UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

o		REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

þ		ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

o		TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

o		SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

MELCO CROWN ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Cayman Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
(Address of principal executive offices)

Leanne Palmer, Vice President, Financial Compliance, Tel +852 2598 3600, Fax +852 2537 3618
36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class		Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
American depositary shares		The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
each representing three ordinary shares		(The NASDAQ Global Select Market)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:
None.
(Title of Class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

1,595,617,550 ordinary shares of Registrant outstanding as of December 31, 2009.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No þ

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceeding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No þ

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

o Large accelerated filer		þ Accelerated filer		o Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

U.S. GAAP þ		International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o		Other o

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. Item 17 o Item 18 o

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No o

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION			1
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			2
PART I			3
Item 1. Identity Of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers			3
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable			3
Item 3. Key Information			3
A. Selected Financial Data			3
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness			6
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds			6
D. Risk Factors			6
Item 4. Information on the Company			24
A. History and Development of the Company			24
B. Business Overview			25
C. Organizational Structure			38
D. Property, Plant and Equipment			40
Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments			40
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects			40
A. Operating Results			40
B. Liquidity And Capital Resources			49
C. Research And Development, Patents And Licenses, Etc.			53
D. Trend Information			54
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements			54
F. Tabular Disclosure Of Contractual Obligations			54
G. Safe Harbor			55
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management And Employees			56
A. Directors And Senior Management			56
B. Compensation Of Directors And Executive Officers			59
C. Board Practices			59
D. Employees			63
E. Share Ownership			64
Item 7. Major Shareholders And Related Party Transactions			65
A. Major Shareholders			65
B. Related Party Transactions			68
C. Interests Of Experts And Counsel			71

Item 8. Financial Information			71
A. Consolidated Statements And Other Financial Information			71
B. Significant Changes			71
Item 9. The Offer And Listing			71
A. Offering And Listing Details			71
B. Plan Of Distribution			72
C. Markets			72
D. Selling Shareholders			72
E. Dilution			72
F. Expenses Of The Issue			72
Item 10. Additional Information			72
A. Share Capital			72
B. Memorandum And Articles Of Association			72
C. Material Contracts			73
D. Exchange Controls			73
E. Taxation			73
F. Dividends And Paying Agents			76
G. Statement By Experts			76
H. Documents On Display			76
I. Subsidiary Information			76
Item 11. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			77
Item 12. Description of Securities other than Equity Securities			78
PART II			79
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies			79
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds			79
Item 15. Controls And Procedures			79
Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert			80
Item 16B. Code of Ethics			80
Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services			81
Item 16D. Exemptions From The Listing Standards For Audit Committees			81
Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers			81
Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant			81
Item 16G. Corporate Governance			81
PART III			81
Item 17. Financial Statements			81
Item 18. Financial Statements			81
Item 19. Exhibits			82
EX-1.1 AMENDED AND RESTATED MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
EX-4.32 TERMINATION AGREEMENT
EX 4.37 2006 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
EX-4.41 ORDER OF SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORTATION
EX-8.1 LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
EX-11.1 CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
EX-12.1 CEO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
EX-12.2 CFO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
EX-13.1 CEO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
EX-13.2 CFO CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
EX-15.1 CONSENT OF WALKERS

INTRODUCTION

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this annual report on Form 20-F to:

	•		“China,” “mainland China” and “PRC” are to the People’s Republic of China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan;
	•		“Greater China” is to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, collectively;
	•		“HK$” and “H.K. dollars” are to the legal currency of Hong Kong;
	•		“Hong Kong” is to the Hong Kong Special Administration Region of the People’s Republic of China;
	•		“Macau” and the “Macau SAR” are to the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China;
	•		“Patacas” and “MOP” are to the legal currency of Macau;
	•		“Renminbi” and “RMB” are to the legal currency of China;
	•		“US$” and “U.S. dollars” are to the legal currency of the United States; and
	•		“U.S. GAAP” is to the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, “we,” “us,” “our company” and “MCE” refer to Melco Crown Entertainment Limited, formerly Melco PBL Entertainment (Macau) Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company with limited liability, and its predecessor entities and its consolidated subsidiaries, including Melco Crown Gaming (Macau) Limited, formerly Melco PBL Gaming (Macau) Limited, or Melco Crown Gaming, a Macau company and the holder of the gaming subconcession; “Melco” refers to Melco International Development Limited, a Hong Kong-listed company; “Crown” refers to Crown Limited, an Australian-listed corporation which completed its acquisition of the gaming businesses and investments of PBL on December 12, 2007 and which is now our shareholder and as the context may require, shall include its predecessor, PBL; “PBL” refers to Publishing and Broadcasting Limited, an Australian-listed corporation which is now known as Consolidated Media Holdings Limited; “SPV” refers to Melco Crown SPV Limited, formerly Melco PBL SPV Limited, a Cayman Islands exempted company which is 50/50 owned by Melco Leisure and Entertainment Group Limited and Crown Asia Investments Pty. Ltd., formerly PBL Asia Investments Limited; and “our subconcession” refers to the Macau gaming subconcession held by our subsidiary, Melco Crown Gaming. Our other principal operating subsidiaries are (1) Altira Hotel Limited, or Altira Hotel (its former names were Melco Crown (CM) Hotel Limited and Melco PBL Hotel (Crown Macau) Limited) through which we currently operate the hotel and other non-gaming business at Altira Macau, (2) Altira Developments Limited, or Altira Developments (its former names were Melco Crown (CM) Developments Limited, Melco PBL (Crown Macau) Developments Limited and Great Wonders, Investments, Limited), through which we hold the land and buildings for Altira Macau, (3) Melco Crown (COD) Developments Limited, or Melco Crown (COD) Developments (its former names were Melco PBL (COD) Developments Limited and Melco Hotel and Resorts (Macau) Limited) through which we hold the land and buildings for City of Dreams , and (4) Melco Crown (COD) Hotels Limited, or Melco Crown (COD) Hotels (its former name was Melco PBL (COD) Hotels Limited) through which we currently operate the hotels and other non-gaming business at City of Dreams.

This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 and as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

We completed our initial public offering of 60,250,000 ADSs, each representing three ordinary shares, par value US$0.01 per share in December 2006. Since December 19, 2006, we have listed our ADSs on The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC, or the Nasdaq, under the symbol “MPEL”. Immediately prior to our initial public offering of ADSs in December 2006, we had 1,000,000,000 total ordinary shares issued and outstanding. During the initial public offering, we initially issued 60,250,000 ADSs, representing 180,750,000 ordinary shares. In addition, we issued 60,382 ADSs representing 181,146 ordinary shares to Melco shareholders as an assured entitlements distribution. On January 8, 2007, we sold an additional 9,037,500 ADSs, representing 27,112,500 ordinary shares pursuant to the underwriters’ option to purchase these additional ADSs from us at the initial public offering price less the underwriting commission to cover over-allotments of the ADSs.

On November 6, 2007 we sold 37,500,000 ADSs, representing 112,500,000 ordinary shares in a follow-on offering. On May 1, 2009 we sold 22,500,000 ADSs and 67,500,000 ordinary shares, representing a total of 135,000,000 ordinary shares in a follow-on offering. On August 18, 2009 we sold 42,718,445 ADSs, representing 128,155,335 ordinary shares in a further follow-on offering.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events, including our future operating results and conditions, our prospects and our future financial performance and condition, all of which are largely based on our current expectations and projections. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” for a discussion of some risk factors that may affect our business and results of operations. These risks are not exhaustive. Other sections of this annual report on Form 20-F may include additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance. Moreover, because we operate in a heavily regulated and evolving industry, may become highly leveraged, and operate in Macau, a market that has recently experienced extremely rapid growth and intense competition, new risk factors may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of these factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based the forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to:

	•		satisfaction of and compliance with conditions and covenants under the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility, or City of Dreams Project Facility, to maintain the facility;
	•		our ability to raise additional financing;
	•		our future business development, results of operations and financial condition;
	•		growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau;
	•		our anticipated growth strategies;
	•		the liberalization of travel restrictions on PRC citizens and convertibility of the Renminbi;
	•		the uncertainty of tourist behavior related to spending and vacationing at casino resorts in Macau;
	•		fluctuations in occupancy rates and average daily room rates in Macau;
	•		increased competition and other planned casino hotel and resort projects in Macau and elsewhere in Asia, including in Macau from Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A, or SJM, Sands China, Wynn Macau, Galaxy and MGM Grand Paradise;
	•		the formal grant of an occupancy permit for certain areas of City of Dreams that remain under construction or development;
	•		obtaining approval from the Macau government for an increase in the developable gross floor area of the City of Dreams site;
	•		the development of Macau Studio City;
	•		our entering into new development and construction and new ventures;

	•		construction cost estimates for our development projects, including projected variances from budgeted costs;
	•		government regulation of the casino industry, including gaming license approvals and the legalization of gaming in other jurisdictions;
	•		the completion of infrastructure projects in Macau; and
	•		other factors described under “Risk Factors”.

The forward-looking statements made in this annual report on Form 20-F relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual report on Form 20-F and the documents that we referenced in this annual report on Form 20-F and have filed as exhibits with the SEC completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

PART I

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not Applicable.

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not Applicable.

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following reflects selected historical financial data that should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto beginning on page F-1 of this annual report on Form 20-F. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in the future.

		Year Ended December 31,
		2009				2008				2007				2006				2005
		(In thousands of US$, except share and per share data and operating data)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Net revenues		$	1,332,873			$	1,416,134			$	358,496			$	36,101			$	17,328
Total operating costs and expenses			(1,604,920	)			(1,414,960	)			(554,313	)			(93,754	)			(21,050	)
Operating (loss) income		$	(272,047	)		$	1,174			$	(195,817	)		$	(57,653	)		$	(3,722	)
Net loss		$	(308,461	)		$	(2,463	)		$	(178,151	)		$	(73,479	)		$	(3,259	)
Loss per share
— Basic and diluted		$	(0.210	)		$	(0.002	)		$	(0.145	)		$	(0.116	)		$	(0.006	)
— ADS (1)		$	(0.631	)		$	(0.006	)		$	(0.436	)		$	(0.348	)		$	(0.019	)
Shares used in calculating loss per share
— Basic and diluted			1,465,974,019				1,320,946,942				1,224,880,031				633,228,439				522,945,205

		December 31,
		2009				2008				2007				2006				2005
		(In thousands of US$)
Consolidated Balance Sheets Data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	212,598			$	815,144			$	835,419			$	583,996			$	19,769
Restricted cash			236,119				67,977				298,983				—				—
Total assets			4,900,369				4,498,289				3,620,268				2,279,920				421,208
Total current liabilities			559,167				450,136				483,685				207,613				138,741
Total debts (2)			1,798,879				1,529,195				616,376				212,506				94,577
Total liabilities			2,391,325				2,089,685				1,191,727				389,554				163,024
Noncontrolling interests			—				—				—				—				19,492
Total equity			2,509,044				2,408,604				2,428,541				1,890,366				258,184

The following events/transactions affect the year-to-year comparability of the selected financial data presented above:

	•		From January 1, 2005 to March 7, 2005, the financial statements reflect the consolidated financial statements of Mocha Slot Group Limited, or Mocha, Melco Crown (COD) Developments and Altira Developments because they were under common control for this period. The contributions by Melco of its 80% interest in Mocha, 70% interest in Altira Developments and 50.8% interest in the City of Dreams project to MPEL (Greater China) Limited, formerly Melco PBL Entertainment (Greater China) Limited, a company previously 80% indirectly owned by us and 20% owned by Melco, and cash contributions by Crown of US$163 million, which were completed on March 8, 2005, were accounted for as the formation of a joint venture for which a carryover basis of accounting has been adopted.
	•		In September 2006, we acquired a Macau subconcession. Prior to this date we did not hold a concession or subconcession to operate gaming activities in Macau and we operated under a services agreement with SJM.
	•		In April 2006, we commenced construction of the City of Dreams project.
	•		On May 12, 2007, Altira Macau opened and became fully operational on July 14, 2007.
	•		On June 1, 2009, City of Dreams opened featuring a 420,000 sq. ft. casino with approximately 500 gaming tables and 1,300 gaming machines, as well as approximately 600 hotel rooms and 20 food and beverage outlets.
	•		In the last quarter of 2009, a further 800 rooms were progressively added to City of Dreams following grand opening and operations of Grand Hyatt Macau at City of Dreams.

Exchange Rate Information

Although we will have certain expenses and revenues denominated in Patacas, our revenues and expenses will be denominated predominantly in Hong Kong dollars and in connection with a portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses, U.S. dollars. Periodic reports made to shareholders will be expressed in U.S. dollars using the then current exchange rates. The conversion of Hong Kong dollars into U.S. dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F is based on the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers of Hong Kong dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from Hong Kong dollars to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to Hong Kong dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at a rate of HK$7.78 to US$1.00. The noon buying rate in effect as of December 31, 2009 was HK$7.7536 to US$1.00. We make no representation that any Hong Kong dollar or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollars or Hong Kong dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all. On March 16, 2010, the noon buying rate was HK$7.7606 to US$1.00.

The Hong Kong dollar is freely convertible into other currencies (including the U.S. dollar). Since October 7, 1983, the Hong Kong dollar has been officially linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of HK$7.80 to US$1.00. The link is supported by an agreement between Hong Kong’s three bank note-issuing banks and the Hong Kong government pursuant to which bank notes issued by such banks are backed by certificates of indebtedness purchased by such banks from the Hong Kong Government Exchange Fund in U.S. dollars at the fixed exchange rate of HK$7.80 to US$1.00 and held as cover for the bank notes issued. When bank notes are withdrawn from circulation, the issuing bank surrenders certificates of indebtedness to the Hong Kong Government Exchange Fund and is paid the equivalent amount in U.S. dollars at the fixed rate of exchange. Hong Kong’s three bank note-issuing banks are The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Standard Chartered Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.

In May 2005, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority broadened the link from the original rate of HK$7.80 per US$1.00 to a rate range of HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per US$1.00. No assurance can be given that the Hong Kong government will maintain the link at HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per US$1.00 or at all.

The following table sets forth the noon buying rate for U.S. dollars in The City of New York for cable transfers in Hong Kong dollars as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

		Noon Buying Rate
Period		Period End				Average (1)				Low				High
		(Hong Kong dollar per US$1.00)
March 2010 (through March 16, 2010)			7.7606				7.7606				7.7647				7.7574
February 2010			7.7619				7.7670				7.7716				7.7619
January 2010			7.7665				7.7624				7.7752				7.7539
December 2009			7.7536				7.7526				7.7572				7.7495
November 2009			7.7500				7.7497				7.7501				7.7495
October 2009			7.7497				7.7497				7.7502				7.7495
September 2009			7.7500				7.7503				7.7514				7.7498
2009			7.7536				7.7513				7.7618				7.7495
2008			7.7499				7.7814				7.8159				7.7497
2007			7.7984				7.8008				7.8289				7.7497
2006			7.7771				7.7685				7.7928				7.7506
2005			7.7533				7.7755				7.7999				7.7514

The Pataca is pegged to the Hong Kong dollar at a rate of HK$1.00 = MOP 1.03. All translations from Patacas to U.S. dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at the exchange rate of MOP 8.0134 = US$1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not certify for customs purposes a noon buying rate for cable transfers in Patacas.

B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not Applicable.

C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable.

D. RISK FACTORS

Our business, financial condition and results of operations can be affected materially and adversely by any of the following risk factors.

(1)    Risks Relating to Our Early Stage of Operation

(a)    We are in an early stage of operation of our business and properties, and so we are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Our limited operating history may not serve as an adequate basis to judge our future operating results and prospects.

In significant respects we remain in an early phase of our business operations and there is limited historical information available about our company upon which you can base your evaluation of our business and prospects. In particular, we opened Altira Macau less than three years ago and commenced operations at City of Dreams in June 2009. The Mocha Club business, which we acquired in 2005, commenced operations in 2003. Melco Crown Gaming acquired its subconcession in September 2006 and previously did not have any direct experience operating casinos in Macau. As a result, you should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks, expenses and challenges that we will face as an early-stage company with limited experience operating gaming businesses in an intensely competitive market. Among other things, we have continuing obligations to satisfy and comply with conditions and covenants under the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility so as to be able to continue to roll over existing revolving loans drawn down under the facility and to maintain the facility.

We have encountered and will continue to encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by early-stage companies, and those risks and difficulties may be heightened in a rapidly developing market such as the gaming market in Macau. Some of the risks relate to our ability to:

	•		fulfill conditions precedent to draw down or roll over funds from current and future credit facilities;
	•		raise additional capital, as required;
	•		respond to changing financing requirements.
	•		operate, support, expand and develop our operations and our facilities;
	•		attract and retain customers and qualified employees;
	•		maintain effective control of our operating costs and expenses;
	•		develop and maintain internal personnel, systems, controls and procedures to assure compliance with the extensive regulatory requirements applicable to the gaming business as well as regulatory compliance as a public company;
	•		respond to competitive market conditions;
	•		respond to changes in our regulatory environment;
	•		identify suitable locations and enter into new leases or right to use agreements (which are similar to license agreements) for new Mocha Clubs; and
	•		renew or extend lease agreements for existing Mocha Clubs.

If we are unable to complete any of these tasks, we may be unable to operate our businesses in the manner we contemplate and generate revenues from such projects in the amounts and by the times we anticipate. We may also be unable to meet the conditions to draw on our existing or future financing facilities in order to fund various activities or may suffer a default under our existing or future financing facilities. If any of these events were to occur, it would cause a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

(2)    Risks Relating to the Operation of Our Properties

(a)    Because we are and will be dependent upon a limited number of properties for a substantial portion of our cash flow, we are and will be subject to greater risks than a gaming company with more operating properties.

We are primarily dependent upon City of Dreams, Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs for our cash flow. Given that our operations are and will be conducted based on a small number of principal properties, we are and will be subject to greater risks than a gaming company with more operating properties due to the limited diversification of our businesses and sources of revenue.

(b)    Servicing the debt of our subsidiaries requires a significant amount of cash, and our subsidiaries may not generate a sufficient level of cash flow from their businesses to make scheduled payments on their debt.

Our subsidiaries’ ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance their indebtedness depends on our subsidiaries’ future performance, which is subject to certain economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our subsidiaries may not generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service their debt or make necessary capital repayments. If they are unable to generate such cash flow, our subsidiaries may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt, incurring additional indebtedness or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our subsidiaries’ ability to refinance their indebtedness will depend on the financial markets and their financial condition at such time. Our subsidiaries may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our subsidiaries’ debt obligations and a material adverse effect on the value of our ADSs.

