The Tribune

By PAUL G TURNQUEST

Reporting from China

pturnquest@tribunemedia.net

BAHA Mar announced yesterday that it has selected Global Gaming Asset Management (GGAM), one of the largest and most successful casino management companies in the world, to manage what will be the centrepiece of its $3.5 billion resort in the Bahamas.

GGAM senior executives William Weidner, CEO, Bradley Stone, President, and Garry Saunders, Executive Vice President, were all involved in the opening and management of the Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas and the Venetian in Macau. They also participated in the development of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore during their time with Las Vegas Sands and later formed GGAM in 2011.Their Macau based Asian team, along with Eric Chiu was added a short time later.

Their most recent project was the first phase of the $1.2 billion Solaire Manila, an integrated resort and casino in the Philippines that is geared toward Asian and VIP clintele.

Baha Mar’s chairman and CEO Sarkis Izmirlian said that he is excited to bring GGAM and its Macau based team to Baha Mar, as they believe in the vision of the resort.

“These executives have proven themselves in every major gaming market they’ve entered – Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Macau, Singapore and Manila, and they have succeeded against the best in the business. They’re a powerhouse of casino management, database marketing, junket operations and convention business, all of which help to position Baha Mar as the next iconic gaming destination.”

Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe, who is in Macau for the big announcement said “we’ve been able to witness firsthand the outstanding international gaming resorts that have been developed by the GGAM team.

“They are uniquely qualified to take advantage of the pending modernization of the country’s gaming regulations to provide Baha Mar and the Bahamas with a sustainable competitive advantage,” he said.

Mr Weidner, GGAM’s CEO, said that combining GGAM’s global experience in developing, opening, and operating some of the world’s biggest and most profitable casino resorts will be a “perfect fit” for Baha Mar as it looks to target customers in key markets across the globe.

“Few gaming destinations bring together such a desirable location, high-quality assets, and powerful brand partners. We see a tremendous opportunity to build the Baha Mar brand into a premier name in gaming resorts,” Mr Weidner added.