MACAU BUSINESS
needs to be balanced in. Right now is an opportune time given that Thailand was selected by Beijing to be a model for rebooting outbound mainland tourists in the post-zero COVID-19 period.” The new assessment plan could theoretically allow for
casinos across the country ad infinitum, with betting options ranging from classic baccarat to online poker to sports betting and even political election outcomes. Macau Business has learned that a senior executive
from Sands visiting Bangkok in late 2021 was bullish about working with the Thai government towards the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) close to Pattaya in Chon Buri, Phuket, and Bangkok, but expressed reservations about other locations at the time. The “Royal City” of Hua Hin two hours south of Bangkok on the Gulf of Thailand has also garnished attention as a location. A local property agent told Macau Business that “Hua His is where the Royal Palace has its retreat and therefore more clout and character to host a classy casino. Pattaya is nasty, so would be even sleazier. Chiang Mai sounds good on paper but it’s really a Buddhist and hill-tribe destination, plus its in the Golden Triangle, which already has illegal casinos for laundering drug money.” The realtor added, “Bangkok and Phuket are solid options for one each, not many. Look at what happened to Sihanoukville in Cambodia. It’s wrecked now because of the Wild West casinos set up there. Whatever is done should be careful otherwise it will damage property prices. No one wants to live in a city filled with crazy gamblers.” While Thailand has discussed legalising gambling for
decades, this new assessment is different and comes on the heels of the country legalising marijuana. Pot shops now dot the country, combining with the country’s “look the other way” culture of girlie bars and prostitution. “Whatever they decide to do, they need to have immediate cyber-security built into it,” comments Stephen Berry, a Macau based cyber-security consultant. “Whatever they decide to do, cyber-security should be
part of the initial design and not just a retrofit” comments Stephen Berry, a Macau-based critical systems cyber- security consultant. “Ensuring protection and integrity of your critical
systems and data is essential not just to be cyber secure but also for knowing your customer and being aware of money laundering, among other areas,” says Berry, CEO of DDE Technology Limited. “Macau learned a lot with the evolution of its cyber- security and gaming reporting and has the know-how to
“Macau learned a lot with cyber-security and gaming
reporting so has know-how to assist the Thais if they decide to do this”
Stephen Berry, Macau-based consultant
“Macau has a wealth of lessons and unique experiences that can complement any gaming enterprise Thailand undertakes”
Devin Ehrig, Entertainment entrepreneur
assist the Thais if they decide to do this,” Berry notes, while adding that “having protection and integrity of your systems is essential for ‘know your customer’ [KYC] and money laundering, among other areas,” says Berry, CEO of DDE Technology Limited. Another Macau gaming executive, who asked to remain unnamed, said she would be happy to work in a destination like Phuket but, “They need to have a good package for me too. Macau has advantages and I would not be keen to uproot and go. I know many who would though.”
What about management consulting?
The gaming executive, a sales and marketing expert, continued, “Thailand knows hospitality but gamblers, especially from mainland China mass market, require different handling. Thais have managed Chinese before the pandemic so have the essentials to build on. Macau managers are in a good spot to help them go further.” Ehrig notes on entertainment, “Macau is shifting to
mass market family crowds more and the Central Government’s wishes. While this represents new chances for local mainland performances in Macau, it gives Thailand a new chance to really go gang-busters for new levels of world entertainment too from existing operators in Macau like City of Dreams and the Cotai Arena. Concerts on a global level are reconfiguring as they look at Asia and certainly China because of zero COVID, even though it is over. Macau can provide feeder advice, especially if the operators already have a high-octane entertainment component and not just lakes that shoot fire or glowing LED installations.” In terms of criminal activity, it goes without saying that the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) could advise Thailand. At present, the Thai Bankers’ Association (TBA) is devising a new investigative authority to monitor deceptive and fraudulent transactions with linkages to criminals. This “Central Fraud Registry” would already be established before any gaming operations are set up. It would also limit online predatory fraud with online gambling. Indeed, in 2021 massive online and mobile scams affected 50% of all Thais, according to a study by Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Whatever happens in the coming three years for Thailand’s gambling assessment plan, one thing is sure: consultants are welcome. And industry insiders and analysts believe that Macau operators and consultants stand strong to expand their businesses and expertise into Thailand.
MARCH 2023 19
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