(c)    Our business depends substantially on the continuing efforts of our senior management, and our business may be severely disrupted if we lose their services or their other responsibilities cause them to be unable to devote sufficient time and attention to our company.

We place substantial reliance on the gaming, project development and hospitality industry experience and knowledge of the Macau market possessed by members of our senior management team, including our co-chairman and chief executive officer, Mr. Lawrence Ho. The loss of the services of one or more members of our senior management team could hinder our ability to effectively manage our business and implement our growth and development strategies. Finding suitable replacements for Mr. Ho or other members of our senior management could be difficult, and competition for personnel of similar experience could be intense in Macau. We do not currently carry key person insurance on any members of our senior management team.

(d)    We have recruited a substantial number of new employees for each of our properties and competition may limit our ability to attract or retain suitably qualified management and personnel.

We require extensive operational management and staff to operate both Altira Macau and City of Dreams. Accordingly, we undertook a major recruiting program before both openings. The pool of experienced gaming and other skilled and unskilled personnel in Macau is limited. Many of our new personnel occupy sensitive positions requiring qualifications sufficient to meet gaming regulatory and other requirements or are required to possess other skills for which substantial training and experience are needed. Moreover, competition to recruit and retain qualified gaming and other personnel is expected to continue. In addition, we are not currently allowed under Macau government policy to hire non-Macau resident dealers, croupiers and supervisors. We cannot assure you that we will be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified individuals to operate our properties or that costs to recruit and retain such personnel will not increase significantly. The inability to attract and retain qualified employees and operational management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.

(e)    If we are unable to obtain approval for an increase in the developable gross floor area of the City of Dreams site and the consequent amendments to the terms of our land concession, we could forfeit all or a substantial part of our investment in the site and we would not be able to complete and fully operate the facility as planned.

On August 13, 2008, the Macau government granted a land concession to Melco Crown (COD) Developments for lands consisting of approximately 113,325 square meters (1.2 million sq. ft.) that comprise the City of Dreams site in Cotai for a period of 25 years, renewable for further consecutive periods of up to ten years each. The land concession enables Melco Crown (COD) Developments to develop five star hotels, four star hotels, apartment hotels and a parking area with the total gross floor area of 515,156 square meters (approximately 5,545,093 sq. ft.). We have applied for an amendment to the land concession to enable the increase of the total developable gross floor area to 668,574 square meters (approximately 7,196,470 sq. ft.) for which we must pay an additional premium. In March 2010, our subsidiaries Melco Crown (COD) Developments and Melco Crown Gaming accepted the final terms for the revision of the land lease agreement and paid the additional premium. Following the publication in the Macau official gazette of such revision the land grant amendment process will be complete. We are unable to project with any certainty the exact timing of the publication of the revised land grant. Until the occurrence of such publication, the land grant amendment process is not complete and our ability to fully operate City of Dreams as planned remains at risk and we could potentially lose all or a substantial part of our investment in City of Dreams should the publication fail to occur.

(f)    Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to cover all losses that we may suffer from our operations. In addition, our insurance costs may increase and we may not be able to obtain the same insurance coverage in the future.

We currently have various insurance policies providing certain coverage typically required by gaming and hospitality operations in Macau. Such coverage includes property damage, business interruption and general liability. These insurance policies provide coverage that is subject to policy terms, conditions and limits. There is no assurance that we will be able to renew such insurance coverage on equivalent premium cost, terms, conditions and limits upon policy renewals. The cost of coverage may in the future become so high that we may be unable to obtain the insurance policies we deem necessary for the operation of our projects on commercially practicable terms, or at all, or we may need to reduce our policy limits or agree to certain exclusions from our coverage. We cannot assure you that any such insurance policies we may obtain will be adequate to protect us from material losses. If we incur loss, damage or liability for amounts exceeding the limits of our current or future insurance coverage, or for claims outside the scope of our current or future insurance coverage, our financial conditions and business operations could be materially and adversely affected. For example, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, acts of war, loss of income due to cancellation of conventions or room reservations arising from fear of terrorism, contagious or infectious disease, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution may not be covered under our policies. As a result, certain acts and events could expose us to significant uninsured losses. In addition to the damages caused directly by a casualty loss such as fire or natural disasters, we may suffer a disruption of our business as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties who may be injured or harmed. While we intend to carry business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, such insurance may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and, in any event, may not be adequate to cover all losses that may result from such events.

(3)    Risks Relating to Our Business and Operations in Macau

(a)    Conducting business in Macau has certain political and economic risks that may lead to significant volatility and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

All of our operations are in Macau. Accordingly, our business development plans, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by significant political, social and economic developments in Macau and China and by changes in government policies or changes in laws and regulations or the interpretations of these laws and regulations. In particular, our operating results may be adversely affected by:

	•		changes in Macau’s and China’s political, economic and social conditions;
	•		tightening of travel restrictions to Macau which may be imposed by China;
	•		changes in policies of the government or changes in laws and regulations, or in the interpretation or enforcement of these laws and regulations;
	•		changes in foreign exchange regulations;
	•		measures that may be introduced to control inflation, such as interest rate increases or bank account withdrawal controls; and
	•		changes in the rate or method of taxation.

Our operations in Macau are also exposed to the risk of changes in laws and policies that govern operations of Macau-based companies. Tax laws and regulations may also be subject to amendment or different interpretation and implementation, thereby adversely affecting our profitability after tax. Further, certain terms of our gaming subconcession may be subject to renegotiations with the Macau government in the future, including amounts we will be obligated to pay the Macau government in order to continue operations. Melco Crown Gaming’s obligations to make certain payments to the Macau government under the terms of its subconcession include a fixed annual premium per year and a variable premium depending on the number and type of gaming tables and gaming machines that we operate. The results of any renegotiations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The Macau government granted us land leases for lands for Altira Macau and for City of Dreams. We have applied for approval from the Macau government to increase the developable gross floor area of City of Dreams. The opening and operation of the areas of City of Dreams for which construction is not yet completed will be subject to our obtaining an occupancy permit for such areas.

In January 2008, Former Secretary for Public Works and Transport of Macau, Mr. Ao Man Long, was convicted and sentenced to a prison term of 28.5 years on charges involving corruption, bribery, irregular financial activities and money laundering. Those being tried and convicted in cases connected with the conviction of Mr. Ao in 2008 are related to local companies to whom several major public works and services contracts were awarded and for whom certain licensing procedures were allegedly expedited. Mr. Lao Sio-Io was appointed the new Secretary for Transport and Public Works in March 2007. We cannot predict whether any ongoing or further prosecutions and investigations will adversely affect the functioning of the Macau Land, Public Works and Transports Bureau, any approvals that are pending before it, or for which applications may be made in the future (including with respect to our possible future projects), or will give rise to additional scrutiny or review of any approvals, including those for Altira Macau and City of Dreams, that were previously approved or granted through this Bureau and the Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macau.

As we expect a significant number of patrons to come to our properties from China, general economic conditions and policies in China could have a significant impact on our financial prospects. A slowdown in economic growth and tightening of restrictions on travel imposed by China could adversely impact the number of visitors from China to our properties in Macau as well as the amounts they are willing to spend in our casinos, which could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition.

(b)    The winnings of our patrons could exceed our casino winnings.

Our revenues are mainly derived from the difference between our casino winnings and the winnings of our casino patrons. Since there is an inherent element of chance in the gaming industry, we do not have full control over our winnings or the winnings of our casino patrons. If the winnings of our patrons exceed our casino winnings, we may record a loss from our gaming operations, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

(c)    Theoretical win rates for our casino operations depend on a variety of factors, some beyond our control.

In addition to the element of chance, theoretical win rates are also affected by other factors, including players’ skill and experience, the mix of games played, the financial resources of players, the spread of table limits, the volume of bets placed by our players and the amount of time players spend on gambling—thus our actual win rates may differ greatly over short time periods, such as from quarter to quarter, and could cause our quarterly results to be volatile. Each of these factors, alone or in combination, have the potential to negatively impact our win rates, and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

(d)    Our gaming business is subject to cheating and counterfeiting.

All gaming activities at our table games are conducted exclusively with gaming chips which, like real currency, are subject to the risk of alteration and counterfeiting. We incorporate a variety of security and anti-counterfeit features to detect altered or counterfeit gaming chips. Despite such security features, unauthorized parties may try to copy our gaming chips and introduce, use and cash in altered or counterfeit gaming chips in our gaming areas. Any negative publicity arising from such incidents could also tarnish our reputation and may result in a decline in our business, financial condition and results of operation.

Our existing surveillance and security systems, designed to detect cheating at our casino operations, may not be able to detect all such cheating in time or at all, particularly if patrons collude with our employees. In addition, our gaming promoters or other persons could, without our knowledge, enter into betting arrangements directly with our casino patrons on the outcomes of our games of chance, thus depriving us of revenues.

(e)    Because we depend upon our properties in one market for all of our cash flow, we will be subject to greater risks than a gaming company that operates in more markets.

We are and will be primarily dependent upon City of Dreams, Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs for our cash flow. Given that our current operations are and will be conducted only at properties in Macau, we will be subject to greater risks than a gaming company with operating properties in several markets. These risks include:

	•		dependence on the gaming and leisure market in Macau and limited diversification of our businesses and sources of revenue;
	•		a decline in economic, competitive and political conditions in Macau or generally in Asia;
	•		inaccessibility to Macau due to inclement weather, road construction or closure of primary access routes;
	•		a decline in air or ferry passenger traffic to Macau due to higher ticket costs, fears concerning travel or otherwise;
	•		travel restrictions to Macau imposed now or in the future by China;
	•		changes in Macau governmental laws and regulations, or interpretations thereof, including gaming laws and regulations;
	•		natural and other disasters, including typhoons, outbreaks of infectious diseases or terrorism, affecting Macau;
	•		that the number of visitors to Macau does not increase at the rate that we have expected; and
	•		a decrease in gaming activities at our properties.

Any of these conditions or events could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

(f)    Our gaming operations could be adversely affected by restrictions on the export of the Renminbi and limitations of the Pataca exchange markets.

Gaming operators in Macau are currently prohibited from accepting wagers in Renminbi, the currency of China. There are currently restrictions on the export of the Renminbi outside of mainland China, including to Macau. For example, Chinese traveling abroad are only allowed to take a total of RMB20,000 plus the equivalent of up to US$5,000 out of China. Restrictions on the export of the Renminbi may impede the flow of gaming customers from China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in Macau and negatively impact our operations.

Our revenues in Macau are denominated in H.K. dollars and Patacas, the legal currency of Macau. Although currently permitted, we cannot assure you that H.K. dollars and Patacas will continue to be freely exchangeable into U.S. dollars. Although the exchange rate between the H.K. dollar and the U.S. dollar has been pegged since 1983 and the Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar, we cannot assure you that the H.K. dollar will remain pegged to the U.S. dollar and that the Pataca will remain pegged to the H.K. dollar. Also, because the currency market for Patacas is relatively small and undeveloped, our ability to convert large amounts of Patacas into U.S. dollars over a relatively short period of time may be limited. As a result, we may experience difficulty in converting Patacas into U.S. dollars.

(g)    Terrorism and the uncertainty of war, economic downturns and other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending and leisure travel may reduce visitation to Macau and harm our operating results.

The strength and profitability of our business depends on consumer demand for casino resorts and leisure travel in general. Changes in Asian consumer preferences or discretionary consumer spending could harm our business. Terrorist acts could have a negative impact on international travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. We cannot predict the extent to which future terrorist acts may affect us, directly or indirectly. In addition to fears of war and future acts of terrorism, other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including general economic conditions, amounts of disposable consumer income, fears of recession and lack of consumer confidence in the economy, may negatively impact our business. Consumer demand for hotel casino resorts and the type of luxury amenities we currently offer and plan to offer in the future are highly sensitive to downturns in the economy. An extended period of reduced discretionary spending and/or disruptions or declines in airline travel could significantly harm our operations.

(h)    An outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by the H5N1 virus (avian flu or bird flu), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, or H1N1 virus (swine flu) or other contagious disease may have an adverse effect on the economies of certain Asian countries and may adversely affect our results of operations.

During 2004, large parts of Asia experienced unprecedented outbreaks of avian flu which, according to a report of the World Health Organization, or WHO, in 2004, placed the world at risk of an influenza pandemic with high mortality and social and economic disruption. As of December 30, 2009, the WHO has confirmed a total of 282 fatalities in a total number of 467 cases reported to the WHO, which only reports laboratory confirmed cases of avian flu since 2003. In particular, Guangdong Province, PRC, which is located across the Zhuhai Border from Macau, has confirmed several cases of avian flu. Currently, fully effective avian flu vaccines have not yet been developed and there is evidence that the H5N1 virus are evolving so there can be no assurance that an effective vaccine can be discovered in time to protect against the potential avian flu pandemic. In the first half of 2003, certain countries in Asia experienced an outbreak of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, which seriously interrupted economic activities and caused the demand for goods and services to plummet in the affected regions. There can be no assurance that an outbreak of avian flu, SARS, H1N1 or other contagious disease or the measures taken by the governments of affected countries against such potential outbreaks, will not seriously interrupt our gaming operations or visitation to Macau, which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The perception that an outbreak of avian flu, SARS or other contagious disease may occur again may also have an adverse effect on the economic conditions of countries in Asia.

(i)    Macau is susceptible to severe typhoons that may disrupt our operations.

Macau is susceptible to severe typhoons. Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands off the coast of mainland China. In the event of a major typhoon or other natural disaster in Macau, our properties and business may be severely disrupted and our results of operations could be adversely affected. Although we or our operating subsidiaries do carry insurance coverage with respect to these events, our coverage may not be sufficient to fully indemnify us against all direct and indirect costs, including loss of business, that could result from substantial damage to, or partial or complete destruction of, our properties or other damages to the infrastructure or economy of Macau.

(j)    Any fluctuation in the value of the H.K. dollar, U.S. dollar or Pataca may adversely affect our indebtedness, expenses and profitability.

Although the majority of our revenues are denominated in Hong Kong dollars, our expenses will be denominated predominantly in Patacas and in connection with a significant portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses, U.S. dollars. We expect to incur significant debt denominated in U.S. dollars, and the costs associated with servicing and repaying such debt will be denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of the H.K. dollar and Patacas against the U.S. dollar may fluctuate and may be affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Although the exchange rate between the H.K. dollar and the U.S. dollar has been pegged since 1983 and the Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar, we cannot assure you that the H.K. dollar will remain pegged to the U.S. dollar and that the Pataca will remain pegged to the H.K. dollar. We do not hedge our exposure to foreign currencies. Instead we maintain a certain amount of our operating funds in the same currencies in which we have obligations, thereby reducing our exposure to currency fluctuations. Any significant fluctuations in the exchange rates between H.K. dollars or Patacas to U.S. dollars may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition. For example, to the extent that we are required to convert U.S. dollar financings into H.K. dollars or Patacas for our operations, fluctuations in the exchange rates between H.K. dollars or Patacas against the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the amounts we receive from the conversion.

(k)    Contract parties may not be able to secure adequate financing.

During the course of our business, we may enter into agreements with contract parties from which we may derive income in relation to the operation of gaming business. The inability of such contract parties to raise sufficient funds to develop and/or undertake the relevant project and gaming operations may affect our ability to derive such income as contracted for in the relevant agreements, and this may have an adverse impact on our business.

(4)    Risks Relating to Our Operations in the Gaming Industry in Macau

(a)    Because our operations face intense competition in Macau and elsewhere in Asia, we may not be able to compete successfully and we may lose or be unable to gain market share.

The hotel, resort and casino businesses are highly competitive. Our competitors in Macau and elsewhere in Asia include many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and resort companies in the world. Some of these current and future competitors are larger than us and may have more diversified resources and greater access to capital to support their developments and operations in Macau and elsewhere.

We also compete to some extent with casinos located in other countries, such as Malaysia, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere in the world, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the United States. In addition, certain countries, such as Singapore have legalized casino gaming and others may in the future legalize casino gaming, including Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. Singapore awarded a casino license to Las Vegas Sands and a second casino license to Genting International Bhd. in 2006. Genting International Bhd. opened its casino on February 14, 2010 and Las Vegas Sands is scheduled to open its on April 27, 2010. We also compete with cruise ships operating out of Hong Kong and other areas of Asia that offer gaming. The proliferation of gaming venues in Southeast Asia could also significantly and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our regional competitors also include Crown’s Crown Casino Melbourne and Burswood Casino in Australia and other casino resorts that Melco and Crown may develop elsewhere in Asia outside Macau. Melco and Crown may develop different interests and strategies for projects in Asia under their joint venture which conflict with the interests of our business in Macau or otherwise compete with us for Asian gaming and leisure customers.

(b)    The Macau government could grant additional rights to conduct gaming in the future, which could significantly increase competition in Macau and cause us to lose or be unable to gain market share.

Melco Crown Gaming is one of six companies authorized by the Macau government to operate gaming activities in Macau. The Macau Government has announced that until further assessment of the economic situation in Macau there will not be any increase in the number of concessions or subconcessions. However, the policies and laws of the Macau government could change and the Macau government could grant additional concessions or subconcessions, and we could face additional competition which could significantly increase the competition in Macau and cause us to lose or be unable to maintain or gain market share.

(c)    Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and adverse changes or developments in gaming laws or regulations could be difficult to comply with or significant by increase our costs, which could cause our projects to be unsuccessful.

Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau. Current laws, such as licensing requirements, tax rates and other regulatory obligations, including those for anti-money laundering, could change or become more stringent resulting in additional regulations being imposed upon the gaming operations in the Altira Macau casino, the City of Dreams casinos, the Mocha Clubs, and other future projects including Macau Studio City and any other locations we may operate from time to time. Any such adverse developments in the regulation of the gaming industry could be difficult to comply with and could significantly increase our costs, which could cause our projects to be unsuccessful.

In September 2009, the Macau government set a cap on commission payments to gaming promoters of 1.25% of net rolling. This policy, which is being enforced as of December 2009, may limit our ability to develop successful relationships with gaming promoters and attract rolling chip patrons. Any failure to comply with these regulations may result in the imposition of liabilities, fines and other penalties and may materially and adversely affect our gaming subconcession.

Also the Macau government has announced its intention to raise the minimum age required for the entrance in casinos in Macau from 18 years of age to 21 years of age. As far as employment is concerned, it was further announced that this measure, when adopted, would allow casino employees to maintain their positions while in the process of reaching the minimum required age. If implemented, this could adversely affect our ability to engage sufficient staff for the operation of our projects.

