Asia Focus 2024
Editor’s Letter
Given the fact Asian gaming was already so disparate, it is perhaps no surprise to see the Asia-Pacific region continue to
change at such pace. Indeed, we have a new player in the land-based arena, in Mohegan’s Inspire Resort in South Korea.
In this issue, we speak with Mohegan CEO Ray Pineault all about the property’s grand
opening – and the desire to create “Instagrammable moments.”
New players, of course, impact existing ones; so I also spoke with Steve Wolstenholme,
Hoiana President & CEO, about the latest developments in Vietnam – and just how
Vietnamese gaming is impacted by Inspire, other surrounding properties and potential new ventures in Thailand, the
UAE and Japan (admittedly all some way off).
Among others, we also spoke exclusively with Secretary Katrina Ponce Enrile, Administrator and CEO of the Cagayan
Economic Zone Authority, about her duties as a regulator in the Philippines. A bustling market with both thriving
land-based and online sectors, the Philippines is confident of achieving standout growth within Asia-Pacific.
Anyone reading this magazine at SiGMA Manila will, of course, know this already. And that’s exactly why this
year’s Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific – the third edition of the Awards in Asia, but first-ever in-person ceremony –
are heading to the Philippines’ capital. Rewarding the very best companies in the industry based on a fair and rigorous
process, and voted for by a senior panel of expert judges, the Global Gaming Awards is proud to present our
first-ever live ceremony in Asia. It promises to be an afternoon to remember.
Elsewhere in this year’s Asia Focus, we have features from returning contributors IndusLaw and Alex Czajkowski, and
interviews with Betty Zhao and Tom Mace. No Gambling Insider Focus magazine would be complete, meanwhile,
without our company profiles – a who’s who of Asian gaming.
So please enjoy what we have prepared for you – there’s a lot to get through, believe me!