The World Gaming Capital - index of loyalty programs/operators, hotel/ent. comps
Oct 16, 2008, 11:44 pm
#1
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The World Gaming Capital - index of loyalty programs/operators, hotel/ent. comps
Is there interest aside from two of us here for an index (and discussion) of the hotel/casino loyalty programs, gaming, hotel/comps and benefits in the 30+ casinos in Macau?
At present I'm not across much of what's there but would appreciate your input, to help me plan future trips.
At this point, please just post suggestions and loyalty programs you know (or think) are oprating from Macau casinos.
There are direct (albeit LCC!) flights from here to Macau in addition to flights into HK, so there is a lot of scope for discussion by people <10hrs away from Macau.
Are you planning to go - or visited while on business or holiday in the region?
Let us know, on this thread.
Thanks!
Index
At present I'm not across much of what's there but would appreciate your input, to help me plan future trips.
At this point, please just post suggestions and loyalty programs you know (or think) are oprating from Macau casinos.
There are direct (albeit LCC!) flights from here to Macau in addition to flights into HK, so there is a lot of scope for discussion by people <10hrs away from Macau.
Are you planning to go - or visited while on business or holiday in the region?
Let us know, on this thread.
Thanks!
Index
- Casino Loyalty Programs
- Casino-Hotel offers
- Airline - Casino/Hotel Deals
- How to get to Macau
Oct 19, 2008, 7:53 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
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I'm relatively interested, though I'm not certain that Macau is the World Gaming Capital, a title that I believe (in more ways than one) is held by Las Vegas, IMO.
I think one of the many differences with regard to Macau gaming, is that many games were (and still are, IIRC) run by syndicates instead of the house. Of course, these syndicates are private ventures (run by junket operators et al) -- so they are not really aligned to any loyalty program.
In the states, specifically referring to Vegas and Atlantic City, the only games not banked by the casino are live poker games. Thereby, the "power" of the loyalty programs really kicks in. Another big difference, is the emphasis on machine (slot and video poker) action which are the real engine behind the loyalty programs. Macau, being targeted to Asian table players, is just starting to develop their machine action.
There are a few baccarat tournaments in Macau that seem very cool. Especially the one @ the StarWorld Casino, in which the winner is crowned the "King of Baccarat."
The marketing hype is really a bit of a laugh :
Our very own FlyerTalker, civicmon, was kind enough to give a guest blog report on Macau back in March.
We'll have to get him to chime in a bit [in this thread] on the Macau scene.
I think one of the many differences with regard to Macau gaming, is that many games were (and still are, IIRC) run by syndicates instead of the house. Of course, these syndicates are private ventures (run by junket operators et al) -- so they are not really aligned to any loyalty program.
In the states, specifically referring to Vegas and Atlantic City, the only games not banked by the casino are live poker games. Thereby, the "power" of the loyalty programs really kicks in. Another big difference, is the emphasis on machine (slot and video poker) action which are the real engine behind the loyalty programs. Macau, being targeted to Asian table players, is just starting to develop their machine action.
There are a few baccarat tournaments in Macau that seem very cool. Especially the one @ the StarWorld Casino, in which the winner is crowned the "King of Baccarat."
The marketing hype is really a bit of a laugh :
To spread the word about the fun of baccarat, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s first five-star hotel project, StarWorld Hotel & Casino (“StarWorld”), today hosted the much-anticipated “StarWorld Crowned King of Baccarat Tournament”. Not only assuming the mantle of the “Crowned King of Baccarat”, the talented and lucky winner also became the internationally acknowledged ‘King of Baccarat’, walking away with an $10 million cash prize.
At the same time, StarWorld also held the “StarWorld Baccarat Celebrity Tournament”, in which six top models, namely Gaile, Rosemary, Ana R, Amanda S, Lisa S and Mandy Lieu, transformed into “Goddesses of Gambling” to compete for a cash prize which was then donated to deserving charities to help those in need.