The Macau government announced that the number of gaming tables operating in Macau should not exceed 5,500 by the end of 2012.

Also, the Macau government announced that it intends to restrict the ability of operators to open slot lounges, such as our Mocha Clubs, in residential areas. This policy may limit our ability to find new sites or maintain existing sites for the operation of our Mocha Clubs. The Macau government also announced its intention to regulate and control the increase of gaming tables that may be operated in Macau, which may adversely affect the future expansion of our business.

Current Macau laws and regulations concerning gaming and gaming concessions and matters such as prevention of money laundering are, for the most part, fairly recent and there is little precedent on the interpretation of these laws and regulations. We believe that our organizational structure and operations are currently in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations of Macau. However, these laws and regulations are complex and a court or an administrative or regulatory body may in the future render an interpretation of these laws and regulations or issue new or modified regulations that differ from our interpretation, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Our activities in Macau are subject to administrative review and approval by various agencies of the Macau government. For example, our activities are subject to the administrative review and approval by the DICJ, the Health Department, Labour Bureau, Public Works Bureau, Fire Department, Finance Department and Macau Government Tourism Office. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain all necessary approvals, which may materially affect our business and operations. Macau law permits redress to the courts with respect to administrative actions. However, such redress is largely untested in relation to gaming regulatory issues.

(d)    Under Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, the Macau government may terminate the subconcession under certain circumstances without compensation to Melco Crown Gaming, which would prevent it from operating casino gaming facilities in Macau and could result in defaults under our indebtedness and a partial or complete loss of our investments in our projects.

Under Melco Crown Gaming’s gaming subconcession, the Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate our subconcession in the event of non-compliance by Melco Crown Gaming with its basic obligations under the subconcession and applicable Macau laws. If such a termination were to occur, Melco Crown Gaming would be unable to operate casino gaming in Macau. We would also be unable to recover the US$900 million consideration paid to Wynn Macau for the issue of the subconcession. For a list of termination events, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Gaming Regulations—Subconcession Contract”. These events could lead to the termination of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession without compensation to Melco Crown Gaming. In many of these instances, the subconcession contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, we would rely on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to remedy any such violation. Melco Crown Gaming has entered into a service agreement with New Cotai Entertainment (Macau) Limited, or New Cotai Entertainment, and New Cotai Entertainment, LLC pursuant to which Melco Crown Gaming will operate the casino premises in its hotel casino resorts. If New Cotai Entertainment, or other parties with whom we may, in the future, enter into similar agreements were to be found unsuitable or were to undertake actions that are inconsistent with Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession terms and requirements, we could suffer penalties, including the termination of the subconcession.

Based on information from the Macau government, proposed amendments to the legislation with regard to reversion of casino premises are being considered. We expect that if such amendments take effect, on the expiry or any termination of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, unless Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession were extended, only that portion of casino premises within our developments as then designated with the approval of the Macau government, including all gaming equipment, would revert to the Macau government automatically without compensation to us. Until such amendments come into effect, all of our casino premises and gaming equipment would revert automatically without compensation to us.

The subconcession contract contains various general covenants, obligations and other provisions as to which the determination of compliance is subjective. For example, compliance with general and special duties of cooperation, special duties of information, and with obligations foreseen for the execution of our investment plan may be subjective. We cannot assure you that we will perform such covenants in a way that satisfies the requirements of the Macau government and, accordingly, we will be dependent on our continuing communications and good faith negotiations with the Macau government to ensure that we are performing our obligations under the subconcession in a manner that would avoid any violations.

Under the subconcession contract, we are required to make a minimum investment in Macau of MOP 4.0 billion (US$499.2 million), including investment in fully developing Altira Macau and City of Dreams, by December 2010. According to our financial statements, we believe that the amount we have invested in developing Altira Macau and City of Dreams as at December 31, 2009 is in excess of the minimum investment amount criteria as set out under the subconcession contract. We expect to obtain the necessary Macau government confirmation of our compliance with such minimum investment amount criteria. If we do not receive confirmation of compliance of this minimum investment amount criteria or if we do not meet the required deadline for satisfying other conditions in the subconcession contract, we may lose the right to continue operating our properties developed under the subconcession or suffer the termination of the subconcession by the Macau government.

Under Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, the Macau government is allowed to request various changes in the plans and specifications of our Macau properties and to make various other decisions and determinations that may be binding on us. For example, the Chief Executive of the Macau SAR has the right to require that we increase Melco Crown Gaming’s share capital or that we provide certain deposits or other guarantees of performance with respect to the obligations of our Macau subsidiaries in any amount determined by the Macau government to be necessary. Melco Crown Gaming is limited in its ability to raise additional capital by the need to first obtain the approval of the Macau gaming and governmental authorities before raising certain debt or equity. Melco Crown Gaming’s ability to incur debt or raise equity may also be restricted by our existing and any future loan facilities. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with these requirements or any other requirements of the Macau government or with the other requirements and obligations imposed by the subconcession.

Furthermore, pursuant to the subconcession contract, we are obligated to comply not only with the terms of that agreement, but also with laws, regulations, rulings and orders that the Macau government might promulgate in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with any such laws, regulations, rulings or orders or that any such laws, regulations, rulings or orders would not adversely affect our ability to construct or operate our Macau properties. If any disagreement arises between us and the Macau government regarding the interpretation of, or our compliance with, a provision of the subconcession contract, we will be relying on the consultation and negotiation process with the applicable Macau governmental agency described above. During any such consultation, however, we will be obligated to comply with the terms of the subconcession contract as interpreted by the Macau government.

Melco Crown Gaming’s failure to comply with the terms of its subconcession in a manner satisfactory to the Macau government could result in the termination of its subconcession. We cannot assure you that Melco Crown Gaming would always be able to operate gaming activities in a manner satisfactory to the Macau government. The loss of its subconcession would prohibit Melco Crown Gaming from conducting gaming operations in Macau which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in defaults under our indebtedness and a partial or complete loss of our investments in our projects.

Currently, there is no precedent on how the Macau government will treat the termination of a concession or subconcession upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances mentioned above. Some of the laws and regulations summarized above have not yet been applied by the Macau government. Therefore, the scope and enforcement of the provisions of Macau’s gaming regulatory system cannot be fully assessed at this time.

(e)    Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession contract expires in 2022 and if we were unable to secure an extension of its subconcession in 2022 or if the Macau government were to exercise its redemption right in 2017, we would be unable to operate casino gaming in Macau.

Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession contract expires in 2022. Based on information from the Macau government, proposed amendments to the legislation with regard to reversion of casino premises are being considered. We expect that if such amendments take effect, on the expiry or any termination of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, unless Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession were extended, only that portion of casino premises within our developments as then designated with the approval of the Macau government, including all gaming equipment, would automatically revert to the Macau government without compensation to us. Until such amendments come into effect, all our casino premises and gaming equipment would revert automatically to the Macau government without compensation to us. Under the subconcession contract, beginning in 2017, the Macau government has the right to redeem the subconcession contract by providing us with at least one year’s prior notice. In the event the Macau government exercises this redemption right, we would be entitled to fair compensation or indemnity. The standards for the calculation of the amount of such compensation or indemnity would be determined based on the gross revenue generated by City of Dreams during the tax year immediately prior to the redemption, multiplied by the remaining term of the subconcession. We would not receive any further compensation (including for consideration paid to Wynn Macau for the subconcession). We cannot assure you that Melco Crown Gaming would be able to renew or extend its subconcession contract on terms favorable to us, or at all. We also cannot assure you that if Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession were redeemed, the compensation paid would be adequate to compensate us for the loss of future revenues.

(f)    While Melco Crown Gaming will not initially be required to pay corporate income taxes on income from gaming operations under the subconcession, this tax exemption will expire in 2011, and it may not be extended.

The Macau government has granted to Melco Crown Gaming the benefit of a corporate tax holiday on gaming income in Macau for five years from 2007 to 2011. When this tax exemption expires, we cannot assure you that it will be extended beyond the expiration date.

Furthermore, the Macau government has granted to our subsidiary Altira Hotel declaration of utility purposes benefit, pursuant to which, for a period of 12 years, it is entitled to a vehicle and property tax holiday on any vehicles and immovable property that it owns or has been granted. Additionally, under the tax holiday, this entity will also be allowed to double the maximum rates applicable regarding depreciation and reintegration for purposes of assessment of corporate income tax for the same period of time. We have applied for the same tax holidays for Melco Crown (COD) Hotels in relation to the hotels at City of Dreams, but we cannot assure you that they will be granted by the Macau government on as favorable terms, or at all.

(g)    We extend credit to a portion of our customers, and we may not be able to collect gaming receivables from our credit customers.

We conduct our table gaming activities at our casinos to a limited degree on a credit basis, and expect to continue this practice in the future. This credit is often unsecured, as is customary in our industry. High-end patrons typically are extended more credit than patrons who wager lower amounts.

We may not be able to collect all of our gaming receivables from our credit customers. We expect that we will be able to enforce our gaming receivables only in a limited number of jurisdictions, including Macau and under certain circumstances Hong Kong. As most of our gaming customers are visitors from other jurisdictions, we may not have access to a forum in which we will be able to collect all of our gaming receivables because, among other reasons, courts of many jurisdictions do not enforce gaming debts. We may encounter forums that will refuse to enforce such debts, or we may be unable to locate assets in other jurisdictions against which to seek recovery of gaming debts. The collectability of receivables from international customers could be negatively affected by future business or economic trends or by significant events in the countries in which these customers reside. We may also in given cases have to determine whether aggressive enforcement actions against a customer will unduly alienate the customer and cause the customer to cease playing at our casinos. If we accrue large receivables from the credit extended to our customers, we could suffer a material adverse impact on our operating results if those receivables are deemed uncollectible. In addition, in the event a patron has been extended credit and has lost back to us the amount borrowed and the receivable from that patron is deemed uncollectible, Macau gaming tax will still be payable on the resulting gaming revenue notwithstanding our uncollectible receivable.

(h)    The current credit environment may limit availability of credit to gaming patrons and may negatively impact our revenue.

We conduct our table gaming activities at our casinos to a limited degree on a credit basis and our gaming promoters also conduct their operations by extending credit to gaming patrons. The general economic downturn and turmoil in the financial markets have placed broad limitations on the availability of credit from credit sources as well as lengthening the recovery cycle of extended credit. Continued tightening of liquidity conditions in credit markets may constrain revenue generation and growth and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

(i)    Our business may face a higher level of volatility due to our focus on the rolling chip segment of the gaming market.

A significant proportion of our revenues is generated from the rolling chip segment of the gaming market. The revenues generated from the rolling chip segment of the gaming market are acutely volatile primarily due to high bets, and the resulting high winnings and losses. As a result, our business and results of operations and cash flows from operations may be more volatile from quarter to quarter than that of our competitors and may require higher levels of cage cash in reserve to manage this volatility.

(j)    We depend upon gaming promoters for a portion of our gaming revenue and if we are unable to establish, maintain and increase the number of successful relationships with gaming promoters, our ability to attract rolling chip patrons may be adversely affected.

Gaming promoters, who organize tours for rolling chip patrons to casinos in Macau, are responsible for a portion of our gaming revenues in Macau. With the rise in casino operations in Macau, the competition for relationships with gaming promoters has increased. As of December 31, 2009, we had agreements in place with approximately 55 gaming promoters. If we are unable to utilize and develop relationships with gaming promoters, our ability to grow our gaming revenues will be hampered and we will have to seek alternative ways to develop and maintain relationships with rolling chip patrons, which may not be as profitable as relationships developed through gaming promoters.

(k)    We are impacted by the reputation and integrity of the parties with whom we engage in business activities and we cannot assure you that these parties will always maintain high standards or suitability throughout the term of our association with them. Failure to maintain such high standards or suitability may cause us and our shareholders to suffer harm to our and the shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators.

The reputation and integrity of the parties with whom we engage in business activities, in particular those who are engaged in gaming related activities, such as gaming promoters and developers and hotel operators that do not hold concessions or subconcessions and with which we have or may enter into services agreements, are important to our own reputation and to Melco Crown Gaming’s ability to continue to operate in compliance with its subconcession. For parties we deal with in gaming related activities, where relevant, the gaming regulators undertake their own probity checks and will reach their own suitability findings in respect of the activities and parties which we intend to associate with. In addition, we also conduct our internal due diligence and evaluation process prior to engaging such parties. Notwithstanding such regulatory probity checks and our own due diligence, we cannot assure you that the parties with whom we are associated will always maintain the high standards that gaming regulators and we require or that such parties will maintain their suitability throughout the term of our association with them. If we were to deal with any party whose probity was in doubt, this may reflect negatively on our own probity when assessed by the gaming regulators. Also, if a party associated with us falls below the gaming regulators’ suitability standards, we and our shareholders may suffer harm to our and the shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators with authority over our operations.

In particular, the reputations of the gaming promoters we deal with are important to our own reputation and Melco Crown Gaming’s ability to continue to operate in compliance with its subconcession. While we endeavor to ensure high standards of probity and integrity in the gaming promoters with whom we are associated, we cannot assure you that the gaming promoters with whom we are associated will always maintain such high standards. If we were to deal with a gaming promoter whose probity was in doubt or who failed to operate in compliance with Macau law consistently, this may be considered by regulators or investors to reflect negatively on our own probity and compliance records. If a gaming promoter falls below our standards of probity, integrity and legal compliance, we and our shareholders may suffer harm to our or their reputation, as well as worsened relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators with authority over our operations.

(l)    Since May 2008, China has imposed government restrictions on Chinese citizens traveling from mainland China to Macau. If China or other countries impose further restrictions on travel to Macau, our business or results of operations could be adversely affected.

We have made significant investments to develop our casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities and intend to make significant additional investments to develop Phase II at City of Dreams, based, in part, on our expectation of future visitor arrivals in Macau, particularly from mainland China. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, tourists from mainland China accounted for approximately 55.1%, 50.6% and 50.5%, respectively, of all visitors to Macau. If visitor arrivals from China and elsewhere fail to increase as anticipated or decrease further, our existing business and business prospects could be adversely affected.

Visitor arrivals from China and elsewhere may be negatively affected by visa and other travel restrictions from various countries. The Chinese government controls the flow of visitors from mainland China into Macau, as Chinese citizens must obtain visas to visit Macau. Under China’s Individual Visit Scheme (“IVS”), Chinese citizens from 49 urban centers and economically developed regions in the PRC may be eligible to obtain visas to visit Macau individually and not as part of a tour. The number of permits granted under the IVS has been gradually increasing since the system was introduced in 2003.

Between May and September 2008, the Chinese government imposed tighter restrictions on travel to Macau and may impose further restrictions in the future. In May and July 2008, the Chinese government readjusted its visa policy toward Macau and limited the number of visits that some mainland Chinese citizens may make to Macau in a given time period. In September 2008, it was publicly announced that mainland Chinese citizens with only a Hong Kong visa and not a Macau visa could no longer enter Macau from Hong Kong. In addition, in May 2009, China also began to restrict the operation of “below-cost” tour groups involving low up-front payments and compulsory shopping. These restrictions had a material adverse effect on the number of visitors to Macau from mainland China.

Visitor arrivals in Macau decreased by 5.2% to 21.8 million in 2009, compared to 22.9 million in 2008. Further restrictions on travel from China or other countries to Macau or any increase in prices of tours to Macau, as a result of new regulations on travel agencies or otherwise, may reduce the number of visitors to Macau in general and to our properties in particular.

(m)    We cannot assure you that anti-money laundering policies that we have implemented, and compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws, will be effective to prevent our casino operations from being exploited for money laundering purposes.

Macau’s free port, offshore financial services and free movements of capital create an environment whereby Macau’s casinos could be exploited for money laundering purposes. We have implemented anti-money laundering policies in compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Macau. However, we cannot assure you that any such policies will be effective in preventing our casino operations from being exploited for money laundering purposes, including from jurisdictions outside of Macau. In the normal course of business, we expect to be required by regulatory authorities from Macau and other jurisdictions to attend meetings and interviews from time to time to discuss our operations as they relate to anti-money laundering laws and regulations. Any incidents of money laundering, accusations of money laundering or regulatory investigations into possible money laundering activities involving us, our employees, our gaming promoters or our customers could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, cash flows, financial condition, prospects and results of operations.

(n)    If Macau’s transportation infrastructure does not adequately support the development of Macau’s gaming and leisure industry, visitation to Macau may not increase as currently expected, which may adversely affect our projects.

Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands and is connected to China by two border crossings. Macau has an international airport and connections to China and Hong Kong by road, ferry and helicopter. To support Macau’s planned future development as a gaming and leisure destination, the frequency of bus, plane and ferry services to Macau will need to increase. While various projects are under development to improve Macau’s internal and external transportation links, these projects may not be approved, financed or constructed in time to handle the projected increase in demand for transportation or at all, which could impede the expected increase in visitation to Macau and adversely affect our projects.

(5)    Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

(a)    Our current, projected and potential future indebtedness could impair our financial condition, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our significant leverage.

We have incurred and expect to incur, based on current budgets and estimates, secured long-term indebtedness, including the following:

	•		approximately US$1.75 billion under the City of Dreams Project Facility primarily for the development and construction of City of Dreams, of which we have drawn down an amount equivalent to approximately US$1.68 billion as of the date of this annual report; and
	•		financing for a significant portion of the costs of developing Phase II at the City of Dreams site, in an amount which is as yet undetermined.

Our significant indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:

	•		increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
	•		impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital needs, capital expenditure, acquisitions or general corporate purposes;
	•		require us to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on our debt, which would reduce the funds available to us for our operations;
	•		limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
	•		subject us to higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates to the extent a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates;
	•		cause us to incur additional expenses by hedging interest rate exposures of our debt and exposure to hedging counterparties’ failure to pay under such hedging arrangements, which would reduce the funds available for us for our operations; and
	•		in the event we or one of our subsidiaries were to default, result in the loss of all or a substantial portion of our and our subsidiaries’ assets, over which our lenders have taken or will take security.

(b)    We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations.

Our ability to make scheduled payments due on our existing and anticipated debt obligations and to fund planned capital expenditure and development efforts will depend on our ability to generate cash. We will require generation of sufficient operating cash flow from our projects to service our current and future projected indebtedness. Our ability to obtain cash to service our existing and projected debt is subject to a range of economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our existing and projected debt obligations, in which case, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments, or seek to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that any refinancing or restructuring would be possible, that any assets could be sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales or the amount of proceeds that would be realized from those sales. We cannot assure you that additional financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or would be permitted under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our failure to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our existing and projected debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms, would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

(c)    The terms of our and our subsidiaries’ indebtedness may restrict our current and future operations and harm our ability to complete our projects and grow our business operations to compete successfully against our competitors.

