This article first appeared in the May/Jun 2013 issue of World Gaming magazine.
One thing you can bet on is the Stallion will be at G2E but you probably won’t find him trolling the exhibition hall. Instead he will be sleeping in and getting ready to hit the numerous parties that are on every night during the event.
As you know I am World Gaming’s tried and tested party animal. I can sniff out a good party better than the Panda can sniff out a free feed. The great thing about G2E is that everyone is trying to impress and the check books come out to make sure every industry man, woman and horse is well and truly partied out by the end of the event.
After all, the gaming industry is one built around late night entertainment so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that those working in the industry come alive once the sun goes down. Networking is one of the key elements of G2E and many a deal has been closed over a drink or two at one of the numerous parties on offer.
At the Venetian
As you are no doubt aware, G2E is held at the Venetian Macau. It is a fitting venue for the conference and this gaming behemoth is a hive of industry people during the G2E conference. There are a few haunts here that deserve special mention because the men (and women) in suits will no doubt be heading to one or all of them for a few drinks and a chat at some stage.
McSorley’s Ale House
A standard 5pm or first drink venue with cold beer, bar snacks and fast service – exactly what you need when you’re looking to have a chat and do some business. It is a great place to meet for casual business during the day or simply to get a head start on the beers but be mindful it will be chock full of weary feet and dry throats come late afternoon. For more information on McSorleys, read our review in the Mar/Apr 2013 issue of WGM (visit wgm8.com and search “McSorley”).
McSorley’s Ale House
Portofino
Portofino is the perfect function facility. It has great dining options for smaller, more personal events and a large and beautifully decked out function room if numbers are larger. There is also a comfortable outdoor area that can be used to increase space and offer the luxury of two separate areas. Portofino has been the setting of many a G2E party in the past and will no doubt be the venue for more gatherings this year.
Portofino
Morton’s Steakhouse
Morton’s is where you will find tables of CEOs and other VIPs having their fill of red meat and planning multi-million dollar deals. There is also a less formal bar area where you can enjoy a glass of your favourite shiraz or single malt whiskey. The bar area is a popular place for casual pre-dinner drinks.
Morton’s Steakhouse bar area
Bellini Lounge
This is probably the most iconic “casino” bar in Macau. It has enjoyed its face lifts and changes over the years but has always been famous for its Wednesday “ladies night” which sees the finest array of international beauties flocking from in from all over Macau for a big night of serious partying. If only the walls of this place could talk! The word on the street is there could be a very big party planned here during G2E Asia 2013 but don’t tell anyone the Stallion let it out of the bag! For more information on Bellini, check out our review in the Nov/Dec 2012 issue of WGM (visit wgm8.com and search “Bellini”).
Bellini Lounge
As your official party guide for G2E Asia, let me give you some sage advice – be on the lookout for as many party, cocktail, dinner or drinks invites as you can. Keep your nose to the ground and do your homework to ensure you are scoring invites to the best parties. Failing that, just make sure you act and look important and be ready to do some smooth talking at the door. If you see a crowd gathering there is probably some sort of VIP gathering underway – and rest assured if it is the place to be then The Stallion will be right in the middle of it!
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Hot Tip
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TAXI LINGO: Don’t fear the language barrier with Macau taxi drivers. Simply say “D2”, “MP3” or “D3” and you will be on your way. For Lion’s Bar most know “MGM” or you may have to say “May Gor Meeyu”. For Cubic say “San Ho Tin Day” (which means COD).
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After Parties
Just because the official functions have come to an end doesn’t mean you have to call it a night. No doubt you’ll have picked up a few new-found acquaintances to kick on with you. These are a few of the late night haunts that have become popular with the industry types who make up the G2E Asia crew.
D2
Probably Macau’s most established late night venue, I have been partying it up at D2 for years. Your best bet is to try to get a table and a bottle of champagne. Bottle service is much cheaper here than in places like Hong Kong or Las Vegas. It starts to get busy here after midnight and will be in full swing by around 2am. See our article in the Nov/Dec 2010 issue of WGM for more information (visit wgm8.com and search “D2”).
D2
Club Cubic
Located right across the road from the Venetian at City of Dreams is Macau’s latest and greatest international style nightclub. It is loud and busy but has definitely set itself as the place to be seen for the young and glamorous. You won’t feel out of place in your suit and it caters to all ages but be prepared for the music to be loud with plenty of thumping bass!
Club Cubic
MP3
This is my favourite place to bring first time visitors to Macau. It’s actually become somewhat of a tradition. A small bar with a cozy feel, MP3 has a great house DJ and a pole for dancing, but there is no nudity so don’t worry about anyone being too offended. It is close to MGM at the start of a long row of bars that stretch along the waterfront towards Sands Macau. For more information, read our article in the Sep/Oct 2010 issue of WGM (you guessed it, visit wgm8.com and search “MP3”).
MP3
Lion’s Bar
If you are a lover of live music then this thumping joint at MGM Macau is the place to be. The band here is always first class and they play an incredible range of tunes from oldies, rock and funk to disco and hip hop! It can get extremely busy late at night so if you feel like a boogey you might want to book a bottle-service table a few days in advance. For more information, read our article in WGM’s Chinese New Year 2010 Special (visit wgm8. com and search “Lion’s Bar”).
Lion’s Bar
DD3
Often referred to as D3, if you find yourself here chances are you will be greeting the morning sun when you emerge. You will be rubbing shoulders with the locals and a troupe of young hard-core late night revelers but if you’re the sort of person who can go all night then it is certainly worth the effort.
DD3
