keep the ridiculous smoking laws for Hkers and Europeans fools. If you dont smoke and you don't respect the others, you can find plenty non-smoking restaurants in the town. You can start from the Mcdonalds. I'm loving it...

some of my family members died of long cancer and I also do not want the smoke around my kids when going to restautants

Man, you are a hateful person....unbelievable....very angry at the world

sad sad sad

Gwo Loo Waan, my comment gave no value to Au Kam San's thoughts. Read it again. I've been in Macau a while (7 years), I like it and I think I have some understanding of Macau politics--certainly I understand a reasonable amount about the land concession system. I admit that it is not possible to fully understand many things in Macau without being a local and having mastered the local languages.

Reading your comments over the last weeks, you have brought up some interesting points and I appreciate some of your perspectives, however, the tones of hatred and bigotry make it difficult to appreciate and understand some of them. I think you ought to slow down, lighten up and write a little more thoughtfully.

I admit that it is not possible to fully understand many things in Macau without being a local and having mastered the local languages.

You have been in Macau for 7 years and you got the picture. Well, unfortunately most of the "new arrivals" in the past 10 years think that they know Macau after spending 3 months here.
This is not Nevada...


the tones of hatred and bigotry make it difficult to appreciate and understand some of them. I think you ought to slow down, lighten up and write a little more thoughtfully.

I am not in this forum to be the nice guy. I am here to give my point of view, the point of view of many macanese that you guys ignore or disregard.


some of my family members died of long cancer and I also do not want the smoke around my kids when going to restautants

You have plenty of good non-smokers restaurants in Macau. I don't understand the purpose of your comments. Again, I think you did it on purpose. You did it to hit Macau as you ever do.

I critisize things I do not find right with Macau on the same level as I critisize my home country when things can be inproved and try to be a less biased as possible.
Furthermore parts of my family are mainland Chinese and Singaporean.

please provide me with a list of restaurants where its a guarantee a non smoker will sit next to me, I would love to go.

Of course I won't provide you a list of non-smokers restaurants as I don't work for the Serviços de Turismo de Macau. Anyway I can tell you that Toscana (in Leal Senado) is a non-smokers place, that Clube Militar has a free zone as well as Fat Siu Lau. There are plenty of non-smokers places. You just need to make an effort to find them.

I am not in this forum to be the nice guy.

Nobody here ask you to be a nice guy but it would be good if you learn to stop writing personal attacks to others with anger and hatred. That's all. It is good for you too. We like to co-exist in this forum and should accept diverse opinions but that does not mean inflammatory massages are welcome.

I am here to give my point of view, the point of view of many macanese that you guys ignore or disregard.


We welcome you to provide your point of view. We want this forum to remain fun and educational to all of us. Healthy and respectful debate should be encouraged. I personally am interested to hear the points where you think others ignore and disregard. Please just don't include personal attacks and offensive language aim at other members here. That's all. And this rule apply to all of us too. Can we agree on that point?

Dear FourSeasons,
Thank you for your insightful comments and for your many postings of topics and news of interest to this forum.

Dear Gwo Loo Waan,
Your point of view is always of interest. I wish, though, you would provide more market news, facts & figures as an insider to Macau.

Galaxy restarts on the strip

in www.macaubusiness.com

The Galaxy Entertainment Group is to invest $HK4 billion this year to restart external construction on its stalled mega-casino complex on the Cotai Strip.
Company deputy chairman, Francis Liu said: We will finish the external construction of the resort by the end of 2009, leaving only the interior decoration remaining to be done.''

The company will then decide whether to speed up construction on its 2,200-room resort project, after reviewing the sustainability of the economic recovery by the end of 2009, he added.

Liu believes the operating environment for the gaming industry in Macau has been improving after the central government launched stimulus measures worth 4 trillion yuan late last year to boost the economy, and Galaxy wants to take advantage of this.

Market confidence has been bouncing back, as central banks around the world gradually ease their monetary policies, Liu said the company's annual general meeting.

The casino operator said in November that it would postpone the opening of its HK$10 billion mega resort project until 2010.
Galaxy, which is 20 percent owned by private equity firm Permira Advisers LLP, said in April that its first-quarter earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 11 percent to HK$233 million from HK$210 million a year earlier.


These are good news for Macau. Galaxy has been doing an excellent job so far.

I am a fan of Galaxy's business plan. They design casinos for Asians. The food and beverage, entertainment and VIP areas are set up for the local and regional customer. However, Waldo has all but closed down, Grand Waldo is all but a ghost town and Star World has its moments but not as many as I would like. They also have had the most local labor problems of any of the concessionaires.

I would be interested in what Gwo Loo Waan believes an excellent job is? In all honesty, I am puzzled that they have not been very successful with their business plan; however, it just seems not to have worked. The western operators seem to get the crowds and make the money--frustrating as it is.