The City of Dreams Project Facility and associated facility and security documents that Melco Crown Gaming has entered into also contain a number of restrictive covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on Melco Crown Gaming, and therefore, effectively on us. The covenants in the City of Dreams Project Facility restrict or limit, among other things, our and our subsidiaries’ ability to:

	•		incur additional debt, including guarantees;
	•		create security or liens;
	•		dispose of assets;

	•		make certain acquisitions and investments;
	•		make other restricted payments or apply revenues earned in one part of our operations to fund development costs or cover operating losses in another part of our operations;
	•		enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
	•		engage in new businesses;
	•		issue preferred shares; and
	•		enter into transactions with shareholders and affiliates.

In addition, the restrictions under the City of Dreams Project Facility contain financial covenants, including requirements that we satisfy certain tests or ratios for the twelve month period commencing October 1, 2009 and ending September 30, 2010, and thereafter for each successive twelve month periods ending on the last day of each quarter of our financial year, such as:

	•		Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility;
	•		Consolidated Interest Cover Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility; and
	•		Consolidated Cash Cover Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility.

These covenants may restrict our ability to operate and restrict our ability to incur additional debt or other financing we may require, and impede our growth.

(d)    Drawdown or rollover of advances under our debt facilities involve satisfaction of extensive conditions precedent and our failure to satisfy such conditions precedent will result in our inability to access or roll over loan advances under such facilities. We do not guarantee that we are able to satisfy all conditions precedent under our current or future debt facilities.

Our current and future debt facilities require and will require satisfaction of extensive conditions precedent prior to the advance or rollover of loans under such facilities. The satisfaction of such conditions precedent may involve actions of third parties and matters outside of our control, such as government consents and approvals. If there is a breach of any terms or conditions of our debt facilities or other obligations and it is not cured or capable of being cured, such conditions precedent will not be satisfied. The inability to draw down or roll over loan advances in any debt facility may result in a funding shortfall in our operations and we may not be able to fulfill our obligations as planned; such events may result in an event of default under such debt facility and may also trigger cross default in our other obligations and debt facilities. We do not guarantee that all conditions precedent to draw down or roll over loan advances under our debt facilities will be satisfied in a timely manner or at all. If we are unable to draw down or roll over loan advances under any current or future facility, we may have to find a new group of lenders and negotiate new financing terms or consider other financing alternatives. If required, it is possible that new financing would not be available or would have to be procured on substantially less attractive terms, which could damage the economic viability of the relevant development project. The need to arrange such alternative financing would likely also delay the construction and/or operations of our future projects or existing properties, which would affect our cash flows, results of operations and financial condition.

(e)    Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our or our subsidiaries’ indebtedness, including failure as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could materially and adversely affect our cash flow, operating results and our financial condition.

If there were an event of default under one of our or our subsidiaries’ debt facilities, the holders of the debt on which we defaulted could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to become due and payable immediately. In addition, any event of default or declaration of acceleration under one debt facility could result in an event of default under one or more of our other debt instruments, with the result that all of our debt would be in default and accelerated. We cannot assure you that our assets or cash flow would be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt facilities, either upon maturity or if accelerated upon an event of default, or that we would be able to refinance or restructure the payments on those debt facilities. Further, if we are unable to repay, refinance or restructure our indebtedness at our subsidiaries that own or operate our properties, the lenders under those debt facilities could proceed against the collateral securing that indebtedness, which will constitute substantially all the assets and shares of our subsidiaries. In that event, any proceeds received upon a realization of the collateral would be applied first to amounts due under those debt instruments. The value of the collateral may not be sufficient to repay all of our indebtedness, which could result in the loss of your investment as a shareholder.

(f)    Recent turmoil in the credit markets taken together with the role of the credit agencies may affect our ability to maintain current financing or obtain future financing which could result in delays in our project development schedule and could impact our ability to generate revenue from operations at our present and future projects.

The recent turmoil in the credit markets may adversely affect our ability to maintain our current debt facility and to obtain additional or future financing for our operations and our current and future projects. If we are unable to maintain our current debt facility or obtain suitable financing for our operations and our current or future projects, this could adversely impact our existing operations, or cause delays in, or prevent completion of, the development of future projects. This may limit our ability to operate and expand our business and may adversely impact our ability to generate revenue. The costs incurred by any new financing may be greater than anticipated due to the recent turmoil in the credit markets.

(6)    Risks Relating to Our Corporate Structure and Ownership

(a)    Our existing shareholders will have a substantial influence over us and their interests in our business may be different than yours.

Melco and Crown together own the substantial majority of our outstanding shares, with each beneficially holding approximately 33.4% of our outstanding ordinary shares (exclusive of any ordinary shares represented by ADSs held by SPV) as of the date of this annual report. Melco and Crown have entered into a shareholders deed regarding the voting of their shares of our company under which each will agree to, among other things, vote its shares in favor of three nominees to our board designated by the other.

As a result, Melco and Crown, if they act together, will have the power, among other things, to elect directors to our board, including six of ten directors who are designated nominees of Crown and Melco, appoint and change our management, affect our legal and capital structure and our day-to-day operations, approve material mergers, acquisitions, dispositions and other business combinations and approve any other material transactions and financings. These actions may be taken in many cases without the approval of independent directors or other shareholders and the interests of these shareholders may conflict with your interests as minority shareholders. If Melco or Crown provides shareholder support to us in the form of shareholder loans or provides credit support by guaranteeing our obligations, they may become our creditors with different interests than shareholders with only equity interests in us. The concentration of controlling ownership of our shares may discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company, which could deprive our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium for their shares as part of a sale of our company and might reduce the price of our ADSs.

(b)    Business conducted through joint ventures involves certain risks.

We were initially formed as a 50/50 joint venture between Melco and PBL as their exclusive vehicle to carry on casino, gaming machine and casino hotel operations in Macau. Subsequently, Crown acquired all the gaming businesses and investments of PBL, including PBL’s investment in MCE. As a joint venture controlled by Melco and Crown, there are special risks associated with the possibility that Melco and Crown may: (1) have economic or business interests or goals that are inconsistent with ours or that are inconsistent with each other’s interests or goals, causing disagreement between them or between them and us which harms our business; (2) have operations and projects elsewhere in Asia that compete with our businesses in Macau and for available resources and management attention within the joint venture group; (3) take actions contrary to our policies or objectives; (4) be unable or unwilling to fulfill their obligations under the relevant joint venture or shareholders’ deed; or (5) have financial difficulties. In addition, there is no assurance that the laws and regulations relating to foreign investment in Melco’s or Crown’s governing jurisdictions will not be altered in such a manner as to result in a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

(c)    Melco and Crown may pursue additional casino projects in Asia, which, along with their current operations, may compete with our projects in Macau which could have material adverse consequences to us and the interests of our minority shareholders.

Melco and Crown may take action to construct and operate new gaming projects located in other countries in the Asian region, which, along with their current operations, may compete with our projects in Macau and could have adverse consequences to us and the interests of our minority shareholders. We could face competition from these other gaming projects. We also face competition from regional competitors, which include Crown’s Crown Casino Melbourne and Burswood Casino in Australia. We expect to continue to receive significant support from both Melco and Crown in terms of their local experience, operating skills, international experience and high standards. Specifically, we have support arrangements with Melco and Crown under which they provide us technical expertise in connection with the on-going development of City of Dreams and the operations of the Altira Macau, City of Dreams and the Mocha Clubs businesses. Should Melco or Crown decide to focus more attention on casino gaming projects located in other areas of Asia that may be expanding or commencing their gaming industries, or should economic conditions or other factors result in a significant decrease in gaming revenues and number of patrons in Macau, Melco or Crown may make strategic decisions to focus on their other projects rather than us, which could adversely affect our growth. We cannot guarantee you that Melco and Crown will make strategic and other decisions which do not adversely affect our business.

(d)    Changes in our share ownership, including a change of control or a change in the amounts or relative percentages of our shares owned by Melco and Crown, could result in our inability to draw loans or events of default under our indebtedness.

The City of Dreams Project Facility includes provisions under which we may suffer an event of default upon the occurrence of a change of control with respect to Melco Crown Gaming, or a decline in the aggregate indirect holdings of Melco Crown Gaming shares by Melco and Crown below certain thresholds. Any occurrence of these events could be outside our control and could result in defaults and cross-defaults which cause the termination and acceleration of up to all of our credit facilities and potential enforcement of remedies by our lenders, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

(e)    Crown’s investment in our company is subject to regulatory review in several jurisdictions and if regulators in those jurisdictions were to find that we, Crown or Melco failed to comply with certain regulatory requirements and standards, then Crown maybe required to withdraw from the joint venture.

Crown, through wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia and the Burswood Casino in Perth, Australia. Crown’s wholly owned subsidiaries hold casino licenses issued by the States of Victoria and Western Australia in Australia.

Crown, through a 50% owned joint venture subsidiary, owns and operates three casinos in the United Kingdom. The joint venture owns a 50% interest in a fourth casino in the United Kingdom.

Crown, through a 50% owned joint venture subsidiary, operates under a management agreement with the relevant provincial government authority seven casinos in British Columbia and two casinos in Alberta in Canada.

Under a previously announced Preferred Purchase Agreement, Crown has been required to be approved by gaming regulators in the State of Nevada and is undergoing approval in the State of Pennsylvania in the United States in relation to an investment in Cannery Casino Resorts LLC which owns and operates casinos in those states.

In all jurisdictions in which Crown, or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, holds a gaming license or Crown has a significant investment in a company which holds gaming licenses, gaming regulators are empowered to investigate associates, including business associates of Crown to determine whether the associate is of good repute and of sound financial resources. If, as a result of such investigation, the relevant gaming regulator determines that, by reason of its association, Crown has ceased to be suitable to hold a gaming license or to hold a substantial investment in the holder of a gaming license then the relevant gaming regulator may direct Crown to terminate its association or risk losing its gaming license or approval to invest in the holder of a gaming license in the relevant jurisdiction.

If actions by us or our subsidiaries or by Melco or Crown fail to comply with the regulatory requirements and standards of the jurisdictions in which Crown owns or operates casinos or in which companies in which Crown holds a substantial investment own or operate casinos or if there are changes in gaming laws and regulations or the interpretation or enforcement of such laws and regulations in such jurisdictions, then Crown may be required to withdraw from its joint venture with Melco or limit its involvement in one or more aspects of our gaming operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Withdrawal by Crown from its joint venture with Melco could cause the failure of conditions to drawing loans under our credit facilities or the occurrence of events that default under our credit facilities or as contemplated by our founders under their joint venture agreement.

(f)    We are a holding company and our only material sources of cash are and are expected to be dividends, distributions and payments under shareholder loans from our subsidiaries.

We are a holding company with no material business operations of our own. Our only significant asset is the capital stock of our subsidiaries. We conduct virtually all of our business operations through our subsidiaries. Accordingly, our only material sources of cash are dividends, distributions and payments with respect to our ownership interests in or shareholder loans that we may make to our subsidiaries that are derived from the earnings and cash flow generated by our operating properties. Our subsidiaries might not generate sufficient earnings and cash flow to pay dividends, distributions or payments under shareholder loans in the future. In addition, our subsidiaries’ debt instruments and other agreements, including those that we have entered into in connection with City of Dreams, limit or prohibit, or are expected to limit or prohibit, certain payments of dividends, other distributions or payments under shareholder loans to us.

(7)    Risks relating to future developments

All our future construction projects will be subject to significant development and construction risks, which could have a material adverse impact on related project timetables, costs and our ability to complete the projects. These risks include the following:

	•		lack of sufficient or delays in availability of financing;
	•		changes to plans and specifications;
	•		engineering problems, including defective plans and specifications;
	•		shortages of, and price increases in, energy, materials and skilled and unskilled labor, and inflation in key supply markets;
	•		delays in obtaining or inability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and approvals;
	•		changes in laws and regulations, or in the interpretation and enforcement of laws and regulations, applicable to gaming, leisure, residential, real estate development or construction projects;
	•		labor disputes or work stoppages;
	•		disputes with and defaults by contractors and subcontractors;
	•		environmental, health and safety issues, including site accidents and the spread of viruses such as H1N1 or H5N1;
	•		weather interferences or delays;
	•		fires, typhoons and other natural disasters;
	•		geological, construction, excavation, regulatory and equipment problems; and
	•		other unanticipated circumstances or cost increases.

The occurrence of any of these development and construction risks could increase the total costs, delay or prevent the construction or opening or otherwise affect the design and features of any future construction projects which we might undertake to complete. We cannot guarantee that our construction costs or total project costs for future projects will not increase beyond amounts initially budgeted.

(8)    Risks Relating to the ADSs

(a)    The trading price of our ADSs has been volatile since our ADSs began trading on Nasdaq and may be subject to fluctuations in the future, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

The trading price of our ADSs has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Our ADSs were first quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market beginning on December 19, 2006, and were upgraded to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on January 2, 2009. During the period from December 19, 2006 until March 16, 2010, the trading prices of our ADSs ranged from US$2.27 to US$23.55 per ADS and the closing sale price on March 16, 2010 was US$4.85 per ADS. The market price for our ADSs may continue to be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations in response to factors including the following:

	•		uncertainties or delays relating to the financing, completion and successful operation of our future projects;
	•		developments in the Macau market or other Asian gaming markets, including the announcement or completion of major new projects by our competitors;
	•		regulatory developments affecting us or our competitors;
	•		actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly operating results;

	•		changes in financial estimates by securities research analysts;
	•		changes in the economic performance or market valuations of other gaming and leisure industry companies;
	•		changes in our share of the Macau gaming market;
	•		addition or departure of our executive officers and key personnel;
	•		fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar, Hong Kong dollar, Pataca and Renminbi;
	•		release or expiry of lock-up or other transfer restrictions on our outstanding ordinary shares or ADSs;
	•		sales or perceived sales of additional ordinary shares or ADSs or securities convertible or exchangeable or exercisable for ordinary shares or ADSs; and
	•		rumors related to any of the above.

In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.

(b)    We currently do not intend to pay dividends, and we cannot assure you that we will make dividend payments in the future.

We may pay dividends to shareholders in the future; however, such payments will depend upon a number of factors, including our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements and surplus, general financial conditions, contractual restrictions and other factors considered relevant by our board of directors. We currently intend to retain all of our earnings to finance the development and expansion of our business. Accordingly, we do not intend to declare or pay cash dividends on our ordinary shares in the near to medium term. Except as permitted under the Cayman Islands Companies Law (as amended) and the common law of the Cayman Islands, we are not permitted to distribute dividends unless we have a profit, realized or unrealized, or a reserve set aside from profits which the directors of our company determine is no longer needed. We currently have no reserve set aside from profits for the payment of dividends. We cannot assure you that we will make any dividend payments on our ordinary shares in the future. Our ability to pay dividends, and our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us, may be further subject to restrictive covenants contained in the City of Dreams Project Facility, and in other facility agreements governing indebtedness we and our subsidiaries may incur.

(c)    Substantial future sales or perceived sales of our ADSs in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.

Sales of our ADSs or ordinary shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of our ADSs to decline. All of the ordinary shares beneficially held by Melco and Crown are available for sale, subject to volume and other restrictions, as applicable, under Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and subject to the terms of their shareholders’ deed. To the extent these shares are sold into the market, the market price of our ADSs could decline.

In addition, Melco and Crown have the right to cause us to register the sale of their shares under the Securities Act, subject to the terms of their shareholders’ deed. Registration of these shares under the Securities Act would result in these shares becoming freely tradable as ADSs without restriction under the Securities Act immediately upon the effectiveness of the registration. Sales of these registered shares in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.

Any decision by us to raise further equity in the market, which would result in dilution to existing shareholders, could cause the price of our ADSs to decline.

(d)    Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights of our shareholders and may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying ordinary shares of the depositary and in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Under our amended and restated articles of association, the minimum notice period required to convene a general meeting is seven days. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw your ordinary shares to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to holders of ADSs or carry out the voting instructions of holders of ADSs in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to holders of ADSs in a timely manner, but we cannot assure holders of ADSs that they will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that they can instruct the depositary to vote their ADSs. Furthermore, the depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, holders of ADSs may not be able to exercise their right to vote and they may lack recourse if their ADSs are not voted as they requested. In addition, in their capacity as an ADS holder, they will not be able to convene a shareholder meeting.

(e)    Holders of ADSs may be subject to limitations on transfers of your ADSs.

ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its transfer books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. In addition, the depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of ADSs generally when our books or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we or the depositary deem it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

(f)    Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings and you may not receive cash dividends if it is unlawful or impractical to make them available to you.

We may from time to time distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is unlawful, inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property and you will not receive such distribution.

(g)    We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, our shareholders may have less protection in terms of shareholder rights than they would under U.S. law.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, the Cayman Islands Companies Law (as amended) and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as that from English common law, which has persuasive, but not binding, authority on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. In addition, some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands.

As a result of all of the above, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. public company.

(h)    You may have difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against us.

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. All of our current operations, and administrative and corporate functions are conducted in Macau and Hong Kong. In addition, substantially all of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A substantial portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in Cayman Islands, Macau and Hong Kong courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors, most of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial majority of whose assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands, Macau or Hong Kong would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. In addition, it is uncertain whether such Cayman Islands, Macau or Hong Kong courts would be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, Macau or Hong Kong against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.

(i)    We may be treated as a passive foreign investment company, which could result in adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. Holders.

Although the applicable rules are not clear, we believe that we were not in 2009, and we do not currently expect to be in 2010, a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes. This determination is made annually at the end of each taxable year and is dependent upon a number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including the value of our assets (such as goodwill) and the amount and type of our income. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will not become a PFIC or that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service will agree with our conclusion regarding our PFIC status for any taxable year . If we are a PFIC in any year, U.S. Holders of the ADSs or ordinary shares could suffer adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. See “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation—Passive Foreign Investment Company”.

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

Melco Crown Entertainment Limited was incorporated under the name of Melco PBL Entertainment (Macau) Limited in December 2004 as an exempted company with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and registered as an oversea company under the laws of Hong Kong in November 2006. We were initially formed as a 50/50 joint venture between Melco and PBL as their exclusive vehicle to carry on casino, gaming machine and casino hotel operations in Macau. Subsequently, Crown acquired all the gaming businesses and investments of PBL, including PBL’s investment in MCE. As a result, in May 2008, we changed our name to Melco Crown Entertainment Limited.

