MGM announces RESERVE in China’s Zhuhai- casino plans ahead?
MGM Resorts is set to debut in mainland China, with its first property opening in Zhuhai, the city adjacent to Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal. The property will be named as MGM RESERVE.
The announcement was made by Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality Ltd, the project’s promoter, in an update on Chinese social media platform WeChat. For the unaware, Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality is a joint venture between China’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse and United States-based casino giant MGM Resorts International. The latter is the parent company of MGM China Holdings Ltd, which operates casino resorts in Macau.
While specific details on the number of rooms at Zhuhai’s MGM RESERVE have not been disclosed, the company revealed that the hotel will be located with Phoenix Hill as its scenic backdrop. It will feature a mix of guest rooms, luxury villas, banquet space, and three restaurants offering different dining experiences.
Expanding the luxury portfolio
MGM RESERVE will join Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality’s expanding portfolio of luxury hotel and residence brands in mainland China. The company currently promotes a range of high-end hospitality offerings, including Diaoyutai Hotel, Bellagio by MGM, MGM, Mirage by MGM, Mhub by MGM, and mx by MGM.
In recent years, the joint venture has been actively growing its footprint across the country, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, a region of strategic importance for tourism and business development.
Zhuhai’s MGM RESERVE is part of a broader expansion effort that has seen the company establish multiple properties in the region. One of its latest additions was the beachside MGM Shenzhen, which opened last year. Several more hotels under the Diaoyutai MGM brand are in the pipeline, including Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Shenzhen, MGM Shenzhen Prince Bay, and mx by MGM Shenzhen, as per the company’s official website.
Casino plans likely?
With its strong presence in key mainland cities, Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality continues to reinforce its position in China’s luxury hospitality sector, catering to high-end travellers seeking premium accommodations and world-class service.
As of now, there is no official confirmation or update regarding a dedicated casino project, there is a strong possibility that MGM may pursue such a development in the near future. Several factors support this likelihood.
Firstly, Zhuhai, a city in China is the only city in Mainland that permits casino operations within its jurisdiction. Secondly, China’s recently announced economic stimulus measures aimed at boosting domestic consumption could further encourage such an initiative. Lastly, MGM Resorts has a well-established reputation as a major promoter of casino developments. Given these factors, the prospect of MGM moving forward with a casino project appears highly plausible.
