Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JAPAN APR 2020 28 government assistance in order to survive a lack of business. In early March, the Macau Economic Bureau revealed it had received around 2,500 applications for financial assistance from SMEs in the space of one month, some requesting the provision of interest-free loans, others adjustments to loan repayments. Recognizing the problem, MGM China introduced in early March a series of relief measures for local Macau SMEs, including a revolutionary “Down Payment for Future Business” initiative by which it will provide advance payment to eligible vendors for future orders or services from MGM. Bigger suppliers have been hit too, with stock prices decimated. As reported by IAG on 20 March, Scientific Games Corp saw its share price fall 84.4% in the space of a week from a high of US$30.24 on 12 February to just US$4.71 eight days later, IGT from US$14.73 to US$4.12 in two days and Australian slot machine giant Aristocrat from AU$37.69 to AU$18.00 in the space of a month. Aristocrat’s General Manager – Asia-Pacific, Lloyd Robson, says there is a lesson to be learned on the importance of industry participants working together. “We have analyzed impacts through a number of lenses including employees, customers, supply chain and external stakeholders such as the government and our community partners,” he tells IAG . “Given a number of our materials are sourced from the APAC region, a challenge has been understanding supply impacts. Customer wise there has been some impact given the fact so many casinos are closed. “We are doing everything we can to support the community such as providing masks and hygiene products in Macau and food supplies in the Philippines. This is a challenge for the entire industry and we need to work together so that we can return bigger and better to help play our role in supporting jobs and growth in this dynamic region.” SHIFTING SANDS As it stands, the lingering uncertainty over what lies ahead promises to cause more headaches for some than others. An empty Venetian Macao during February ’ s forced 15-day closure. 2月に実施された15日間の強制休業中の閑散としたベネチアン・マカオ COVER STORY