Packer, Trump, MGM MIRAGE studying Taiwan casino opportunity

Thursday, May 24, 2001 | 10:27 a.m.

Three more casino companies, including Las Vegas-based MGM MIRAGE, have expressed an interest in developing a resort on an island chain off the coast of Taiwan, published reports say.

Dow Jones International News reported that MGM MIRAGE officials have visited Penghu, an archipelago in the Strait of Taiwan off the island nation's west coast, to discuss business opportunities.

The Sydney Morning Herald also reported that Australian billionaire Kerry Packer, who owns Publishing & Broadcasting Ltd. and Crown Casino in Australia, also is interested in building in Penghu to protect his market share of Asian high-rollers who gamble in Crown properties.

The Dow Jones report said Hung Tung-lin, a deputy director in the tourism department of the Penghu County government, confirmed that officials with MGM MIRAGE and Las Vegas Sands Inc., owner of the Venetian hotel-casino, have visited Penghu. Venetian officials already have talked about a possible $1.3 billion hotel and casino development there.

The published reports also said Donald Trump has expressed interest in Penghu and Amazing Ltd., a subsidiary of Great Britain's MaiDor international investment group, is considering a five-star nongaming property.

Penghu authorities say a decision on development opportunities is still months away as local officials are awaiting a decision by the central government on whether to legalize gambling in Taiwan. They also are waiting for the results of a survey of Penghu residents to determine if they'd allow casinos on their land.