In all honesty, I am puzzled that they have not been very successful with their business plan; however, it just seems not to have worked. The western operators seem to get the crowds and make the money--frustrating as it is.
The other day I spoke to a local Macau girl working for a construction company. She is like Gwo Loo Waan not very positive about Hong Kongers. She told me that Galaxy consists of brainless Hong Kongers that are complete copy cats. They simply have been offering nothing new to Macau. I must admit that when I first entered Rio casino, I assumed they belonged to SJM.

Dude I was being ironic about Galaxy... they have a "weird" approach to the market...

Galaxy builds appropriately (there is no better quality than Star World), although not always in the best location. Waldo performed as well as Sands in the early days as measured by gross gaming win. Grand Waldo had all of the restaurants and entertainment any junket or hardcore Asian gamer would want. Star World has a great location. Rio gets a lot of press, except for their casino. Galaxy have focused on what I believe is the true Macau gaming market and just have not succeeded.

My view is they need different marketing in general and although they are Asian (largely at least), they don’t seem to market and manage as the Asian’s expect--perhaps Asians do not respond to Asian marketing and management as well as they do to western marketing and management--must be MTV. I think Galaxy is the sleeping giant and if a few adjustments are made ... . I hope they can adjust and succeed.

Do they have any Marketing dept? Before you sit down to create something, you need to know what you are trying to achieve. Few announcements in the press and few outdoors is not what I call a good marketing campaign. Even in China, if you want to create a promotional campaign that really gets results, you need to have all the pieces in place. Miss even one and you won’t get the same results. Galaxy lives currently in the shadow. They have "status" and cash flow to breath. If they don't do it is because they have not the right people in the right place.

I am a fan of Galaxy's business plan. The western operators seem to get the crowds and make the money--frustrating as it is.

I am sorry but I have to disagree - there is no such thing as the "Galaxy Business Plan", if there is, it consists in sub-licensing casinos or lending their concession to third parties. Most of its casinos are SJM's style casinos, likely because both sub-lease individual casino licenses to the hotel owners...

So while Wynn, the Venetian, MGM and Melco manage their own casinos, and have a lot more control on their marketing, design and F&F to build a brand, Rio, Waldo, Grand Waldo and the Mega Resort may all have different owners and operators and compete with one another.

The upside - those hotel owners and operators pay % to Galaxy, if they do well, all is good (steady revenue). The downside - you cannot really develop and promote a "Galaxy" experience, as it consists of a group of players each competing with the others and theming their casino/hotels at their discretion.

macau_now, you are right, but still. If Galaxy had a strategy, they could put together their players and promote their brands successfuly instead of crossing arms and watching the western show.

Interesting to look through this post from beginning. Look at photos of land before Wynn was built.
Thanks for the re-organisation!

Operators question Galaxy' s land grant


Casino operators MGM and SJM (Sociedade de Jogos de Macau) suspect Galaxy is being given privileges by the government through a Cotai land strip grant. Galaxy has been granted a 440.248 square-metre parcel of land, divided into four sections, on the Cotai strip for its mega resort development project.

According to local Macau Daily Times, in the same official document, the government allows the gaming operator to transfer the tenancy of each land section to a third party before being put to use.
The total area is bigger than the Venetian’s Cotai project and according to the dispatch, the land premium is around MOP2.924 billion. Galaxy is also responsible for reclamation and other infrastructure projects on and around the site.

Managing director of MGM Grand Paradise, Pansy Ho Chiu-king, said she was trying to understand if the Macau government was giving benefits to an individual gaming operator which created an “unfair phenomenon in the projections for return on investment.”

Ambrose So, director of SJM also said that he would like to meet with the government to discuss under which regulation was Galaxy allowed to transfer tenancy to a third party.

So pointed out that the gaming concession contracts require the government to “equally treat” each operator.

The land parcel in question is the largest to be granted for private development by the local government and it will be used to build an integrated resort, including casinos hotels, apartments and convention centres.

Before Galaxy, the government had also allowed Las Vegas Sand’s Venetian to transfer the land tenancy of its Cotai Strip project to third parties.

in Macau Business




Problems in the Galaxy...again...

I don't think it's problem at galaxy, it is more like other people who did not dare to commit or have the vision and trust in Macau to commit, (unlike Venetian and Galaxy, in Venetian's case they actually put money where their mouth is, to the point they were almost bankrupt, in Galaxy's case, they managed to play save by shouting big and fast, and acted small and slow), now knowing theer is value in the land (and regreting the fact they did not promise the Macau government their willingness to invest in Macau), is acting like kids in the play ground - "IT'S NOT FAIR, WHY HE HAS IT, I DON'T, NOT FAIR, NOT FAIR, WA-WA-WA-WA......