Our subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming is one of six companies authorized by the Macau government to operate casinos in Macau.

In December 2006, we completed the initial public offering of our ADSs, each of which represents three ordinary shares, and listed our ADSs on the Nasdaq. We completed follow-on offerings of ADSs in November 2007, May 2009 and August 2009.

In January 2009 we were upgraded to trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which has the highest initial listing standards of any exchange in the world based on financial and liquidity requirements.

Our principal executive offices are located at 36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong. Our telephone number at this address is 852-2598-3600 and our fax number is 852-2537-3618.

We have appointed CT Corporation System at 111 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 as our agent for service of process in the United States.

You should direct all inquiries to us at the address and telephone number of our principal executive offices set forth above. Our website is www.melco-crown.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Overview

We are a developer, owner and, through our subsidiary Melco Crown Gaming, operator of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market. Melco Crown Gaming is one of six companies licensed, through concessions or subconcessions, to operate casinos in Macau.

We have chosen to focus on the Macau gaming market because we believe that Macau will continue to be one of the largest gaming destinations in the world. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, Macau generated approximately US$14.9 billion, US$13.6 billion and US$10.4 billion of gaming revenue, respectively, according to the DICJ, compared to the US$5.5 billion, US$6.0 billion and US$6.7 billion (excluding sports book and race book) of gaming revenue, respectively, generated on the Las Vegas Strip, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and compared to the US$3.9 billion, US$4.5 billion and US$4.9 billion of gaming revenue (excluding sports book and race book), respectively, generated in Atlantic City, according to the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Gaming revenue in Macau has increased at a five-year CAGR from 2004 to 2009 of 23.60% compared to five-year CAGRs of 0.86% and -3.89% for the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City, respectively (excluding sports book and race book). Macau benefits from its proximity to one of the world’s largest pools of existing and potential gaming patrons and is currently the only market in Greater China, and one of only several in Asia, to offer legalized casino gaming.

The Macau market is dominated by gaming table play heavily skewed to baccarat, which historically has accounted for more than 85% of all gaming revenues generated in Macau. There are two distinct forms or programs of baccarat which exist in Macau: rolling chip baccarat and non-rolling chip baccarat. A baccarat patron wagering under the rolling chip program will generally require credit in order to be able to buy-in to non-negotiable rolling chips and will earn a rebate derived from the volume of roll that the patron generates. The rebate has the effect of reducing the house advantage that exists to the favor of the casino on baccarat. Baccarat is also played in Macau on a non-rolling chip (or traditional cash chip) basis, which does not provide the patron with a rebate based on volume of play, and does not involve the provision of credit.

A substantial majority of the rolling chip baccarat segment revenue generated by the casino operators in Macau is derived from patrons who collaborate with gaming promoters, primarily in order to access the credit that is then available. A gaming promoter, also known as a junket representative, is a person who, for the purpose of promoting rolling chip gaming activity, arranges customer transportation and accommodation, and provides credit in their sole discretion, food and beverage services and entertainment in exchange for commissions or other compensation from a concessionaire or subconcessionaire. In 2009 the Macau government fixed the maximum commission that can be paid to junket operators.

Rolling chip program baccarat is referred to as the “VIP segment” in Macau and non-rolling chip baccarat, together with all other forms of gaming table and all gaming machines play, is collectively referred to as the “mass segment” in Macau.

Rolling chip volume and non-rolling chip volume are not equivalent. Rolling chip volume is a measure of amounts wagered and lost. Non-rolling chip volume measures buy-in. Therefore rolling chip volume will generally be substantially higher than non-rolling chip volume.

Macau enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the wider Asian region, and experiences a wide array of peaks and seasonal effects. The “Golden Weeks” and “Chinese New Year” holidays are the key periods where business and visitation fluctuate considerably.

Through our operations, we cater to a broad spectrum of potential gaming patrons, including patrons who seek the excitement of high stake rolling chip gaming, as well as more casual gaming patrons seeking a broader entertainment experience. We seek to attract these patrons from throughout Asia and in particular from Greater China.

Our leadership and vision have been evidenced over the last couple of years through the early development of the Mocha brand, the evolution of the Altira Macau (formerly known as Crown Macau) property, the ability to diversify our portfolio of properties and supporting our staff through market leading business models.

Our Mocha Clubs and Altira Macau operations have successfully driven a solid market share in their respective markets. The introduction of City of Dreams has rounded out these offerings and resulted in a well diversified gaming and entertainment mix within Macau.

Our aim to leverage the complimentary nature of and gain maximum benefit from each of our core assets will, we believe, enhance our market leadership position and strengthen our competitive advantage.

Operations

City of Dreams

City of Dreams, an integrated urban entertainment resort development, has become a “must experience” destination in Macau since it opened in Cotai in June 2009. As the only major casino opening in Macau in 2009, the resort brings together a collection of world-renowned brands such as Crown, Grand Hyatt, Hard Rock and Dragone to create an exceptional guest experience that appeals to a broad spectrum of visitors from around Asia and the world. The initial opening of City of Dreams featured a 420,000 sq. ft. casino with approximately 500 gaming tables and approximately 1,300 gaming machines; over 20 restaurants and bars; an array of some of the world’s most sought-after retail brands; and The Bubble, an iconic and spectacular audio visual multimedia experience. The Crown Towers and the Hard Rock Hotel offer approximately 300 guest rooms each. Grand Hyatt Macau offers approximately 800 guest rooms. A Dragone inspired theater production is scheduled to open in the purpose-built Theater of Dreams in the second half of 2010. A second planned phase of development at City of Dreams will feature an apartment hotel consisting of approximately 800 units, which will be financed separately from the rest of the City of Dreams. The development of the apartment hotel is subject to the availability of additional financing, the Macau government’s approval and the approval of our lenders under our existing and any future debt facilities. Our project costs, including the casinos, the Hard Rock hotel, the Crown Towers hotel, the Grand Hyatt twin-tower hotel, the purpose built wet stage performance theater, all retail space together with food and beverage outlets, was US$2.4 billion, consisting primarily of construction and fit-out costs, design and consultation fees, and excluding the cost of land, capitalized interest and preopening expenses.

Altira Macau

Altira Macau is designed to provide a luxurious casino and hotel experience which is primarily tailored to meet the cultural preferences and expectations of Asian rolling chip customers and the gaming promoters who collaborate with Altira Macau. We believe that gaming venues traditionally available to high-end patrons in Macau have not offered the luxurious accommodation and facilities we offer at Altira Macau, and instead have focused primarily on intensive gaming during day trips and short visits to Macau. Altira Macau won the “Best Casino Interior Design Award” in the first International Gaming Awards in 2008 which recognizes outstanding design in the casino sector. Altira Macau has now been awarded the Forbes Five Star rating in both Lodging and Spa categories by the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide (formerly Mobil Travel Guide).

The casino at Altira Macau has approximately 183,000 sq. ft. of gaming space and features approximately 210 gaming tables. The multi-floor layout provides general gaming areas as well as limited access high-limit private gaming areas and private gaming rooms catering to high-end patrons. High-limit tables located in the limited access private gaming areas provide our high-end patrons with a premium gaming experience in an exclusive private environment. The table limits on our main casino floors accommodate a full range of casino patrons. Due to the flexibility of our multi-floor layout, we are able to reconfigure our casino to meet the evolving demands of our patrons and target specific segments we deem attractive on a periodic basis.

Altira Hotel, located within the 38-story Altira Macau, is recognized as one of the leading hotels in Macau. The top floor of the hotel serves as the hotel lobby and reception area, providing guests with sweeping views of the surrounding area. The hotel comprises approximately 216 deluxe rooms, including 24 suites and 8 high end villas and features a luxurious interior design combining elegance and comfort with some of the latest in-room entertainment and communication facilities.

A number of restaurants and dining facilities are available at Altira Macau, including Tenmasa, a renowned Japanese restaurant in Tokyo, several Chinese and international restaurants, dining areas and restaurants focused around the gaming areas and a range of bars across multiple levels of the property. Altira Hotel also offers high-quality non-gaming entertainment venues, including a spa, gymnasium, outdoor garden podium and a sky terrace lounge.

The introduction of highly experienced local management in 2008 to the Altira Macau property has been successful. Our team has a deep understanding of its customers and will continue to hone the operational effectiveness of our property through the development of a tailored experience for its customers.

Altira is a property brand that has been developed in-house by the Company to target the Asian rolling chip market. The brand supports our overarching business objective at the Altira Macau property of developing our position as the premier Asian rolling chip casino. The rebranding of Crown Macau as Altira Macau reinforces two key strategies for the property: first, to align the brand positioning of the property with its concentrated market focus on Asian rolling chip customers which has prevailed since late 2007; and second, to focus the Crown property brand solely at the City of Dreams property targeting premium VIP customers sourced through the regional marketing networks operated by us. The Altira brand was launched in April 2009. In late 2009 Altira successfully transitioned from a gaming promoter aggregator model to one where we contract directly with all our gaming promoters.

Mocha Clubs

Mocha Clubs first opened in September 2003 and has expanded operations to eight clubs with a total of approximately 1,500 gaming machines, each club with an average of approximately 187 gaming machines and gaming space ranging from approximately 5,000 sq. ft. to 15,000 sq. ft. The clubs comprise the largest non-casino-based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau and are conveniently located with strong pedestrian traffic, typically within three-star hotels. Each club site offers a relaxed ambiance and electronic tables without dealers or punters. Our Mocha Club gaming facilities include the latest technology for gaming machines and offer both single player machines with a variety of games, including progressive jackpots, and multi-player games where players on linked machines play against each other in electronic roulette, baccarat and sicbo, a traditional Chinese dice game.

Mocha Clubs focus on mass market and casual gaming patrons, including local residents and day-trip customers, outside the conventional casino setting. The Mocha Club at Mocha Square which was temporarily closed for renovations from the end of 2007 resumed operations on February 20, 2009. We re-decorated the ground and first floors of the Hotel Taipa Square Mocha Club to facilitate easier access by customers during January 2009. As of December 31, 2009, Mocha had 1,561 gaming machines in operation, representing 11% of total machine installation in the market.

Taipa Square Casino

Taipa Square Casino held its grand opening on June 12, 2008. The casino has approximately 18,300 sq. ft. of gaming space and features approximately 31 gaming tables servicing mass market patrons. Taipa Square Casino operates within Hotel Taipa Square located on Taipa Island, opposite the Macau Jockey Club.

Development Projects

General

In the ordinary course of our business, in response to market developments and customer preferences, we have made and continue to make certain enhancements and refinements to our properties. We have incurred and will continue to incur these capital expenditures at our properties.

Future Pipeline Projects

We continually seek out new opportunities for additional gaming or related businesses in Macau and will continue to target the development of a future project pipeline in Macau in order to maximize the business and revenue potential of Melco Crown Gaming’s investment in its subconcession. This remains a core strategy for us. We will also maintain our focus on three principles in defining and setting the pace, form and structure for any future pipeline development. The three principles we adhere to are: (i) securing financing for any project before commencing construction; (ii) ensuring that our existing portfolio of properties is enhanced by the new development through a developed understanding of how the market for our properties and services has continued to evolve and segment; and (iii) pacing new supply in accordance with the demands of the market. We believe that the current capital raising market conditions will continue to be challenged for the foreseeable future and as such we expect that our existing pipeline of future development projects remains delayed beyond the end of the current year.

City of Dreams Phase II

We are in the final stage of concluding a revision to our land lease agreement for City of Dreams pursuant to which we will be able to increase the developed gross floor area by approximately 1.6 million square feet. It is our current plan to develop an apartment hotel tower at City of Dreams and we continue to assess market conditions and other operating factors to ascertain whether this plan represents best use of the potential developable opportunity at City of Dreams.

Macau Studio City Project

Melco Crown Gaming has entered into a services agreement with New Cotai Entertainment and New Cotai Entertainment, LLC, under which Melco Crown Gaming will operate the casino portions of the Macau Studio City project, a large scale integrated gaming, retail and entertainment resort development. The project is being developed by a joint venture between eSun Holdings Limited, CapitaLand Integrated Resorts Pte Ltd and New Cotai Holdings, LLC, which is primarily owned by investment funds and David Friedman, a former senior executive of Las Vegas Sands. Under the terms of the services agreement, Melco Crown Gaming will retain a percentage of the gross gaming revenues from the casino operations of Macau Studio City. We will not be responsible for any of the project’s capital development costs, and the operating expenses of the casino will be substantially borne by New Cotai Entertainment. The formal opening of Macau Studio City has not yet been announced. Factors influencing the opening of this project include consensus amongst the joint venturers regarding the development of this project and the timing for the completion of financing for this project.

Macau Peninsula Site

In May 2006, we entered into a conditional agreement to acquire a third development site, which is located on the shoreline of Macau Peninsula near the current Macau Ferry Terminal, or Macau Peninsula site. The acquisition price for the site was HK$1.5 billion (US$192.8 million), of which we paid a deposit of HK$100 million (US$12.9 million). The targeted purchase completion date of July 27, 2009 for the acquisition of the peninsula site passed and the acquisition agreement was terminated by the relevant parties on December 17, 2009. The deposit under the acquisition agreement has been refunded to us. Our decision to terminate the agreement to acquire the Macau Peninsula site was based on our view that Cotai has established itself as the primary location for future development projects.

Our Objective and Strategies

Our objective is to become a leading provider of gaming, leisure and entertainment services capitalizing on the expected future growth opportunities in Macau. To achieve our objective, we have developed the following core business strategies:

Maintain a Strong Balance Sheet and Conservative Capital Structure, De-Leverage and Remain Alert to Opportunistic Growth Opportunities

We believe that a strong balance sheet is a core foundation for our future growth strategy. We will continue to raise the development funds that we need when we are able to do so, not when we are required to do so, and we will in the first instance and as priority apply surplus cash generated from our operations to de-leveraging. Where applicable, we will plan our developments to include marketable non-core assets that can be sold to aid the financing of our core assets. Our time horizon for the future growth and development of the business is long and we understand that our history of development remains short. We believe that patience is an important attribute in monitoring the development of the markets in which we operate, and in identifying and executing future development. We will endeavor to manage our business with this attitude and frame of mind.

Develop a Targeted Product Portfolio of Well-Recognized Branded Experiences

We believe that building strong, well-recognized branded experiences is critical to our success, especially in the brand-conscious Asian market. We intend to develop our brands by building and maintaining higher quality properties than those that are generally available in Macau currently and which rival other high-end resorts located throughout Asia, and by providing a distinctive and unique set of experiences tailored to meet the cultural preferences and expectations of Asian customers.

Although we strive to have all of our properties consistently adhere to the ideals above, we have incorporated design elements at our properties that cater to specific customer segments. By utilizing a more focused strategy, we believe we can better service specific segments of the Macau gaming market.

Utilize Melco Crown Gaming’s Subconcession to Maximize Our Business and Revenue Potential

We intend to utilize Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, which, like the other concessions and subconcessions, does not limit the number of casinos we can operate in Macau, to capitalize on the potential growth of the Macau gaming market provided by the greater independence, flexibility and economic benefits afforded by being a subconcessionaire. Possession of a subconcession gives us the ability to negotiate directly with the Macau government to develop and operate new projects without the need to partner with other concessionaires or subconcessionaires. Furthermore, concessionaires and subconcessionaires such as SJM and Galaxy have demonstrated that they can leverage their licensed status by entering into arrangements with developers and hotel operators that do not hold concessions or subconcessions to operate the gaming activities at their casinos under leasing or services arrangements and keep a percentage of the revenues. In 2008, the Macau government imposed a moratorium on new casino services agreements. In the event such moratorium is lifted, we may consider entering into other, similar arrangements with other such developers and hotel operators, subject to obtaining the relevant approvals.

Develop Comprehensive Marketing Programs

We will continue to seek to attract customers to our properties by leveraging our brands and utilizing our own marketing resources and those of our founders. Altira Macau has combined its brand recognition with sophisticated customer management techniques and programs in order to build a significant database of repeat customers and loyalty club members. In addition, our international marketing network has established marketing offices in Beijing, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia and plans on establishing further marketing offices elsewhere in Asia. Through Mocha Clubs’ significant share of the Macau electronic gaming market, we have also developed a significant customer database and have developed a customer loyalty program, which we believe has successfully enhanced repeat play and further built the Mocha brand.

We will seek to continue to grow and maintain our customer base through the following sales and marketing activities:

	•		create a cross-platform sales and marketing department to promote all of our brands to potential customers throughout Asia in accordance with applicable laws;
	•		utilize special product offers, special events, tournaments and promotions to build and maintain relationships with our guests, in order to increase repeat visits and help fill capacity during lower-demand periods;
	•		refine our own customer loyalty programs to further build a significant database of repeat customers, which we closely modeled on Crown’s successful “Crown Club” program; and
	•		implement complimentary incentive programs and commission based programs with selected promoters to attract high-end customers.

Focus on Operating First Class Facilities

We have assembled a dedicated management team with significant experience in operating large scale, high quality resort facilities.

Service quality and memorable experiences will continue to grow as a key differentiator among the operators in Macau. As the depth and quality of product offerings continue to develop and more memorable properties and experiences are created, tailored services will drive competitive advantage. As such, our focus on creating service experiences attuned to the tastes and expectations of an increasingly segmented, increasingly demanding and constantly evolving consumer is imperative.

The continued development of our staff and supporting resources are central to our success in this regard. We will invest in the long term development of our people through relevant training and experience sharing.

Leverage the Experiences and Resources of Our Founders

We believe one of our great strengths is the combined resources of our shareholders, Melco and Crown. We intend to leverage their experiences and resources in the gaming industry in Asia and particularly with Chinese and other Asian patrons.

Our Properties

We operate our gaming business in accordance with the terms and conditions of our gaming subconcession. In addition, our operations and development projects are also subject to the terms and conditions of land concessions and lease agreements for leased premises.

