Australia’s casino gaming market has long depended on rich Chinese tourists for some extra income. With gambling prohibited in most of China, Australia has long been a preferred destination for gambling tourism.

However, China’s recent hurdles with COVID forced this revenue stream to shut down for a while. While the zero-COVID policy is no more and direct flights between the two countries have been resumed, it will likely take a while before Australia’s casino operators can again count on Chinese tourists.

According to business analytics specialist S&P Global, the influx of Chinese customers is unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels earlier than 12-18 months from now. According to the firm, this slow recovery is due to China’s stagnating economy and the Chinese people’s trend to prefer shorter journeys.

S&P analysts Aras Poon, Shawn Park and Tristan Ong said expect that Chinese customers will eventually start to return, although this is likely to take over a year.

The experts also warned that recovery will not be homogeneous across businesses in the Asia-Pacific region, with most companies set to return to pre-pandemic levels in a year or two.

Australian Companies Breached Laws to Capitalize on Chinese Tourists

Australia’s gambling market used to depend on rich Chinese customers for some extra income. However, local operators eventually cut their ties to Chinese junked operators.

Eventually, local regulators probed into the businesses of companies, such as Star Entertainment and Crown Resorts, which formerly partnered with such companies. The two Australian casino & hospitality giants were found guilty of multiple breaches of their states’ gambling regulations, prompting a long period of investigations.

One of the two companies even sported an unregulated gambling cage where VIP customers, including affluent Chinese nationals, could gamble. Both companies also allowed Chinese customers to gamble using UnionPay debit cards, which is a stark violation of China’s laws. This fraud was made possible by Star and Crown’s rigging of paper trails.

Some have suggested that the shutdown of such illegal activities may also be responsible for the slowdown of tourism from China.

At the same time, China seeks to prevent its citizens from gambling as a whole, which may mean bad news for Australian companies holding out for an influx of Chinese tourists.

In any case, as S&P analysts have suggested, Australian operators will have to secure additional revenue streams if they are to face the increasing regulatory headwinds in the country.

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In light of the recent cyberattack that disrupted MGM Resorts’ operations, the iconic strip club has extended a helping hand to affected tourists, offering them an array of unique perks to ease their stress and ensure their Sin City experience remains unforgettable.

Cyberattack Rocks MGM Resorts, Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club Offers Respite

The MGM Resorts cyberattack, which struck at the beginning of the week, plunged some visitors into chaos as they struggled to access their hotel rooms or complete check-in procedures. The fallout even extended to casino slot machines and phone lines, adding to the frustration of travelers in town for a good time.

Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club wasted no time stepping up to the plate, recognizing the need to alleviate the distress of both guests and hospitality employees grappling with the situation. Brittany Rose, the club’s general manager, conveyed her heartfelt empathy for those affected, reported TMZ. She mentioned that their hearts went out to both the employees and the tourists impacted by the devastating event. As members of the hospitality industry, they had decided to contribute to enhancing the guest experience during their visit to Las Vegas, with the aim of easing the stress experienced by the employees who were diligently handling the situation.

For those guests who endured the cyberattack’s turmoil and are at least 21 years old, Larry Flynt’s Hustler Club is offering an impressive array of freebies. To partake in this unique offer, visitors simply need to present proof of a valid hotel reservation at any MGM property from September 10 onwards. The freebies include airport pickup, luggage storage to accommodate check-in delays, a complimentary $1,200 platinum VIP membership, and, of course, free lap dances. However, this generous offer is only available until September 24, so affected tourists should make the most of it while they can.

Cyberattack Brings Unexpected Windfall for Las Vegas Adult Entertainment Venues

While the cyberattack left many visitors grappling with inconvenience, it inadvertently boosted business for the city’s adult entertainment establishments. Strip Club Concierge, another Sin City gentlemen’s club, reported a surge in foot traffic, reservations, and ride service usage in the wake of the attack. Strippers even saw a substantial increase in earnings, with some bringing in up to $2,000 more per night.

The recently experienced cyberattack on MGM Resorts International is believed to be the work of the Scattered Spider group, a notorious cybercriminal organization known for using social engineering to obtain login credentials and OTP codes.

The attack has had a significant impact on MGM’s business, leading to a decline in its stock price, email and website shutdowns, and potential losses. Moody’s credit rating agency has warned that MGM’s credit rating may be negatively affected due to security weaknesses. Similar cyberattacks have targeted other companies, including Caesars Entertainment and Stake.com.

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This iconic development, positioned at the heart of Macau’s Cotai Strip, features replicas of London’s most iconic landmarks. The luxury casino resort offers some of the best accommodations and dining experiences, catering to the diverse tastes of its guests. Despite catering to gaming enthusiasts, the resort can remain attractive to non-gamers, aligning with Macau’s desire to transform into a more family-friendly destination.

Guests Can Enjoy a One-of-a-Kind Experience

The Londoner Macao’s facade replicates the world-famous Westminster Palace, with a life-size Big Ben inviting guests to explore the charm and elegance of British architecture. A selection of luxurious accommodations can suit every guest’s needs, featuring meticulously designed, British-inspired decor. Thanks to its unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art amenities, the resort more than stands out in the bustling Cotai Strip.

While guests are attracted by the impressive architecture, the world-class entertainment options ensure they enjoy their stay to the fullest. Las Vegas Sands CEO Robert Goldstein boasted that the venue offered an unsurpassed experience thanks to its impressive selection of dining options, a state-of-the-art theater, luxurious spa treatments, and many shopping opportunities.

You can’t get a better hotel room than what we’ve put in the Londoner. You can’t get a better spa experience, you can’t get a better food experience.

Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands CEO

The resort began life as the Sands Cotai Central, opening in 2012. Developer Sands China spared no expense, but disappointing financial results prompted a complete redesign with a London theme, breathing new life into the property. With roughly half the original number of rooms, The Londoner Macao embodies the peak of luxury hospitality in the Cotai Strip.

Non-gamblers Are More than Welcome

Despite featuring an impressive gambling space, The Londoner can perfectly cater to people seeking a different experience. With its multiple amenities and sizable meeting and event spaces, the resort has everything it needs to attract different types of tourists. According to Goldstein, non-gaming features bolstered gaming revenue, giving more diverse venues the best of both worlds.

What we try to do is build hotels that work in tandem. The gamers want to come, and the non-gamers come here to shop or go to the spa for three days.

Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands CEO

The Londoner’s commitment to providing a multi-faceted experience aligns with the Macau Government’s efforts to transform the Las Vegas of the East into a more diverse tourism destination.

While the area’s efforts to step away from gambling are slowly gaining traction, taxes from casinos remain instrumental in the transition. Properties like The Londoner will be instrumental in this transitional period, catering to gamblers and non-gamblers alike.

As Macau steadily exits its post-pandemic recovery, its high-profile casino resorts should see a significant rise in the number of customers. Sands China has already committed to a new high-profile project, adding a new hotel tower at Venetian Macao. The developer’s dedication to quality and novel experiences place it at the forefront of Macau’s impending resurgence.

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