“StarWorld Crowned King of Baccarat Tournament” Over 100 national masters compete for the championship
All today’s contestants are masters of the time-honoured game of baccarat in their home countries all over the world, and displayed similar high levels of skill during the final rounds. Even in the last round, none of the players clearly gained the upper hand until the very last minute. The audience followed the tournament intently, kept on the edge of their seats by the tense atmosphere. After several rounds of play, the “Crowned King of Baccarat” finally received his accolade, becoming the sole recipient of the $10-million cash prize.
Mr. Ciaran Carruthers, COO, StarWorld Hotel & Casino, said, “This is the first baccarat tournament to be held by StarWorld. The players’ enthusiasm has been way beyond our expectations, with all candidates being masters of baccarat in their own right. The tournament was exceptionally exciting and has taken its place as a top international competition. I can confirm that, in the future, StarWorld will be holding even more creative activities and competitions so that guests can enjoy all the fun of the game as well as win great prizes.”
“Goddesses of Gambling” compete in “StarWorld Crowned Queen of Baccarat”
To add fun to today’s event, StarWorld invited six top models—Gaile, Rosemary, Ana R, Amanda S, Lisa S and Mandy Lieu—to compete in the “StarWorld Baccarat Celebrity Tournament” to raise cash prizes for deserving charities to help the needy. Eagerly anticipating the tournament, each of the ladies was fully motivated to become the “StarWorld Crowned Queen of Baccarat”, and concentrated intensely on their cards. Playing before an invited audience of over 100 guests, the six bubbly “Goddesses of Gambling” sometimes had difficulty restraining their enthusiasm for the game, which just made the atmosphere even more exciting.
At the same time, StarWorld also held the “StarWorld Baccarat Celebrity Tournament”, in which six top models, namely Gaile, Rosemary, Ana R, Amanda S, Lisa S and Mandy Lieu, transformed into “Goddesses of Gambling” to compete for a cash prize which was then donated to deserving charities to help those in need.
“StarWorld Crowned King of Baccarat Tournament” Over 100 national masters compete for the championship
All today’s contestants are masters of the time-honoured game of baccarat in their home countries all over the world, and displayed similar high levels of skill during the final rounds. Even in the last round, none of the players clearly gained the upper hand until the very last minute. The audience followed the tournament intently, kept on the edge of their seats by the tense atmosphere. After several rounds of play, the “Crowned King of Baccarat” finally received his accolade, becoming the sole recipient of the $10-million cash prize.
Mr. Ciaran Carruthers, COO, StarWorld Hotel & Casino, said, “This is the first baccarat tournament to be held by StarWorld. The players’ enthusiasm has been way beyond our expectations, with all candidates being masters of baccarat in their own right. The tournament was exceptionally exciting and has taken its place as a top international competition. I can confirm that, in the future, StarWorld will be holding even more creative activities and competitions so that guests can enjoy all the fun of the game as well as win great prizes.”
“Goddesses of Gambling” compete in “StarWorld Crowned Queen of Baccarat”
To add fun to today’s event, StarWorld invited six top models—Gaile, Rosemary, Ana R, Amanda S, Lisa S and Mandy Lieu—to compete in the “StarWorld Baccarat Celebrity Tournament” to raise cash prizes for deserving charities to help the needy. Eagerly anticipating the tournament, each of the ladies was fully motivated to become the “StarWorld Crowned Queen of Baccarat”, and concentrated intensely on their cards. Playing before an invited audience of over 100 guests, the six bubbly “Goddesses of Gambling” sometimes had difficulty restraining their enthusiasm for the game, which just made the atmosphere even more exciting.
We'll have to get him to chime in a bit [in this thread] on the Macau scene.
Oct 19, 2008, 9:18 am
#3
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I didn't even notice this sub-forum got opened 
Been a bit out of the loop lately.
Macau's gaming scene is a hybrid of Vegas and a classic gambling parlor. The casinos there do a TON of business, but all the high-line 'resort' amenities that draw people to Vegas are gladly ignored by the players there. The Wynn's nightclub closed a few months after it opened since it couldn't consistently draw people.