Those people who are complaining now need to ask themselves back in 2002 when the casino licences were liberised, how much did they promise/intended to invest in Macau, probabaly the absolute minimum as the licence grant allowed, they got exactly what they promised, minimum.

Don't cry, just because you have no vision, or the trust in Macau,Ho-Ho-Ho. Don't feel sorry for your self, you already have a lot.

hey one grantai, I missed your point. What do you want to prove?

1) Venetian is bankrupt?

2) SJM is jealous about galaxy?

1) almost bankrupt because they over committed, over invested and over built (with hindsight that is)

2) Yes, absolutely, jealous that Galaxy, and also Venetian have more land grants (come on, don't you think if Cotai area is a success, potentially, operator operating out in the Macau Penisular only may stand to lose the most?)

1) that would be awesome, and perhaps it would make them better. To be humble sometimes would be great for the cowboys. They still think that Macau is Vegas...

2) I think SJM is been delivering much more to Macau than Galaxy. Of course they deserve more, no?

SJM thought Cotai was a waste of time/investment and had not been exposed to integrated resort concept. They did not ante up.
Now they see success in the game and want in - but they want to change the bets after the cards have been dealt.
Or as is their tradition, they want to take over the game....

looks like right now Galaxy is the most favourable gambling stock, when compare to 200 and 880, as investors draw it the closest in terms of land grant LVS, which is touting a possible market cap of 130 Billion, 10 times more than 27, guess either LVS China is overvalued, or 27 is undervalued.

By Stanley James

Nov. 11 (Bloomberg) -- Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose for the fourth straight quarter in the three months ended Sept. 30, according to a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange today.

Ebitda climbed 181 percent to HK$278 million from a year earlier, while revenue gained 16 percent to HK$2.85 billion, according to the statement.

Stock fell after announcement....
VIP turnover up a whopping 50% !!! But hold down 1/3 so income flat on 2Q.
Guess people thought Starworld had lots of VIP... but problem was 'unlucky' at tables... if normal win rate, VIP income up almost 50%.

Does seem 27 lucky with land, visitors, but not too much on tables..

Have announced Cotai project WILL OPEN 1Q 2011...

yes , u r right , venetian is at the par of bankruptcy

http://cool.mywapscripts.com

http://new.mywapscripts.com

http://images.travelpod.com/users/rosboroughs/1.1294603369.new-hotel-galaxy-under-construction.jpg
Source: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/rosboroughs/1/1294603369/new-hotel-galaxy-under-construction.jpg/tpod.html

by josephb @ Photo answers online
http://www.photoanswers.co.uk/media/600x600/9/DSC01528.jpg
Source: http://www2.photoanswers.co.uk/Gallery/Detail/?msItemId=278109

Sunday July 25, 2010
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs140.snc4/37317_419718286536_711481536_4873205_4576134_n.jpg
Source:　http://www.daintyflair.net/archives/2010/07/25/hong-kong-day-3-macau/

The next bigger thing

It’s easy to become jaded when each new Macau development promises to be bigger, shinier and more luxurious than the last. But in the case of Galaxy Macau, the architecture and ambition really will match the hype when it opens later this year.

Macau has become the entertainment capital of the Far East in more ways than one. Certainly, the clusters of magnificent hotels, resorts, casinos, malls and show venues that have transformed its landscape in the past few years exert a powerful allure. But it’s been almost as thrilling to simply observe the breathtaking pace of their development, with each new property striving to nudge the height of luxury just a little higher than the last.

The pace shows no sign of slackening in 2011 – but there is one upcoming development whose ambition alone marks it out as something truly exceptional. Located on Avenida de Cotai near the Lotus Bridge, the sheer size of the Galaxy Macau is quite enough to grab the attention of even the most jaded resort-watcher. Constructed at a cost of HK$14 billion, the 550,000 sq-m property will include the world-class Galaxy, Okura and Banyan Tree hotels, and such unique attractions as an artificial oasis, a large-scale wave pool, and an artificial beach.

Designed to comfort & awe

Aesthetically, the complex promises to be just as unique thanks to the ‘southeast Asian castle’ theme of its architecture. According to Mikki Estrada, Galaxy’s vice president of design and project development, “We drew our inspirations from all over southeast Asia. The main colour theme outside and inside the complex is gold, which both chimes in with regional tastes and helps create a very palatial atmosphere”. The actual design of Galaxy Macau was developed by Los Angeles-based architect Gary Goddard and his team, who specialise in large-scale theme parks and international hotel-resorts.