City of Dreams

The City of Dreams site is located on two adjacent land parcels in Cotai, Macau with a combined area of 113,325 square meters (approximately 1.2 million sq. ft.). On August 13, 2008, the Macau government formally granted a land concession for the City of Dreams site to Melco Crown (COD) Developments for a period of 25 years, renewable for further consecutive periods of up to ten years each. The premium is approximately MOP 842.1 million (equivalent to US$105.1 million), of which approximately MOP 467.5 million (equivalent to US$58.3 million) has been paid as of December 31, 2009 and the remaining premium of approximately MOP 374.6 million (equivalent to US$46.8 million), accrued with 5% interest, will be paid in six biannual installments. We have also provided a guarantee deposit of approximately MOP 3.4 million (US$424,000), subject to adjustments, in accordance with the relevant amount of government land use fees payable during the year. The land concession enables Melco Crown (COD) Developments to develop five star hotels, four star hotels, apartment hotels and a parking area with a total gross floor area of 515,156 square meters (approximately 5,545,093 sq. ft.). We have applied for an amendment to the land concession to enable the increase of the total developable gross floor area and on October 16, 2009 we received from the Macau government the initial terms for the revision of the land lease agreement pursuant to which we would be able to increase the developable gross floor area to 668,574 square meters (approximately 7,196,470 sq. ft.). In March 2010, our subsidiaries Melco Crown (COD) Developments and Melco Crown Gaming accepted the final terms for the revision of the land lease agreement and fully paid the additional premium in the amount of MOP 257.4 million (equivalent to US$32.1 million) to the Macau government. Following the gazetting of such revision, the land grant amendment process will be complete. Under the revised land concession, the developable gross floor area at the site will be 668,574 square meters (approximately 7,196,470 sq. ft.).

During the construction period, we paid the Macau government land use fees at an annual rate of MOP 30.0 (US$3.74) per square meter of land, or an aggregate annual amount of approximately MOP 3.4 million (US$424,000). According to the terms of the revised offer from the Macau government, the annual government land use fees payable are approximately MOP 9.5 million (US$1.2 million). The government land use fee amounts may be adjusted every five years.

The equipment utilized by City of Dreams in the casino and hotel is owned by us and held for use on the City of Dreams site and includes the main gaming equipment and software to support its table games and gaming machine operations, cage equipment, security and surveillance equipment, casino and hotel furniture, fittings, and equipment.

Our purpose built 2,000 seat Theater of Dreams will stage “The House of Dancing Water” show. The production incorporates costumes, sets and audio and visual special effects. The cast of 77 international performance artists and the team of 130 production and technical staff have been recruited from 18 countries around the world. The House of Dancing Water is set to become the live entertainment centerpiece of City of Dreams’ overall leisure and entertainment offering. The production will reinforce City of Dreams’ position as a highly innovative and diverse entertainment-focused destination and strengthen the diversity of Macau as a multi-day stay market and one of Asia’s premier leisure and entertainment destinations.

Altira Macau

The Altira Macau property and equipment is located on a plot of land of approximately 5,230 square meters (56,295 sq. ft.) under a 25-year land lease agreement with the Macau government which is renewable for successive periods of up to ten years until 2049, subject to obtaining approvals from the Macau government. The terms and conditions of the land lease agreement entered into in March 2006 by Altira Developments, our wholly-owned subsidiary through which Altira Macau was developed, require a land premium payment of approximately MOP 149.7 million (US$18.7 million). The initial land premium payment of MOP 50.0 million (US$6.2 million) was paid on November 25, 2005 upon acceptance of the terms and conditions of the agreement and the balance was paid in four equal semi-annual installments bearing interest at 5% per annum. We paid the outstanding balance in July 2006. A guarantee deposit of approximately MOP 157,000 (US$20,000) was also paid upon signing of the lease and is subject to adjustments in accordance with the relevant amount of government land use fees payable during the year. We pay the Macau government land use fees of approximately MOP 1.4 million (US$171,000) per annum. The amounts may be adjusted every five years as agreed between the Macau government and us using applicable market rates in effect at the time of the adjustment.

The Macau government approved total gross floor area for development for the Altira Macau site of approximately 95,000 square meters (1,022,600 sq. ft.).

The equipment utilized by Altira Macau in the casino and hotel is owned by us and held for use on the Altira Macau site and includes the main gaming equipment and software to support its table games and gaming machine operations, cage equipment, security and surveillance equipment, casino and hotel furniture, fittings, and equipment.

Mocha Clubs

Mocha Clubs operate at premises with a total floor area of approximately 63,010 sq. ft. at the following locations:

						Gaming
Mocha Club		Opening Date		Location		Area
						(in sq. ft.)
Mocha Altira		December 2008		Level 1 of Altira Macau			4,200
Mocha Square		October 2007		1/F, 2/F and 3/F of Mocha Square			6,000
Marina Plaza		December 2006		1/F and 2/F of Marina Plaza			12,500
Hotel Taipa		January 2006		G/F of Hotel Taipa			6,100
Sintra		November 2005		G/F and 1/F of Hotel Sintra			5,110
Taipa Square		March 2005		G/F, 1/F and 2/F of Hotel Taipa Square			14,500
Kingsway		April 2004		G/F of Kingsway Commercial Centre			6,100
Royal		September 2003		Lobby and 1/F of Hotel Royal			8,500
Total							63,010

For locations operating at leased or subleased premises, the lease and sublease terms are pursuant to lease agreements that expire at various dates through December 2021, which are renewable upon our giving notice prior to expiration and subject to incremental increases in monthly rentals, except for the Marina Plaza lease which will expire in 2011.

In addition to leasehold improvements to Mocha Club premises, the onsite equipment utilized at the Mocha Clubs is owned and held for use to support the gaming machines operations.

Taipa Square Casino

Taipa Square Casino premises, including the fit-out and gaming related equipment, located on the ground floor and level one within Hotel Taipa Square and having a floor area of approximately 1,700 square meters (approximately 18,300 sq. ft.), is operated under a Right-to-Use Agreement signed on June 12, 2008 with the owner, Hotel Taipa Square (Macau) Company Limited. The agreement is for a term of one year from the date of execution and is automatically renewable subject to certain contractual provisions for successive periods of one year under the same terms and conditions until June 26, 2022.

Other Premises

Apart from the property sites for Altira Macau and City of Dreams, we maintain various offices and storage locations in Macau and Hong Kong. We lease all of our office and storage premises, except for five units located at Zhu Kuan Building whose property rights belong to us. The five units have a total area of approximately 839 square meters (approximately 9,029 sq. ft.) and we operate a Recruitment Center there. The five units were purchased by MPEL Properties Macau Limited, our indirect wholly owned subsidiary, for approximately HK$79.7 million (US$10.2 million) on August 15, 2008. The Zhu Kuan Building is erected on a plot of land under a land lease grant that expires on July 27, 2015. Such land lease grant is renewable for successive periods of up to ten years until 2049, subject to obtaining certain approvals from the Macau government.

Advertising and Marketing

We seek to attract customers to our properties and to grow our customer base over time by undertaking several types of advertising and marketing activities and plans. We utilize local and regional media to publicize our projects and operations. We have built a strong public relations and advertising team that cultivates media relationships, promotes our brands and directly liaises with customers within target Asian countries in order to explore media opportunities in various markets. Advertising uses a variety of media platforms that include digital, print, television, online, outdoor, on property (as permitted by Macau, PRC and other regional laws), collateral and direct mail pieces. We hold various promotions and special events, operate loyalty programs and have developed a series of commission and other incentive-based programs for offer to gaming promoters and individuals alike, to be competitive in the Macau gaming environment.

Competition

We believe that the gaming market in Macau is and will continue to be intensely competitive. Our competitors in Macau and elsewhere in Asia include all the current concession and subconcession holders and many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and property development companies in the world. Some of these current and future competitors are larger than us and have significantly longer track records of operation of major hotel casino resort properties.

Gaming in Macau is administered through government-sanctioned concessions awarded to three different concessionaires — SJM, which is controlled by Dr. Stanley Ho, the father of Mr. Lawrence Ho, our co-chairman and chief executive officer, Wynn Macau, a subsidiary of Wynn Resorts Ltd., and Galaxy, a consortium of Hong Kong and Macau businessmen. SJM has granted a subconcession to MGM Grand Paradise, a joint venture formed by MGM-Mirage and Ms. Pansy Ho, Dr. Stanley Ho’s daughter and the sister of Mr. Lawrence Ho. Galaxy has granted a subconcession to The Venetian Macau, a subsidiary of US-based Las Vegas Sands Corporation, the developer of Sands Macao and the Venetian Macao. Melco Crown Gaming obtained its subconcession under the concession of Wynn Macau.

The existing concessions and subconcessions do not place any limit on the number of gaming facilities that may be operated. In addition to facing competition from existing operations of these concessionaires and subconcessionaires, we will face increased competition when any of them constructs new, or renovates pre-existing, casinos in Macau or enters into leasing, services or other arrangements with hotel owners, developers or other parties for the operation of casinos and gaming activities in new or renovated properties, as SJM and Galaxy have done. The Macau government has agreed under the existing concessions that it would not grant any additional gaming concessions until April 2009 and has publicly stated that each concessionaire will only be permitted to grant one subconcession. Moreover, the Macau government announced that until further assessment of the economic situation in Macau there would be no increase in the number of concessions and subconcessions. The Macau government further announced that the number of gaming tables operating in Macau should not exceed 5,500 by the end of 2012. In accordance with the DICJ the number of gaming tables operating in Macau as of December 2009 was 4,770. The Macau government reiterated further that it does not intend to authorize the operation of any new casino that was not previously authorized by the Government. However, the policies and laws of the Macau government could change and permit the Macau government to grant additional gaming concessions or subconcessions. Such change in policies may also result in a change of the number of gaming tables and casinos that the Government is prepared to authorize to operate.

SJM holds one of the three gaming concessions in Macau and currently operates multiple casinos throughout Macau. SJM has recently opened new facilities at Ponte 16 and Oceanus. Controlled by Dr. Stanley Ho, SJM has extensive experience in operating in the Macau market and long-established relationships in Macau.

Wynn Resorts (Macau), S.A. holds a gaming concession and opened the Wynn Macau in September 2006 on the Macau Peninsula. They are currently constructing an extension to Wynn Macau called Encore which is scheduled to open in 2010.

Galaxy, the third concessionaire in Macau, currently operates multiple casinos in Macau. In October 2006, Galaxy opened the Galaxy StarWorld, a hotel and casino resort in Macau’s central business and tourism district. Galaxy has also announced plans to develop Galaxy Mega Resort in Cotai.

With a subconcession under Galaxy’s concession, The Venetian Macau Limited operates Sands Macao, together with the Venetian Macao and The Four Seasons Macau which are both located in Cotai.

MGM Grand Paradise, a joint venture, has been granted a subconcession under SJM’s concession. In December 2007, MGM Grand Paradise opened the MGM Grand Macau, which is located next to Wynn Macau on the Macau Peninsula.

We may also face competition from casinos and gaming resorts located in other Asian destinations together with cruise ships. Genting Highlands is a popular international gaming resort in Malaysia, approximately a one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. South Korea has allowed gaming for some time but these offerings are available primarily to foreign visitors. There are also casinos in the Philippines, although they are relatively small compared to those in Macau. In addition, there are a number of casino complexes in Cambodia. We believe Australia currently offers the closest gaming facilities in Asia comparable to Macau casinos. The major gaming markets in Australia are located in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Singapore has legalized casino gaming and awarded casino licenses to Las Vegas Sands Corporation and Genting International Bhd. in 2006. Genting opened its resort in Sentosa, Singapore in February 2010. In addition, several other Asian countries are considering or are in the process of legalizing gambling and establishing casino-based entertainment complexes.

Intellectual Property

We have registered the trademarks “Altira”, “Mocha Club” and “City of Dreams” in Macau. We are currently examining the registration in Macau of certain other trademarks and service marks to be used in connection with the operations of our hotel casino projects in Macau. We have entered into a license agreement with Crown Melbourne Limited and obtained an exclusive and non-transferable license to use the Crown brand in Macau. Our hotel management agreements provide us the right to use the Grand Hyatt trademarks on a non-exclusive and non-transferable basis. Our trademark license agreements with Hard Rock Holdings Limited provide us the right to use the Hard Rock brand in Macau, which we plan to use at City of Dreams. Pursuant to these agreements, we have the exclusive right to use the Hard Rock brand for a hotel and casino facility at City of Dreams for a term of ten years based on percentages of revenues generated at the property payable to Hard Rock Holdings Limited. We also purchase gaming tables and gaming machines and enter into licensing agreements for the use of certain trade names and, in the case of the gaming machines, the right to use software in connection therewith. These include a license to use a jackpot system for the gaming machines. Crown Melbourne Limited, the owner of a number of “Crown” trademarks in Macau licensed to us has an ongoing legal proceeding regarding a number of “Crown” trademarks in Macau. For more information, see “—Legal and Administrative Proceedings”.

Legal and Administrative Proceedings

We are currently a party to certain legal proceedings which relate to matters arising out of the ordinary course of our business. Our management does not believe that the outcome of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our company’s financial position or results of operations. Crown Melbourne Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown and the owner of the “Crown” brand, registered a number of “Crown” based trademarks in Macau in 1996 and in 2005, sought to register other trademarks for the “Crown” brand. In August 2005, a company called Tin Fat Gestao E Investimentos Limitada, or Tin Fat, sought to have the registration of the registered marks removed on the basis of non-use and opposed the application for registration of the additional marks. These challenges mainly relate to the “accommodation” class of registration, not the gaming class. Tin Fat is the operator of a hotel adjacent to the Macau airport, which changed its name in 2004/2005 to Golden Crown China Hotel (Macau). Tin Fat has applied to register Golden Crown China Hotel (Macau) and the Chinese and Portuguese equivalents. Crown Melbourne Limited has successfully opposed these registrations and has defended a number of oppositions in the Macau Intellectual Property Department and the Court of First Instance in Macau. To date Tin Fat’s applications and oppositions have all been unsuccessful and they have lodged numerous appeals in there actions. In some of the Key opposition matters (such as the CROWN trade mark), Crown Melbourne Limited has succeeded in the final Court of Appeal in Macau (Tin Fat cannot further appeal).

We understand that Crown Melbourne Limited intends to continue to vigorously defend all the remaining appeals lodged by Tin Fat. We believe we have a valid right under our trademark license agreement with Crown Melbourne Limited to use the Crown trademarks in Macau in our hotel casino business as licensed to us by Crown Melbourne Limited. We understand that Crown Melbourne Limited intends to vigorously defend the appeal lodged by Tin Fat.

Gaming Regulations

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Macau are subject to the general laws (e.g., Civil Code, Commercial Code) and to specific gaming laws, in particular, Law No. 16/2001, and various regulations govern the different aspects of the gaming activity. Macau’s gaming operations are subject to the grant of a concession or subconcession by and regulatory control of the Macau government (“Dispatch” of the Chief Executive).

The laws, regulations and supervisory procedures of the Macau gaming authorities are based upon declarations of public policy that are concerned with, among other things:

	•		the prevention of unsavory or unsuitable persons from having a direct or indirect involvement with gaming at any time or in any capacity;
	•		the adequate operation and exploitation of games of fortune and chance;
	•		the fair and honest operation and exploitation of games of fortune and chance free of criminal influence;
	•		the protection of the Macau SAR interest in receiving the taxes resulting from the gaming operation; and
	•		the development of the tourism industry, social stability and economic development of the Macau SAR.

If we violate the Macau gaming laws, Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession could be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked, subject to compliance with certain statutory and regulatory procedures. In addition, we, and the persons involved, could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of Macau gaming laws or of the subconcession contract at the discretion of the Macau government. Further, if we terminate or suspend the operation of all or a part of the conceded business without permission, which is not caused by force majeure or the occurrence of serious chaos in our overall organization and operation, or in the event of insufficiency of our facilities and equipment which may affect the normal operation of the conceded business, the Macau government would be entitled to replace Melco Crown Gaming directly or through a third party during the aforesaid termination or suspension or subsistence of the aforesaid chaos and insufficiency and to ensure the operation of the conceded business and cause the adoption of necessary measures to protect the subject matter of the subconcession contract. Under such circumstances, the expenses required for maintaining the normal operation of the conceded business would be borne by us. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of any gaming registration or license or the appointment of a supervisor could, and revocation of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession would, materially adversely affect our gaming operations.

Any person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability after being ordered to do so by the Macau government may be found unsuitable. Any stockholder found unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership of the common stock of a registered corporation beyond the period of time prescribed by the Macau government may lose his rights to the shares. We are subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to have any other relationship with us, we:

	•		pay that person any dividend or interest upon our shares;
	•		allow that person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right conferred through shares held by that person;
	•		pay remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or otherwise; or
	•		fail to pursue all lawful efforts to require that unsuitable person to relinquish his or her shares.

Additionally, the Macau government, pursuant to its regulatory and supervisory control of suitability, has the authority to reject any person owning or controlling the stock of any corporation holding a subconcession.

The Macau government also requires prior approval for the creation of a lien over real property, shares, gaming equipment and utensils of a concession or subconcession holder and restrictions on its stock in connection with any financing. In addition, the creation of a lien over real property, shares, gaming equipment and utensils of a concession or subconcession holder and restrictions on its stock in respect of any public offering also require the approval of the Macau government to be effective.

The Macau government must give its prior approval to changes in control through a merger, consolidation, stock or asset acquisition, or any act or conduct by any person whereby he or she obtains such control. Entities seeking to acquire control of a corporation must satisfy the Macau government concerning a variety of stringent standards prior to assuming control. The Macau government may also require controlling stockholders, officers, directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be investigated for suitability as part of the approval process of the transaction.

The Macau government also has the power to supervise subconcessionaires in order to assure financial stability and capacity.

The subconcession premiums and taxes, computed in various ways depending upon the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the Macau government. The method for computing these fees and taxes may be changed from time to time by the Macau government. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly or annually and are based upon either:

	•		a percentage of the gross revenues received; or
	•		the number and type of gaming devices operated.

In addition to special gaming taxes, we are also required to contribute to the Macau government an amount equivalent to 1.6% of the gross revenue of our gaming business. Such contribution must be delivered to a public foundation designated by the Macau government whose goal is to promote, develop or study culture, society, economy, education and science and engage in academic and charity activities.

Furthermore, we are also obligated to contribute to Macau an amount equivalent to 2.4% of the gross revenue of the gaming business for urban development, tourism promotion and the social security to Macau.

We are required to collect and pay, through withholding, statutory taxes on commissions or other remunerations paid to gaming intermediaries.

