Welcome to Casino Life Just back from Macau – and Hong Kong – and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed G2E Asia. Whilst many thought that the MGS show would cause it to be reduced in scale and size – and importance - it has instead, reasserted itself. The addition of a well-organized awards dinner and ceremony was the icing on the cake. As a rule I don't tend to like awards ceremonies as they are either overblown, over-lengthy proceedings with inappropriate entertainment and / or require you to sponsor / buy a table to have the dubious pleasure of picking up a "star award". This had none of those and a hat should be tipped to the organisers. Next year I expect bigger – better but equally a time limit of less than two hours as faithfully delivered this year.
Now, having said all that, this does not on the other hand mean that the MGS show later this year has become any less important or valid. Whereas Las Vegas had two shows and one had to be killed off for everyone's sanity, in this instance there is clearly room for both. The scale of the whole of Asian market is huge and demands more than a single show. They may change shape, emphasis or dare I say it – venue, but two Asian based shows are entirely feasible, sustainable and we shall continue to attend both – supporting the industry and continuing to enjoy and report back from the many casinos there.
Whilst at the show I was slightly bemused to spot a trend from exhibitors and the odd operator, many who I've known for over a decade; some just at the show itself. Many people observed – some in fact urged – there to be a magazine new or modified that would deliver juicy, punchy stories about the real truths and the real happenings in the world of gambling. At one point a small group even declared they would start one. My reply was that they deserve all the luck in the world for a number of reasons. Firstly, nobody would advertise in a publication that is a "loose cannon" as next week it could be fired at you. Secondly for those not involved as serious publishers they should remember the maxim: "How do you make a million dollars from publishing? Simple, start with two million"
Don't give up your day job guys. In the meantime we'll continue to channel the newsworthy items and press releases to our online website, social media and daily e-news service and promote balanced, well-written editorial from the operators and manufacturers though the hard copy and online versions of the magazine.
Glyn Thomas
Editor in Chief | 
