立法

美国——米高梅获准再次在大西洋城运营

MGM Resorts International has been cleared to operate in Atlantic City following a five year battle with the New Jersey Casino Control Commission who was concerned over the operators partnership in Macau with Pansy Ho.

The move to reinstate MGM comes as a host of casinos close in Atlantic City due to tough market conditions and neighbouring competition.

The commission believed in 2009 that Pansy Ho wasn’t a ‘suitable’ partner for MGM, due to alleged links between her father, Stanley Ho and organised crime in Asia.

However, in a 3-0 vote, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission found MGM qualified to hold a gaming license, paving the way for the company to regain its 50 per cent ownership in Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.

Matthew Levinson, the commission’s Chairman, said: “I want to say that I welcome MGM back into the New Jersey gaming industry. The company is one of the leaders in the gaming and entertainment industry, and I believe it is a very positive sign for Atlantic City’s future.”

Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts, added: “After a thorough and comprehensive review, we are gratified by the unanimous vote of confidence from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. MGM Resorts International welcomes the opportunity to be an active contributing member of the New Jersey gaming marketplace through our 50 per cent ownership of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Borgata is a best in class resort and, under the insightful leadership of Boyd Gaming, has set a new standard in Atlantic City. We look forward to working together with our co-owners on Borgata’s continued success.”

米高梅在 Borgata 的权益目前由剥离信托持有。 根据信托协议的条款以及与博彩执法部门 (DGE) 的和解规定，受托人将准备一份最终会计报告，供 DGE 批准，然后再由赌场管制委员会批准。 收到所需批准后，米高梅在 Borgata 的权益、约 86 万美元的现金和投资以及信托中大西洋城某些租赁不动产的所有权将转移给米高梅。 委员会已将授予必要行政批准的权力授予其主席，目前预计将在未来 30 天内收到批准。

Keith Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boyd Gaming, added: “Boyd Gaming is pleased with today’s decision by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. MGM Resorts has been an excellent and valued partner at Borgata over the years.

“Boyd Gaming remains the managing partner of Borgata, which has been the case since the formation of our joint venture. Accordingly, day-to-day operations at the property will be unchanged. We look forward to continuing to build on Borgata’s long track record of success as the region’s leading entertainment resort destination.”

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement said Pansy Ho’s influence on the Macau partnership was no longer as strong following a restructuring of what was previously a 50-50 partnership. She is now only a minority owner.

David Rebuck, the Division’s Director, said MGM had taken ‘substantial steps’ to limit Pansy Ho’s influence and that the operator had ‘overcome an area of significant conflict.’

MGM will now look at developing 72 acres of unused land that it owns next to Borgata and another 14 acres of property opposite the Golden Nugget Atlantic City.