Genting’s Hollywood casino reopens ahead of lunar year rush

Ansh Pandey January 23, 2025

SiGMA news

Malaysia’s prominent integrated resort operator, Resorts World Genting, has partially reopened one of two casino floors that were closed in February 2024 for renovations.

According to a note from Phillip Capital Research, the mass-market Hollywood Casino, also known as Genting Casino 2, is operational again. However, the Circus Palace, also known as Genting Casino 1, remains largely closed.

Both casino floors were initially closed last year for significant upgrades, as announced by Genting Malaysia. While the company had previously expressed no immediate plans to reopen the facilities, citing the recent expansion of other gaming areas, shifting market trends may have prompted a reconsideration of this decision.

Just one-third of the floor operational

For the unaware, the Hollywood Casino, also known as Genting Casino 2 caters to the mass market, featuring a variety of gaming options designed to appeal to a broad audience.

Despite the reopening of this venue, Circus Palace remains closed, with no official timeline provided for its reopening. Analysts suggest that the decision to reopen additional gaming floors will depend on market demand and business performance.

The report estimates that less than one-third of the combined casino floor space is currently available to the public. This limited reopening is seen as a strategic move to capitalise on increased foot traffic during the festive season while continuing renovations on other sections.

Furthermore, the reopening coincides with preparations for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations.

Chinese new-year boom expected

Malaysia’s tourism sector experiences a significant boost during the Chinese Lunar New Year, largely due to the influx of tourists and casino enthusiasts.

The Chinese New Year period traditionally sees a substantial rise in travel, with millions of Chinese tourists journeying abroad. In 2024, an estimated 80 million Chinese passengers travelled between January 26 and March 5, showing the significance of this festive season for the tourism and hospitality industries.

The surge in tourist arrivals during the Chinese Lunar New Year not only boosts the gaming sector but also stimulates broader economic growth. Increased spending on accommodation, dining, and entertainment during this period significantly contributes to Malaysia’s economy, reinforcing the importance of the Chinese New Year as a peak season for the nation’s tourism industry.

The reopening of RWG’s casino floors is strategically timed to align with the expected increase in gaming activities and tourist arrivals leading up to the Chinese New Year celebrations. This move is anticipated to enhance gaming volumes and bolster visitor numbers, contributing positively to Malaysia’s tourism revenue.