Macau's Stanley Ho Goes Public

Starting today through July 2nd, Stanley Ho, the 86 year old tycoon that controlled where poker could be played in Macau has decided with his monopoly on casinos is going to be taking his flagship company public.

Some say that Ho is taking the firm, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau Holdings (SJM) to help raise funds so it can compete with the large Las Vegas companies that have entered into and changed the dynamics of the territory's gambling industry. 

Stanley Ho's casinos are just a portion of the multi billion dollar gaming industry in Macau, which exceeded Las Vegas in revenues last year.  SJM is still believed to be one Macau's biggest casino operator even though they lost the monopoly in 2002.

The move has been repeatedly delayed due to a fight for control with his estranged sister Winnie.  "I want everyone to know we will launch the initial public offering according to plan," Ho said in Hong Kong at a meeting this week with potential investors. "We will not let anyone stop us.