What if Pansy Ho sought a Nevada gaming license?

Howard Stutz

March 18, 2010 - 3:31 pm

New Jersey and Nevada gaming regulators disagree on the suitability of Hong Kong businesswoman Pansy Ho, MGM Mirage’s joint venture partner in the MGM Grand Macau.

New Jersey said Pansy Ho is tainted by allegations the Macau casinos operated by her father, Hong Kong billionaire Stanley Ho, are influenced by Chinese organized crime triads.

Nevada believes there are enough safeguards in the joint venture documents that protect MGM Grand Macau from outside influences. As such, Pansy Ho is a suitable partner.

But what if Pansy Ho had come forward for licensing as Nevada casino operator?

Would allegations of her father’s organized crime ties, the influence of her father, and the fact that 90 percent of her $100 million investment into the MGM Grand Macau joint venture came from Stanley Ho impact her ability to win a Nevada gaming license?

“I don’t know if I can answer that,” Gaming Control Board Chairman Dennis Neilander said.

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