Mario Ho, the head of the Nasdaq-listed e-sports firm NIP Group and the co-owner of the Boston Celtics, delivered the keynote address on the third and final day of the G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo yesterday afternoon in Macao. 

In his speech, the 31-year old brought up the idea of a “sports plus” business model, which intersects sport with other areas such as lifestyle, technology and tourism.  

Ho noted that such a model aligned with the needs of the current generation who were “fundamentally rewriting the rules of engagement,” as “they demand experiences that are immersive, social and culturally resonant.”

He added: “The destinations and integrated resorts that deliver immersive, socially driven sports-led experiences…are the ones that will own the youth market and capture the next great wave of global tourism.”

He noted that major sporting events have knock-on effects, stimulating the retail and dining sectors, boosting the night economy, filling hotel rooms and raising the profile of the host city. 

Ho also maintained that the “sports plus” model was well-suited for Macao, as it was in keeping with the city’s goal of economic diversification. According to the 31-year old, the SAR had the right infrastructure, a well-developed hospitality ecosystem, central government policy support, geographic advantage within the GBA, as well as crossborder connectivity. 

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What the city currently needed, he said, was the “conviction to diversify” beyond gambling, and to see that “the next chapter of Macao’s identity” could be  “international sporting events, professional e-sports arenas [and] immersive, large-scale entertainment experiences.” 

The topic of technology in sports was also raised. Ho pointed out that AI and data could provide invaluable information on fan behaviour. “I’ve come to believe that technology, original content and community are reshaping how fans connect with sports far more profoundly than scores or standards ever will,” Ho said. 

He remarked that the next generation of casino-resorts would be “a single, data connected, experience-driven environment” that rely on the the integration of professional sports arenas, intelligent Esports studios, as well as cultural and exhibition spaces, differentiating them from traditional resorts that use metrics such as hotel room numbers, gambling numbers and gastronomic reputation. 

The presenter concluded his speech by arguing that Asia was well positioned to lead the “sports plus” model due to its advanced digital infrastructure, cultural dynamism, as well as young and highly-connected population. 

The Asian IR Expo was held concurrently with the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) Asia at the Venetian between 12 and 14 May, attracting an estimated total of over 8,000 participants from more than 90 countries. 

This year’s events were based around the theme of emerging technologies and innovations, and were held amid a slowing down of Macao’s gaming revenue, despite strong visitor arrival figures.