As visitors from China will form an important clientele for the Galaxy Macau, the complex’s general southeast Asian concept is punctuated by some very specifically Chinese motifs. “The resort does indeed incorporate traditional Chinese colours and patterns, but they’ve been consciously intermingled with other motifs from across the region. Specifically, we invited the Hong Kong-based LRF Designers Limited to ensure that that we achieved the right ‘palatial Asian’ atmosphere,” Estrada explains. “The China Rouge casino club, meanwhile, is the work of Hong Kong designer Alan Chan. He has a way of blending contemporary ideas with Chinese cultural tradition that makes his spaces into a combination of art, spectacle, and function.”

The power of attractions

A decidedly non-traditional but record-breaking feature of Galaxy Macau is its wave pool, whose 4,000 sq-m size should make it the world’s largest upon completion. Irresistibly, its tides lap against its very own artificial beach. “This is the first wave pool and artificial beach in Macau, and as they are located on top of the casino, we had to ensure that it was absolutely watertight! It was a huge challenge in terms of architectural design and management,” Estrada reveals. The pool was designed to generate waves of up to 1.5m, while the surrounding 1,100 sq-m artificial beach is covered with 350 tonnes of fine sand. The swimming area has the capacity of entertaining 1,000 people at one time. Last but not least, the flat top of the building has been planted with palm trees to create a 52,000 sq-m ‘oasis’ garden.

The complex’s attractions don’t end there, as each of its three hotels boasts its own fair share of amenities. As Raymond Yap, Galaxy’s senior vice president international premium market development, comments, “We aim to bring new ideas and concepts to Macau. ‘World-class Asian Heart’ is our philosophy, and with that in mind, our visitors services will be in the best tradition of Asian-style hospitality.”

Collectively, the Galaxy Macau’s three hotels will offer 2,200 rooms, though their individual styles could not be more different. The Banyan Tree will include 248 rooms and 10 private villa suites, the latter with private pools. Okura consists of 480 rooms with a traditional Japanese design and distinctly Japanese-style service. Last but not least, the Galaxy hotel will comprise 1,500 five-star rooms, with managed by the same Galaxy Entertainment Group as its acclaimed predecessors StarWorld Hotel and Waldo Hotel.

Cooking up a storm

In addition to accommodation, Galaxy Macau will be home to lavish entertainment and shopping facilities as well as more than 50 restaurants, many of which will specialise in authentic southeast Asian cuisine. “For instance, the Yamazato Japanese restaurant in the Okura Hotel is managed by Japanese chefs invited from Japan,” Yap explains. “The array of restaurants will include Korean, Indian, and various regional Chinese cuisines. The Galaxy Macau could well become a paradise for gourmands in Macau.”

So when will we be able to actually experience the large-scale wonders of Galaxy Macau? For now, Yap would rather keep people guessing, but an opening in the first half of 2011 seems a solid bet. Yap concludes: “By the time we open there will be large-scale promotional activities which will allow people tp not only participate in, but also experience what we mean by ‘World Class Asian Heart’.

Source: http://destination.macau.com/issue-article/%E7%B9%81-%E6%BE%B3%E9%96%80%E9%8A%80%E6%B2%B32011%E9%80%B2%E9%A7%90%E8%B7%AF%E6%B0%B9



Galaxy Macau to open in mid-May
By Hong Kong Bureau Chief Roland Lim | Posted: 10 March 2011 2123 hrs

HONG KONG : Galaxy Entertainment Group, controlled by tycoon Lui Che Woo, is betting large with the family's biggest venture yet - a near US$2 billion casino-resort set to open the middle of May in Macau's Cotai strip.

Galaxy Macau is hoping to give the already-crowded casino scene in the former Portuguese enclave a run for its money.

It is seeking to entice gamblers and visitors alike with its 550,000 square metre property, five gaming areas the size of three football fields, more than 2,000 hotel rooms and over 50 restaurants.

One-third of the hotel rooms will be run by Singapore's Banyan Tree and Japan's Okura Hotels, giving the resort an Asian-centric feel.

Hong Kong-listed Galaxy Entertainment owns one of the six gaming licences in Macau, and this will be its third property.

Francis Lui, the eldest son of tycoon Lui Che Woo, believes it won't be a problem filling up the Galaxy Macau, but predicts gaming revenues in the territory will slow. The deputy chairman of the Galaxy Entertainment Group said: "I believe it will likely rise by 20 per cent this year. That is because the base is already so big and to grow from that is challenging, but I believe 20 per cent is achievable."

Last year, casino revenue in Macau soared by 58 per cent to a record US$23.5 billion, bolstered by a flood of gamblers from mainland China.

Galaxy said it plans to apply for permission to increase the initial 450 gaming tables to 600, if necessary.

Overall, some analysts said they do not expect the new casino to take a significant bite out of dominant operator SJM, controlled by tycoon Stanley Ho and his family.

Rival Sands China might also unveil its new property on the Cotai Strip - at the end of this year.

- CNA/ms

Source:　http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/corporatenews/view/1115634/1/.html