It's a fascinating time but for anyone who really likes to actually play games like Blackjack, it's a frustrating experience as the Chinese play more on superstition than any actual logic. Sorry, I'm a thinker and not a 'feeler' and that irritates me to no end....
I'm not too sure about Loyalty programs but the Wynn had their club card deal when I was there, not sure about the Grand Lisboa.
Getting to Macau is easy and hard. The easiest way is via MFM, their airport built in the 90s but services are somewhat limited (unless one starts their trip in TPE) but the LCCs have moved in so now there are flights to/from BKK, NRT, KUL (from memory), plus HKG.
Getting there from HKG is pretty easy. Probably the best deal on hotels in Macau comes from the travel agents at the Shun Tak ferry terminal where the Hydrofoils go to Macau. There's also a direct ferry from Hong Kong's airport where one "doesn't enter Hong Kong" but bypasses immigration straight to the Macau ferry and "checks in" there.
The HKG forum is a good resource for more information on Macau as well.
Baccarat is the game... there's so many baccarat tables there, it's mind-boggling. They tried getting the Chinese to start playing slots but that didn't work out well for them. They've removed a lot of them at most casinos in favor of more tables.
I'm sure there's more to say but I was last there in February so things do change....
Been a bit out of the loop lately.Macau's gaming scene is a hybrid of Vegas and a classic gambling parlor. The casinos there do a TON of business, but all the high-line 'resort' amenities that draw people to Vegas are gladly ignored by the players there. The Wynn's nightclub closed a few months after it opened since it couldn't consistently draw people.
It's a fascinating time but for anyone who really likes to actually play games like Blackjack, it's a frustrating experience as the Chinese play more on superstition than any actual logic. Sorry, I'm a thinker and not a 'feeler' and that irritates me to no end....
I'm not too sure about Loyalty programs but the Wynn had their club card deal when I was there, not sure about the Grand Lisboa.
Getting to Macau is easy and hard. The easiest way is via MFM, their airport built in the 90s but services are somewhat limited (unless one starts their trip in TPE) but the LCCs have moved in so now there are flights to/from BKK, NRT, KUL (from memory), plus HKG.
Getting there from HKG is pretty easy. Probably the best deal on hotels in Macau comes from the travel agents at the Shun Tak ferry terminal where the Hydrofoils go to Macau. There's also a direct ferry from Hong Kong's airport where one "doesn't enter Hong Kong" but bypasses immigration straight to the Macau ferry and "checks in" there.
The HKG forum is a good resource for more information on Macau as well.
Baccarat is the game... there's so many baccarat tables there, it's mind-boggling. They tried getting the Chinese to start playing slots but that didn't work out well for them. They've removed a lot of them at most casinos in favor of more tables.
I'm sure there's more to say but I was last there in February so things do change....
Oct 19, 2008, 9:38 am
#4
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The couple of times I've been in Macau I went to casinos but did not play . I honestly could not stand the crowds that were gathered around each gaming table (though I did go there on weekends). However, since this forum is all about gaming programs if someone has the expertise and wants to take the lead we should have a FAQ about Macau gaming programs.
. I honestly could not stand the crowds that were gathered around each gaming table (though I did go there on weekends). However, since this forum is all about gaming programs if someone has the expertise and wants to take the lead we should have a FAQ about Macau gaming programs.
Oct 19, 2008, 9:38 am
#5
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Oct 21, 2008, 3:58 am
#6
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Thanks for your reviews.
Here's a quickie - Macau's sub-junketeers and VIPs are staying away.
Here's a quickie - Macau's sub-junketeers and VIPs are staying away.
Beneath the sparkle, Macau turns into a tough joint [SMH]
Now it appears the slowdown in Macau gambling is almost entirely due to a fall-off in the number of VIPs at baccarat tables.
Given Crown Macau focuses almost entirely on VIPs, it's not a promising sign.
In the September quarter, VIP revenue fell 14 per cent from the previous quarter to 17.25 billion patacas ($3 billion), according to the latest statistics. VIP was once worth almost 70 per cent of the Macau market, but it has now slipped to just over 66 per cent.