In August 2009 the Macau government amended the legislation on gaming promoter activity (Administrative Regulation 6/2002) permitting the imposition of a cap on the percentage of commissions payable by casino operators to gaming promoters. In September 2009 the Secretary for Economy and Finance issued a dispatch implementing a commission cap of 1.25% of net rolling effective as of September 22, 2009. The commission cap regulations impose fines (ranging from 100,000.00 patacas up to 500,000.00 patacas) on casino operators that do not comply with the cap and other fines (ranging from 50,000.00 patacas up to 250,000.00 patacas) on casino operators that do not comply with their reporting obligations regarding commission payments. If breached, the legislation on commission caps has a sanction enabling the relevant government authority to make public a government decision imposing a fine on a gaming operator, by publishing such decision on the DICJ website and in two Macau newspapers (in Chinese and Portuguese respectively).

We are also required to collect and pay employment taxes in connection with our staff through withholding and all payable and non-exemptible taxes, levies, expenses and handling fees provided by the laws and regulations of Macau.

Non-compliance with these obligations could lead to the revocation of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession and could materially adversely affect our gaming operations.

Anti-Money Laundering Regulations in Macau

In conjunction with current gaming laws and regulations, we will be required to comply with the laws and regulations relating to anti-money laundering activities in Macau. Law 2/2006 of April 3, 2006, which came into effect on April 4, 2006, the Administrative Regulation (AR) 7/2006 of May 15, 2006, which came into effect on November 12, 2006 and the DICJ Instruction 2/2006 of November 13, 2006 govern our compliance requirements with respect to identifying, reporting and preventing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing crimes at our casinos.

Under these laws and regulations, we are required to:

	•		identify any customer or transaction where there is a sign of money laundering or financing of terrorism or which involves significant sums of money in the context of the transaction, even if any sign of money laundering is absent;
	•		refuse to deal with any of our customers who fail to provide any information requested by us;
	•		keep records following the identification of a customer for a period of five years;
	•		notify the Finance Information Bureau if there is any sign of money laundering or financing of terrorism; and
	•		cooperate with the Macau government by providing all required information and documentation requested in relation to anti-money laundering activities.

Under Article 2 of AR 7/2006 and the DICJ Instruction 2/2006, we are required to track and mandatorily report cash transactions and granting of credit with the minimum amount of MOP 500,000 (US$62,000). Pursuant to the legal requirements above, if the customer provides all required information, and after submitting the reports, we may continue to deal with those customers that we reported to the DICJ and, in case of suspicious transactions, to the Finance Information Bureau.

We use an integrated IT system to track and automatically generate significant cash transaction reports and, if permitted by the DICJ and the Finance Information Bureau, to submit those reports electronically. We also train our staff on identifying and following correct procedures for reporting “suspicious transactions” and to make available for our employees our guidelines and training modules in our intranet and on-line sites.

Subconcession Contract

A summary of the key terms of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession contract is as follows:

Subconcession Term. The subconcession contract will expire in June 2022, the current expiration date of Wynn Macau’s concession, or, if the Macau government exercises its redemption right, in 2017. Based on information from the Macau government, proposed amendments to the relevant legislation are being considered. We expect that if such amendments take effect, on the expiration date of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, unless the subconcession term is extended, only that portion of casino premises within our developments to be designated with the approval of the Macau government, including all equipment, would automatically revert to the Macau government without compensation to us. Until such amendments come into effect, all of our casino premises and gaming equipment would revert automatically to the Macau government without compensation to us. The Macau government may exercise its redemption right by providing us one year’s prior notice and paying fair compensation or indemnity to us. The amount of such compensation or indemnity will be determined based on the amount of gaming revenue generated by City of Dreams during the tax year prior to the redemption. It would not reimburse us for any portion of the US$900.0 million paid to Wynn Macau for the subconcession.

Development of Gaming Projects/Financial Obligations. The subconcession contract requires us to make a minimum investment in Macau of MOP 4.0 billion (US$499.2 million), including investment in fully developing Altira Macau and the City of Dreams, by December 2010. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations in the Gaming Industry in Macau—Under Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, the Macau government may terminate the subconcession under certain circumstances without compensation to Melco Crown Gaming, which would prevent it from operating casino gaming facilities in Macau and could result in defaults under our indebtedness and a partial or complete loss of our investments in our projects”. As of December 31, 2009, we have invested in the aggregate approximately US$2.75 billion in Altira Macau and City of Dreams properties. We filed an application to obtain confirmation from the Macau government that we have invested in our project in Macau over MOP4.0 billion (US$499.2 million). The application is being analyzed by the Macau government and we are currently preparing additional information that has been requested by the Macau government. We expect to complete this procedure before December 2010.

Payments. In addition to the initial US$900.0 million that we paid to Wynn Macau when we obtained the subconcession, we are required to make certain payments to the Macau government, including a fixed annual premium per year of MOP 30.0 million (US$3.7 million) and a variable premium depending on the number and type of gaming tables and gaming machines that we operate. The variable premium is calculated as follows: (1) MOP 300,000 (US$37,437) per year for each gaming table (subject to a minimum of 100 tables) located in special gaming halls or areas reserved exclusively for certain kinds of games or to certain players; (2) MOP 150,000 (US$18,719) per year for each gaming table (subject to a minimum of 100 tables) not reserved exclusively for certain kinds of games or to certain players; and (3) MOP 1,000 (US$125) per year for each electrical or mechanical gaming machine, including the slot machine.

Termination Rights. The Macau government has the right, after notifying Wynn Macau, to unilaterally terminate Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession in the event of non-compliance by us with our basic obligations under the subconcession and applicable Macau laws. The Macau government may be able to unilaterally rescind the subconcession contract upon the following termination events:

	•		the operation of gaming without permission or operation of business which does not fall within the business scope of the subconcession;
	•		abandonment of approved business or suspension of operations of our gaming business in Macau without reasonable grounds for more than seven consecutive days or more than 14 non-consecutive days within one calendar year;
	•		transfer of all or part of Melco Crown Gaming’s operation in Macau in violation of the relevant laws and administrative regulations governing the operation of games of fortune or chance and other casino games in Macau and without Macau government approval;
	•		failure to pay taxes, premiums, levies or other amounts payable to the Macau government;
	•		refusal or failure to resume operations following the temporary assumption of operations by the Macau government;
	•		repeated opposition to the supervision and inspection by the Macau government and failure to comply with decisions and recommendations of the Macau government, especially those of the DICJ, applicable to us;
	•		failure to provide or supplement the guarantee deposit or the guarantees specified in the subconcession within the prescribed period;
	•		bankruptcy or insolvency of Melco Crown Gaming;
	•		fraudulent activity harming the public interest;
	•		serious and repeated violation of the applicable rules for carrying out casino games of chance or games of other forms or damage to the fairness of casino games of chance or games of other forms;
	•		systematic non-compliance with the Macau Gaming Law’s basic obligations;
	•		the grant to any other person of any managing power over the gaming business of Melco Crown Gaming or the grant of a subconcession or entering into any agreement to the same effect; or
	•		failure by a controlling shareholder in Melco Crown Gaming to dispose of its interest in Melco Crown Gaming, within 90 days, following notice from the gaming authorities of another jurisdiction in which such controlling shareholder is licensed to operate casino games of chance to the effect that such controlling shareholder no longer wishes to own shares in Melco Crown Gaming.

These events could lead to the termination of Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession without compensation to us regardless of whether any such event occurred with respect to us or with respect to our subsidiaries which will operate our Macau projects. Upon such termination, the designated casino gaming premises and related equipment in Macau would automatically revert to the Macau government without compensation to us and we would cease to generate any revenues from these operations. In many of these instances, the subconcession contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, we may be dependent on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to give us an opportunity to remedy any such default.

Ownership and Capitalization. (1) Any person who directly acquires voting rights in Melco Crown Gaming will be subject to authorization from the Macau government, (2) Melco Crown Gaming will be required to take the necessary measures to ensure that any person who directly or indirectly acquires more than 5% of the shares in Melco Crown Gaming would be subject to authorization from the Macau government, except when such acquisition is wholly made through the shares of publicly listed companies, (3) any person who directly or indirectly acquires more than 5% of the shares in Melco Crown Gaming will be required to report the acquisition to the Macau government (except when such acquisition is wholly made through shares tradable on a stock exchange as a publicly listed company), (4) the Macau government’s prior approval would be required for any recapitalization plan of Melco Crown Gaming, and (5) the Chief Executive of Macau could require the increase of Melco Crown Gaming’s share capital if he deemed it necessary. Under the authorization for the transfer of obligations, the Macau government has imposed that the transfer of shares in any direct or indirect shareholders of Altira Hotel, Altira Developments and Melco Crown (COD) Developments is subject to authorization from the Macau government.

Others. In addition, the subconcession contract contains various general covenants and obligations and other provisions, with respect to which the determination as to compliance is subjective. For example, compliance with general and special duties of cooperation, special duties of information, and with obligations foreseen for the execution of our investment plan may be subjective.

Tax

We were incorporated in the Cayman Islands. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we and our subsidiaries incorporated in the Cayman Islands are not subject to income or capital gains tax. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands. However, we and our Cayman Islands subsidiaries are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on our activities conducted in Hong Kong.

Our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are not subject to tax in the British Virgin Islands, but in the case of Mocha Slot Group Limited, it was subject to Macau complementary tax of 12% on activities conducted in Macau before the transfer of all of the Mocha Clubs assets and business to Melco Crown Gaming.

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are subject to Macau complementary tax of 12% on their activities conducted in Macau. Having obtained a subconcession, Melco Crown Gaming has applied and has been granted the benefit of a corporate tax holiday on Macau complementary tax (but not gaming tax). This tax holiday exempts us from paying the Macau complementary tax for five years from 2007 to 2011 on income from gaming generated by Altira Macau, Mocha Clubs and City of Dreams, but we will remain subject to Macau complementary tax on profits from our non-gaming businesses. When this tax exemption expires, we cannot assure you that it will be extended beyond the expiration date.

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on any profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong. One of our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong is also subject to Macau complementary tax on its activities conducted in Macau and another one is subject to corporate tax in Beijing, Singapore, Taiwan on the activities conducted in Beijing, Singapore, Taiwan respectively through its marketing offices located in these jurisdictions.

Our subsidiaries incorporated in New Jersey and Delaware in the United States are subject to US federal and relevant state and local taxes.

Dividend Distribution

Restrictions on Distributions. We are a holding company with no material operations of our own. Our assets consist, and will continue to consist, of our shareholdings in our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries’ current and future financing facilities will restrict our subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends to us and any financings we may enter into will likely restrict our ability to pay dividends to our shareholders. There is a blanket prohibition on paying dividends during the construction phase of the City of Dreams. Upon completion of the construction of City of Dreams, the relevant subsidiaries will only be able to pay dividends if they satisfy certain financial tests and conditions.

Distribution of Profits. All of our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a minimum ranging from 10% to 25% of the entity’s profit after taxation to the legal reserve until the balance of the legal reserve reaches a level equivalent to 25% to 50% of the entity’s share capital in accordance with the provisions of the Macau Commercial Code. The legal reserve sets aside an amount from the statement of operations and is not available for distribution to the shareholders of the subsidiaries. The appropriation of legal reserve is recorded in the financial statements in the year in which it is approved by the boards of directors of the subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the balance of the reserve amounted to US$3,000 in each of these periods.

C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Current Corporate Structure

We are a holding company for the following principal operating subsidiaries: (1) Melco Crown Gaming, which is the holder of our subconcession; (2) Altira Hotel, (3) Altira Developments, (4) Melco Crown (COD) Hotels, and (5) Melco Crown (COD) Developments.

At the time of our initial public offering, through three intervening holding company subsidiaries incorporated in the Cayman Islands and wholly-owned by us (1) Melco PBL Holdings Limited, now MPEL Holdings Limited, (2) Melco PBL International Limited, now MPEL International Limited or MPEL International, and (3) Melco PBL Investments Limited, now MPEL Investments Limited or MPEL Investments, we held all of the class B shares of Melco Crown Gaming, representing 72% of the voting control of Melco Crown Gaming and the rights to virtually all the economic interests in Melco Crown Gaming. All of the class A shares of Melco Crown Gaming, representing 28% of its outstanding capital stock were owned by PBL Asia Limited, or PBL Asia (as to 18%) and, as required by Macau law, the managing director of Melco Crown Gaming (as to 10%). Mr. Lawrence Ho was appointed to serve as the managing director of Melco Crown Gaming. The class A shares were entitled as a class to an aggregate of MOP 1 in dividends and MOP 1 in proceeds of any winding up or liquidation of Melco Crown Gaming. MPEL Investments, PBL Asia, the managing director of Melco Crown Gaming and Melco Crown Gaming entered into a shareholders’ agreement under which, among other things, PBL Asia agreed to vote its class A shares in the same manner as the class B shares on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of Melco Crown Gaming.

Prior to the close of the City of Dreams Project Facility, three more holding companies were incorporated through which we now hold our shares in Melco Crown Gaming: (1) MPEL Nominee One Limited or MPEL Nominee One, a Cayman Islands company, which is a 100% subsidiary of MPEL International and now holds 100% of the shares in MPEL Investments which in turn holds approximately 90% of the shares in Melco Crown Gaming made up of 1,799,999 class A shares and 7,200,000 class B shares ; (2) MPEL Nominee Three Limited or MPEL Nominee Three, a 100% subsidiary of MPEL Nominee One, which now holds one class A share in Melco Crown Gaming; and (3) MPEL Nominee Two Limited, which holds a minority shareholding in Melco Crown Gaming’s Macau operating companies.

The above shareholding structure of Melco Crown Gaming was completed when PBL Asia transferred its 1,799,999 class A shares in Melco Crown Gaming to MPEL Investments and its one class A share to MPEL International on June 12, 2007 and when MPEL International transferred its one class A share in Melco Crown Gaming to MPEL Nominee Three on August 13, 2007. Mr. Lawrence Ho remains the Managing Director and 10% shareholder of Melco Crown Gaming. The shareholders’ agreement for Melco Crown Gaming was terminated on December 7, 2007.

We also incorporated a direct wholly-owned subsidiary in Hong Kong, MPEL Services Limited (formerly Melco PBL Services Limited), for the purpose of entering into various administrative contracts, including leases for administrative office space, in Hong Kong.

The following diagram illustrates our company’s organizational structure, and the place of formation, ownership interest and affiliation of each of our major subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009.

D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview” for information regarding our material tangible property, plant and equipment.

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. Certain statements in this “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” are forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” regarding these statements.

Our audited historical consolidated financial statements and the audited historical financial statements of Mocha have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Overview

We are a holding company that, through our subsidiaries, develops, owns and operates casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused exclusively on the Macau market. We currently own and operate City of Dreams, which opened on June 1, 2009, Altira Macau which opened on May 12, 2007 and Mocha Clubs, a non-casino based operation of electronic gaming machines, which has been in operation since September 2003. Our future operating results are subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control. See “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Early Stage of Development”. For detailed information regarding our operations and development projects, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview”.

A. OPERATING RESULTS

Operations

City of Dreams

City of Dreams opened on June 1, 2009 and currently features a casino area of approximately 420,000 sq. ft. with a total of approximately 400 gaming tables and approximately 1,300 gaming machines; 1,400 hotel rooms and suites, over 20 restaurants and bars; 31 retail outlets; an innovative audio visual multimedia experience; recreation and leisure facilities, including health and fitness clubs, three swimming pools, spa and salons and banquet and meeting facilities. We are currently in the process of completing new entertainment venues to deliver our full service offering at City of Dreams. Our plan to construct an apartment hotel at City of Dreams is currently under evaluation.

Altira Macau

Altira Macau currently features a casino area of approximately 183,000 sq. ft. with a total of approximately 210 gaming tables, 216 deluxe hotel rooms, including 24 suites and 8 high end villas, several fine dining and casual restaurants, recreation and leisure facilities, including a health club, pool and spa and lounges and meeting facilities.

Since our opening of Altira Macau, we have further enhanced the casino in response to market demand and transferred the management of gaming machines to Mocha Clubs in 2008.

Mocha Clubs

Melco Crown Gaming currently operates eight Mocha Clubs in Macau with a total of approximately 1,500 gaming machines in operation.

Taipa Square Casino

Taipa Square Casino opened on June 12, 2008 and has approximately 18,300 sq. ft. of gaming space and features approximately 31 gaming tables.

Future Pipeline Projects

The Macau Studio City Project

Due to various developmental and financing issues related to Macau Studio City, a large scale integrated gaming, retail and entertainment resort development on Cotai, no estimated opening date can be projected at this point. Upon the completion of construction and occurrence of opening date for this project, we will be in a position to commence operating the casino portions of this project under a services agreement with New Cotai Entertainment (Macau) Limited. Other than entering into this services agreement, there have been no operating cashflows associated with this project.

Summary of Financial Results

The following summarizes the results of our operations:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2009				2008				2007
		(in thousands of US$)
Net revenues		$	1,332,873			$	1,416,134			$	358,496
Total operating costs and expenses			(1,604,920	)			(1,414,960	)			(554,313	)
Operating (loss) income			(272,047	)			1,174				(195,817	)
Net loss		$	(308,461	)		$	(2,463	)		$	(178,151	)

Our results of operations for the years presented are not comparable for the following reasons:

	•		On June 1, 2009, City of Dreams opened featuring a 420,000 sq. ft. casino with approximately 500 gaming tables and 1,300 gaming machines, as well as approximately 600 hotel rooms and 20 food and beverage outlets.
	•		Following construction completion of Grand Hyatt Macau at City of Dreams in December 2009, a further 800 rooms were added.
	•		On May 12, 2007, Altira Macau opened and was fully operational by July 14, 2007.

Our historical financial results may not be characteristic of our potential future results as we continue to expand and refine our service offerings at our properties. In addition to our debt facility we currently rely on operating cash flows from only three businesses, City of Dreams, Altira Macau and Mocha Clubs, all in Macau, which expose us to certain risks that competitors, whose operations are more diversified, may be better able to control.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

In leading our company to the achievement of our objectives and strategies, we monitor our performance utilizing gaming resort industry key performance indicators. These indicators are included in our discussion below of the Company’s operational performance for the periods in which a Consolidated Statement of Operations is presented.

For casino revenue, KPIs are defined as follows:

	•		Table games win : the amount of wagers won net of wagers lost that is retained and recorded as casino revenue.
	•		Drop : the amount of cash and net markers issued that are deposited in a gaming table’s drop box to purchase gaming chips plus gaming chips purchased at the casino cage.
	•		Gaming machine handle (volume) : the total amount wagered in gaming machines in aggregate for the period cited.
	•		Win percentage-gaming machines : actual win expressed as a percentage of gaming machine handle.
	•		Hold percentage : the amount of win (calculated before discounts and commissions) as a percentage of drop.
	•		Expected hold percentage : casino win based upon our mix of games as a percentage of drop assuming theoretical house advantage is achieved.

