Macau gaming operator Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM) has announced its first half-year results for 2017, showing that the group’s revenue decreased by 2 percent when compared with the same period in 2016. Divided by gaming customers, mass market table gaming revenue was down by 0.5 percent in the period, while VIP revenue showed a decrease of 3.4 percent. Slot machine revenue fell by 3.2 percent. At the same time, adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) and profit attributable to the owners of the company decreased markedly by 7.7 percent and 12.9 percent year-on-year respectively. At the end of June 2017, SJM estimated that it commanded a 16.7 percent share of Macau’s gaming revenue; consisting of a 21.4 percent share of mass market revenue and a 14.2 percent share of VIP revenue. The financial report released by the company also noted that its new resort, the Grand Lisboa Palace, is making good progress despite the industrial accident on June 18. It continues to anticipate an opening in the second half of 2018.
APT to bring 2 new annual poker events
The Asian Poker Tour (APT) has signed an exclusive five-year agreement with Macau Billionaire Poker (MBP) and the Babylon Casino to bring a minimum of two international poker events per year to Macau for the next five years. One of those guaranteed events is APT’s year-end festival where the Player of the Year celebrations are staged every December. “For too long Macau has been restricted in terms of the variety of poker tournaments on offer which we believe has restricted the growth of poker, not only in Macau but also in Asia,” said Tim Chen, the CEO of MBP, according to a statement issued by APT. “Given the incredible growth and following for poker from mainland players, more professional tournaments are needed.” The first event under the new APT-MBP partnership will be the APT Finale Championships Macau 2017, to be held at the Babylon Casino from November 28 until December 9, subject to regulatory approval.
UM scholar publishes work in leading scientific journal
Dr Vivien Wang, a professor from the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) at the University of Macau (UM), recently published a paper in volume 67 of Molecular Cell, a leading journal of biology. According to a press release from UM, the journal focuses on research into cell biology at the molecular level, with an emphasis on new mechanistic insights. Wang’s work could potentially provide a theoretical basis for treating infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases and even different cancers in the future. Wang studied at Macau Pui Ching Middle School before pursuing further studies at the University of California, San Diego.
Newborn baby abandoned in trash bin died
A newborn baby was found dead yesterday inside a toilet in a restaurant, according to a statement released yesterday by the Judiciary Police. A cleaning lady, working in a restaurant of a hotel in the Nam Van area, found the baby while she was working. The baby girl was wrapped in a plastic bag with the umbilical cord still attached. The baby showed no breathing signs while she was being transported to the Centro Hospitalar Conde de São Januário. Her death was confirmed at the hospital.
Chan Meng Kam calls for more bicycle usage
Lawmaker Chan Meng Kam questioned the government about how they plan to ensure the safety of bicyclists while they ride within the city. Chan observed that riding bicycles is an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation and that Macau has a goal devoted to establishing a green transportation network. He continued by pointing out that in spite of their stated goals the Macau government has not yet promoted bicycles as a transportation option. Cham suggested that the government should reserve lands on the new urban zone as bike paths to encourage residents to use bicycles. He also questioned the government on how they plan to efficiently deal with any violation of bicycle usage.
Zhuhai ranked first in GPD growth in Guangdong
Zhuhai sits at first place in Guangdong province in terms of GDP growth in the first half of 2017, according to a report by Jornal Va Kio. The city’s GDP grew 9.2 percent year-on-year to RMB115.156 billion. In both its regional GDP and its industrial added value growth rate, Zhuhai ranked first among 21 cities in Guangdong.