And the rumours keep circulating that the company which brings Melco Crown's gamblers through the doors, Amax Entertainment, is losing a lot of its agents - also known as sub-junketeers. The sub-junket operators help organise group bookings at the casino-hotels.
The South China Morning Post also noted yesterday that since Macau's gambling revenues started heading south, Amax has stopped the monthly disclosure of its VIP chip sales.
In September Macau's gaming revenue fell 3.4 per cent from a year ago and 28 per cent from the previous month.
Now it appears the slowdown in Macau gambling is almost entirely due to a fall-off in the number of VIPs at baccarat tables.
Given Crown Macau focuses almost entirely on VIPs, it's not a promising sign.
In the September quarter, VIP revenue fell 14 per cent from the previous quarter to 17.25 billion patacas ($3 billion), according to the latest statistics. VIP was once worth almost 70 per cent of the Macau market, but it has now slipped to just over 66 per cent.
And the rumours keep circulating that the company which brings Melco Crown's gamblers through the doors, Amax Entertainment, is losing a lot of its agents - also known as sub-junketeers. The sub-junket operators help organise group bookings at the casino-hotels.
The South China Morning Post also noted yesterday that since Macau's gambling revenues started heading south, Amax has stopped the monthly disclosure of its VIP chip sales.
In September Macau's gaming revenue fell 3.4 per cent from a year ago and 28 per cent from the previous month.
Oct 23, 2008, 4:42 pm
#7
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I spent 5 nights at the Wynn in July and love the place! This is a Baccarat players heaven more tables then you can ever imagine and you do not have to here the clinging of the slots. The food was excellent,no lines for taxis no reservations needed for anything......aaahhhh the old Vegas this is a place for the true gambler. I would love to see a Baccarat Do there anytime.
Oct 23, 2008, 8:24 pm
#8
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“StarWorld Crowned King of Baccarat Tournament” Over 100 national masters compete for the championship
All today’s contestants are masters of the time-honoured game of baccarat in their home countries all over the world, and displayed similar high levels of skill during the final rounds. Even in the last round, none of the players clearly gained the upper hand until the very last minute. The audience followed the tournament intently, kept on the edge of their seats by the tense atmosphere. After several rounds of play, the “Crowned King of Baccarat” finally received his accolade, becoming the sole recipient of the $10-million cash prize.
Good luck BK, and are they going to have a hole-card camera?
All today’s contestants are masters of the time-honoured game of baccarat in their home countries all over the world, and displayed similar high levels of skill during the final rounds. Even in the last round, none of the players clearly gained the upper hand until the very last minute. The audience followed the tournament intently, kept on the edge of their seats by the tense atmosphere. After several rounds of play, the “Crowned King of Baccarat” finally received his accolade, becoming the sole recipient of the $10-million cash prize.
Good luck BK, and are they going to have a hole-card camera?
Nov 14, 2008, 12:43 am
#9
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I was in Macau in April and enjoyed all the casinos there. The newer ones, however, aren't much different than what you'd find in Vegas -- although the Venetian is beyond huge. Never seen anything quite like it.
I'm a bit partial to the Casino Lisboa, however. Kinda reminds me of downtown Vegas. Especially fun to watch the "working girls" clomp around on the marble floor in the circular shopping arcade in the basement.
I'm a bit partial to the Casino Lisboa, however. Kinda reminds me of downtown Vegas. Especially fun to watch the "working girls" clomp around on the marble floor in the circular shopping arcade in the basement.
Nov 22, 2008, 11:19 pm
#10
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FYI Viva Macau must be hurting. Fares are <AUD$300 (currently $269AUD o/w).
Another offer is a r/t Sydney-Macau + Venetian stay + ZAiA show 'from' USD$855.
Just in case you happen to want to go to Macau - you may be able to tack on an Aussie side trip under USD$500!
Another offer is a r/t Sydney-Macau + Venetian stay + ZAiA show 'from' USD$855.
Just in case you happen to want to go to Macau - you may be able to tack on an Aussie side trip under USD$500!