Sheldon Adelson, the Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, has topped the Asian Gaming Power 50 – an annual ranking of the most influential individuals in the Asian gaming industry – for the sixth consecutive year in 2018, Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) has announced.
The 2018 rankings were unveiled at the inaugural Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala Dinner, held at Studio City in Macau on Friday night.
Mr Adelson retained top spot despite Galaxy Entertainment Group Deputy Chairman Francis Lui closing the gap significantly by way of the ranking system used by IAG to determine final positions. Mr Lui maintained second spot ahead of Melco Resorts Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho at number three.
Sands China boasts three executives inside the top 10 in 2018, with Dr Wilfred Wong sitting at number seven and Rob Goldstein one place back in eighth.
MGM China Co-Chairperson and Executive Director Pansy Ho moved back into the Top 10 in 10th spot following the February launch of MGM Cotai.
Among the other major movers in 2018 were Suncity Group boss Alvin Chau, up from number seven to number five; NagaCorp owner Dr Chen Lip Keong rising from number 18 to 14; Star Entertainment Group’s Managing Director and CEO Matt Bekier up five places to number 15; and Wynn Macau Vice-Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director Linda Chen moving from 34 to 18 on the back of major management changes in 2018.
Notables to fall out of the Asian Gaming Power 50 list completely in 2018 include Wynn Resorts co-founder Steve Wynn and Crown Resorts majority shareholder James Packer.
First published by IAG in 2008, the Asian Gaming Power 50 has become renowned as the definitive guide to the most influential people in the Asian gaming industry over the preceding 12 months. However, this year represented the first time IAG has celebrated the Asian Gaming Power 50 with a black tie gala dinner.
Over the course of three-and-a-half hours, guests were treated to a cocktail reception before enjoying a fine five-course meal, lively entertainment and the company of many industry peers and influencers.
Melco Resorts and Entertainment was Title Sponsor of the Asian Gaming Power 50 Gala dinner, with Macau-based Lotus TV Main Supporting Partner.
Scientific Games and Aristocrat were Platinum Sponsors of the event, which was also supported by Alphaslot, Aruze Gaming, EvolutionHR, Galaxy Entertainment Group, IGT, Meg-Star Group, Sands China Ltd and Wynn Macau.
Beverage Sponsors included ASC Fine Wines, Macau Beer, Moët & Chandon, Omtis Fine Wines and Watson’s Wine Wholesale.
The night was emceed by Hong Kong duo Yamilette M. Cano and Jose Chan Rodrigues.
