From Lagerfeld’s plans to design a hotel in Macau to the construction of Jamaica’s first ever licensed casino, here’s what you need to know about the gambling world’s latest developments.
Take a look at what’s trending on the international gambling scene as of late and it becomes clear that massive hotel and casino resort complexes top the list. From remote Caribbean islands to select parts of Asia, plans to build these mega-resorts keep popping up and there seems to be no sign of this trend slowing down any time soon.
Macau’s Karl Lagerfeld Hotel to Open in 2017
Earlier this month, sartorial heavy-hitter Karl Lagerfeld announced his latest project, which is to design a 270 room hotel in partnership with casino operator Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, also known as SJM.
Expected to open in 2017, the hotel will fall under the Karl Lagerfeld Greater China brand and is to be incorporated into the massive Lisboa Palace complex – a mega-venture valued at a whopping HK$30 billion that will house numerous casinos, restaurants, high-end shops and other hotels, including a Versace-themed one.
Considered a booming industry, in 2013 alone, Macau banked an impressive $45 billion in gambling revenue – almost seven times the amount generated by the Vegas Strip. Known as the Monte Carlo of the Orient, Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, ensuring intense competition amongst major casino developers and operators such as Wynn Resorts, MGM Resorts International and of course, SJM.
Lagerfeld is best known as the chief designer for haute couture luxury brands Chanel and Fendi and also owns his own label. This will be the first time he dabbles in hotel design.
Jamaica to Begin Construction of First-Ever Licensed Casino this Summer
The country that introduced the world to jerk seasoning, Bob Marley and the concept of “one love” amongst many things, will soon offer tourists and locals alike the chance to hit up its first-ever licensed casino.
Located in Montego Bay, no more than 10 minutes from the airport, the Las Vegas-style hotel and casino project will consist of 2,000 rooms, numerous bars and restaurants, a state-of-the-art entertainment complex, a health club and a fully loaded casino offering players their choice of table games and slot machines.
Valued at US $450 billion, it’s estimated that this venture will create more than 16,000 jobs and play a vital role in growing Jamaica’s tourism industry.
Celebration Jamaica Development Limited, one of the companies spearheading the project with the help of key Jamaican politicians, plans to begin construction as early as this summer. Company founder, Robert Trotta, estimates that the project will be completed within three years from the date that formal government approval is granted.