There are also additional specific indicators utilized to monitor table game performance in Macau, relating to the VIP and mass market segments. In our VIP segment, customers primarily purchase identifiable chips known as non-negotiable chips (“Rolling Chips”) from the casino cage and there is no deposit into a gaming table drop box from chips purchased from the cage. Non-negotiable chips can only be used to make wagers. Winning wagers are paid in cash chips.

VIP market segment KPIs are known as rolling chip indicators and mass market segment KPIs are known as non-rolling chip indicators. These are defined as follows:

	•		Rolling chip volume: the amount of non-negotiable gaming chips wagered and lost by the VIP market segment, therefore tracking the sum of all losing wagers.
	•		Rolling chip hold percentage: VIP table games win as a percentage of rolling chip volume.
	•		Non-rolling chip volume: the amount of table games drop in the mass market segment, therefore tracking the initial purchase of chips.
	•		Non-rolling chip hold percentage: Mass market table games win as a percentage of non-rolling chip volume.

Rolling chip volume and non-rolling chip volume are not equivalent. Rolling chip volume is a measure of amounts wagered and lost. Non-rolling chip volume measures buy in. Therefore rolling chip volume will generally be substantially higher than non-rolling chip volume. As these volumes are the base used in the calculation of hold percentage with the same use of gaming win as the numerator, the hold percentage is smaller in the VIP market segment as opposed to the mass market segment.

Our combined expected rolling chip table games hold percentage (calculated before discounts and commissions) across City of Dreams and Altira Macau is in the range of 2.7% to 3.0%.

Our combined expected non-rolling chip table games hold percentage is in the range from 16% to 20%, which is based on the mix of table games at our casino properties as each table game has its own theoretical win percentage and our combined expected gaming machine hold percentage is in the range from 5% to 6%.

For Hotel Operations, KPIs are defined as follows:

	•		Average Daily Rate, or ADR: calculated by dividing total room revenue (less service charges, if any) by total rooms occupied, i.e., average price of occupied rooms per day.
	•		Hotel occupancy rate: the average percentage of available hotel rooms occupied during a period
	•		Revenue per Available Room, or REVPAR: calculated by dividing total room revenue (less service charges, if any) by total rooms available, thereby representing a summary of hotel average daily room rates and occupancy.

As not all available rooms are occupied, average daily room rates are normally higher than revenue per available room.

Our business is and will be influenced most significantly by the growth of the gaming and leisure market in Macau. Such growth will be affected by visitation to Macau and whether Macau develops into a popular international destination for gaming patrons, other customers of leisure and hospitality services and MICE attendees, as well as our ability to compete effectively against our existing and future competitors for market share.

Our business is affected by the markets for both commercial (including retail) and residential real estate in Macau. Our plan to monetize the apartment hotel complex which may be constructed as Phase II of City of Dreams will be subject to fluctuations in the Macau real estate market.

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

Revenues

Consolidated net revenues in 2009 were US$1.33 billion, a decrease of US$83.3 million (or 5.9%) from US$1.42 billion for 2008. The decrease in net revenues was driven by a decline in global economic conditions combined with low rolling chip hold percentages at Altira Macau and City of Dreams and was partially offset by the opening of City of Dreams in June 2009 which contributed US$552.1 million in net revenues.

Consolidated net revenues in 2009 comprised of US$1.30 billion in casino revenues (97.9% of total net revenues) and US$28.2 million of net non-casino revenues (2.1% of total net revenues). Consolidated net revenues in 2008 comprised of US$1.41 billion in casino revenues (99.3% of total net revenues) and US$10.2 million of net non-casino revenues (0.7% of total net revenues).

Casino. Casino revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 of US$1.30 billion represented a US$101.3 million (or 7.2%) decrease from casino revenues of US$1.41 billion for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to decrease in casino revenue at Altira Macau by US$651.0 million to US$653.0 million, primarily driven by a decline in rolling chip volume combined with lower rolling chip hold percentage, partially offset by revenue of US$532.5 million attributable to the opening of the City of Dreams in June 2009 with approximately 500 gaming tables and approximately 1,300 gaming machines.

Altira Macau’s rolling chip volume for 2009 of US$37.5 billion represented a decrease of US$24.8 billion from US$62.3 billion for 2008. Altira Macau’s hold percentage for VIP rolling chip table games (calculated before discounts and commissions) was 2.55% for 2009, below our expected level of 2.85% and a decrease from 2.85% for 2008. In the mass market table games segment, drop (non-rolling chip) was US$273.0 million for 2009 which decreased by 22.7% from US$353.2 million for 2008. The mass market hold percentage was 16.0% for 2009, within our expected range of 16.0% to 20.0% and an increase from 14.6% for 2008.

City of Dreams’ rolling chip volume was US$20.3 billion and hold percentage for VIP rolling chip table games (calculated before discounts and commissions) was 2.65% for 2009, below the expected level of 2.85%. In the mass table games segment, drop (non-rolling chip) totaled US$912.6 million and the hold percentage was 16.3%, which was in line with the expected range of 16.0% to 20.0% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Average net win per gaming machine per day was US$137.

Mocha Club’s average net win per gaming machine per day for 2009 was US$182, a decrease of approximately US$54 over 2008.

Rooms. Room revenue of US$41.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 represented a US$24.1 million (or 141.2%) increase from room revenue of US$17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 due to the opening at City of Dreams, with approximately 1,650 hotel rooms across both properties. Altira Macau’s ADR, occupancy and REVPAR were US$219, 92% and US$201, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2009. This compares with the ADR, occupancy and REVPAR of US$236, 94% and US$222, respectively for 2008. City of Dreams’ ADR, occupancy and REVPAR were US$159, 84% and US$133, respectively.

Food, beverage and others. Other non-casino revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 included food and beverage revenue of US$28.2 million, and entertainment, retail and other revenue of approximately US$11.9 million. Other non-casino revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008 included food and beverage revenue of US$16.1 million, and entertainment, retail and other revenue of approximately US$5.4 million. The increase of US$18.6 million was primarily due to opening of City of Dreams and offset by decrease in revenue at Altira Macau as a result of reduced visitation.

Operating costs and expenses

Total operating costs and expenses were US$1.60 billion for the year ended December 31, 2009, an increase of US$190.0 million (or 13.4%) from US$1.41 billion for the year ended December 31, 2008. The increase in operating costs of US$190.0 million was primarily related to commencement of operation at City of Dreams in June 2009 and was partially offset by a decrease in operating costs at Altira Macau due to cost-savings initiatives.

Casino. Casino expenses decreased by US$29.6 million (or 2.6 %) to US$1.13 billion in 2009 from US$1.16 billion in 2008 primarily due to decrease in gaming tax of US$328.3 million and US$140.9 million in casino-related expenses associated with payroll-related expenses and our rolling chip program at Altira Macau. This decrease was offset by an increase of US$440.7 million casino expenses attributable to the opening of City of Dreams.

Rooms. Room expenses, which represent the costs in operating the hotel facilities at Altira Macau and City of Dreams, increased by 373.7% to US$6.4 million in 2009 from US$1.3 million in 2008, primarily due to commencement of operations at City of Dreams in June 2009.

Food, beverage and others. Food, beverage and other expenses increased by US$6.9 million (or 49.1%) to US$20.9 million in 2009 from US$14.0 million in 2008, primarily due to commencement of operation at City of Dreams and offset by decrease in expenses at Altira Macau driven by the associated decrease in revenue as described above.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by US$40.3 million (or 44.4%) to US$131.0 million in 2009 from US$90.7 million in 2008, primarily due to commencement of operations at City of Dreams in June 2009.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs of US$91.9 million were incurred in 2009 relating to the opening of City of Dreams. In 2008 we incurred pre-opening costs associated with City of Dreams of US$21.8 million. Such costs relate primarily to personnel training, equipment, marketing, advertising and other administrative costs in connection with the opening of the property.

Amortization of gaming subconcession. Amortization of gaming subconcession recorded on a straight-line basis remained stable at US$57.2 million in 2009 and 2008.

Amortization of land use rights. Amortization of land use rights expenses for 2009 of US$18.4 million remained relatively consistent with 2008 of US$18.3 million.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by US$90.5 million (or 176.1%) to US$141.9 million in 2009 from US$51.4 million in 2008 primarily due to depreciation of assets of City of Dreams following its opening in June 2009.

Property charges and others. Property charges and others generally includes costs related to the remodeling and rebranding of a property which might include the retirement, disposal or write-off of assets. Property charges and others for the year ended December 31, 2009 was US$7.0 million which primarily included US$4.1 million related to the re-branding of Altira Macau and US$2.9 million related to asset write-offs as a result of our termination of the Macau Peninsula project. Property charges and others for the year ended December 31, 2008 was US$0.3 million related to a minor reconfiguration of the casino at Altira Macau.

Non-operating (expenses) income

Non-operating (expenses) income consists of interest income and expenses, amortization of deferred financing costs, loan commitment fees, foreign exchange gain and loss as well as other non-operating income.

Interest income decreased by US$7.7 million (or 93.9%) to US$0.5 million in 2009, mainly due to a decline in interest rates and a decrease in average cash balances as a result of increased investment in completing the construction of City of Dreams.

Total interest expenses, which primarily included interest paid or payable on shareholders’ loans, the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility, and interest rate swap agreements for 2009 and 2008 totalled US$82.3 million and US$49.6 million respectively, of which US$50.5 million and US$49.6 million was capitalized. Interest expenses net of capitalized interest increased by US$31.8 million, primarily due to cessation of capitalizable interest following the opening of City of Dreams together with additional borrowings under the City of Dreams Project Facility.

Other finance costs included US$6.0 million of amortization of deferred financing costs net of capitalization and US$2.3 million of loan commitment fees related to the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility. The decrease from 2008 was attributable to decreases in the undrawn commitments as a result of drawdowns, on the City of Dreams Project Facility during the second half of 2008 and the first half of 2009.

Net foreign exchange gains for 2009 were US$491,000, mainly resulting from foreign exchange transaction gains on Australian dollars, compared to US$1.4 million of net foreign exchange gains for 2008. Other non-operating income increased to US$2.5 million in 2009 from US$972,000 in 2008.

Income tax credit

Our negative effective income tax rate was 0.04% for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to 37.4% for the year ended December 31, 2008. The negative effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 differs from the statutory Macau Complementary Tax rate of 12% primarily due to the effect of change in valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets in 2009 and 2008, the impact of net loss of Macau gaming operations during the year ended December 31, 2009 and the effect of tax holiday of US$8.9 million on Macau gaming operations during the year ended December 31, 2008 due to our income tax exemption in Macau, which is set to expire in 2011. Our management does not anticipate recording an income tax benefit related to deferred tax assets generated by our Macau operations; however, to the extent that the financial results of our Macau operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, we will be able to reduce the valuation allowance through earnings.

Net loss

As a result primarily of the foregoing, there was a net loss of US$308.5 million for 2009, compared to a net loss of US$2.5 million in 2008.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Revenues

Consolidated net revenues were US$1.42 billion for 2008, an increase of US$1.06 billion (or 295.0%) from US$358.5 million for 2007. The increase in net revenues was driven by improved operating performance and a full year of operations at Altira Macau, which opened on May 12, 2007 and was fully operational by July 14, 2007.

Consolidated net revenues in 2008 comprised of US$1.41 billion in casino revenues (99.3% of total net revenues) and US$10.2 million of net non-casino revenues (0.7% of total net revenues). Consolidated net revenues in 2007 comprised of US$348.7 million in casino revenues (97.3% of total net revenues) and US$9.8 million of net non-casino revenues (2.7% of total net revenues).

Casino. Casino revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 of US$1.41 billion represented a US$1.06 billion (or 303.2%) increase from casino revenues of US$348.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Altira Macau’s rolling chip volume for 2008 of US$62.3 billion represented an increase of US$47.9 billion from US$14.4 billion for 2007. Altira Macau’s hold percentage for VIP rolling chip table games (calculated before discounts and commissions) was 2.85% for 2008, in line with our expected level and an increase from 2.4% for 2007. In the mass table games segment, drop (non-rolling chip) totaled US$353.2 million for 2008 which increased by 46.8% from US$240.6 million for 2007. The mass market hold percentage was 14.6%, below the expected range of 16% to 18%, a decrease from 16.5% for 2007. Altira Macau’s gaming machine handle (volume) was US$166.9 million for 2008 an increase of US$24.8 million from US$142.1 million for 2007 and gaming machine revenue was increased by 36.7% to US$13.4 million for 2008. Mocha Club’s average net win per gaming machine per day for 2008 was US$236, an increase of approximately US$16 over 2007.

Rooms. Room revenue of US$17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 represented a US$11.4 million (or 201.3%) increase from room revenue of US$5.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 due to a full year of operation at Altira Macau in 2008. Altira Macau’s ADR, occupancy and REVPAR were US$236, 94% and US$222, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2008. This compares with the ADR, occupancy and REVPAR of US$266, 66% and US$174, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Food, beverage and others. Other non-casino revenues for the year ended December 31, 2008 included food and beverage revenue of US$16.1 million, and entertainment, retail and other revenue of approximately US$5.4 million. Other non-casino revenue for the year ended December 31, 2007 included food and beverage revenue of US$11.1 million and entertainment, retail and other revenue of approximately US$2.0 million.

Operating costs and expenses

Total operating costs and expenses were US$1.41 billion for the year ended December 31, 2008, an increase of US$860.6 million (or 155.3%) from US$554.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The increase in operating costs of US$860.6 million was primarily related to a full year of operations of Altira Macau with increases in expenses commensurate with the increase in revenues and offset by a decrease in pre-opening costs relating to Altira Macau as more fully described below.

Casino. Casino expenses increased by US$856.0 million (or 281.7%) to US$1.16 billion in 2008 from US$303.9 million in 2007, primarily due to an increase in gaming tax of US$574.3 million and US$257.6 million in casino-related expenses associated with additional payroll-related expenses and our rolling chip program at Altira Macau

Rooms. Room expenses, which represent the costs in operating the hotel facility at Altira Macau, decreased by 39.6% to US$1.3 million in 2008 from US$2.2 million in 2007, primarily due to an increase in complementary sales and recording the related costs under casino expenses.

Food, beverage and others. Food, beverage and other expenses increased by US$3.0 million (or 26.6%) to US$14.0 million in 2008 from US$11.0 million in 2007, primarily due to related increases in the revenue for these segments.

General and administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by US$7.9 million (or 9.6%) to US$90.7 million in 2008 from US$82.8 million in 2007, primarily due to growth in our operations, which included US$1.6 million in additional share-based compensation expense.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs of US$21.8 million were incurred in 2008 relating to the opening of City of Dreams. In 2007 we incurred pre-opening costs associated with both Altira Macau, which opened on May 12, 2007, and City of Dreams of US$37.0 million and US$3.0 million respectively. Such costs related to personnel training costs, equipment and other administrative costs, in connection with the future opening of these properties.

Amortization of gaming subconcession. Amortization of gaming subconcession recorded on a straight-line basis remained stable at US$57.2 million in 2008 and 2007.

Amortization of land use rights. Amortization of land use rights expenses increased by US$1.0 million (or 5.7%) to US$18.3 million in 2008 from US$17.3 million in 2007 primarily due to a full year of amortization expense related to the revised land concession cost for City of Dreams by US$41.7 million in October 2007, which in turn increased the amount of monthly amortization.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by US$11.9 million (or 30.2%) to US$51.4 million in 2008 from US$39.5 million in 2007 primarily due to a full year of operation of Altira Macau.

Property charges and others. Property charges and others generally includes costs related to the remodeling and rebranding of a property which might include the retirement, disposal or write-off of assets. Property charges and others for the year ended December 31, 2008 was US$0.3 million related to a minor reconfiguration of the casino at Altira Macau. There was no property charges and others for the year ended December 31, 2007.

Non-operating (expenses) income

Non-operating (expenses) income consists of interest income and expenses, amortization of deferred financing costs, loan commitment fees, foreign exchange gain and loss as well as other non-operating income.

Interest income decreased to US$8.2 million in 2008 from US$18.6 million in 2007, mainly due to a decline in interest rates and a decrease in average cash balances due to increased investment in City of Dreams.

Interest expenses, which included interest paid or payable on shareholders’ loans, the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility, and interest rate swap agreements in 2008 totalled US$49.6 million and was fully capitalized. The increase from US$14.5 million in 2007 was primarily due to additional borrowings drawn under the City of Dreams Project Facility together with a full year of interest charges for the City of Dreams Project Facility incurred in 2008 as compared with only three months in 2007.

Other finance costs included US$0.8 million of amortization of deferred financing costs net of capitalization and US$15.0 million of loan commitment fees related to the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility. The increase from 2007 was attributable to additional fees incurred on the undrawn commitment of this facility.

Net foreign exchange gains for 2008 were US$1.4 million mainly resulting from foreign exchange transaction gains on H.K. dollar, compared to US$3.8 million of net foreign exchange gains for 2007. Other non-operating income increased to US$972,000 in 2008 from US$275,000 in 2007.

Income tax credit

Our negative effective tax rate was 37.4% for the year ended December 31, 2008, as compared to 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2007. The negative effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 differ from statutory Macau Complementary Tax rate of 12% primarily due to the effect of change in valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets in 2008 and 2007, the effect of tax holiday of US$8.9 million on Macau gaming operations during the year ended December 31, 2008 and the impact of net loss of Macau gaming operations during the year ended December 31, 2007 due to our income tax exemption in Macau, which is set to expire in 2011. Management does not anticipate recording an income tax benefit related to deferred tax assets generated by our Macau operations; however, to the extent that the financial results of our Macau operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, we will be able to reduce the valuation allowance through earnings.

Net loss

As a result primarily of the foregoing, there was a net loss of US$2.5 million for 2008, compared to a net loss of US$178.2 million in 2007.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. Certain of our accounting policies require that management apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions integral to financial estimates. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates those estimates, including those relating to the estimated lives of depreciable assets, asset impairment, fair value of restricted shares and shares options granted, allowances for doubtful accounts, accruals for customer loyalty rewards, revenue recognition, income tax and fair value of derivative instruments and hedging activities. Judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, industry trends and information available from outside sources, as appropriate. However, by their nature, judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, and therefore actual results could differ from our estimates.

We believe that the critical accounting policies discussed below affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Property and equipment and other long-lived assets

We depreciate property and equipment on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives commencing from the time they are placed in service. The estimated useful lives are based on the nature of the assets as well as current operating strategy and legal considerations such as contractual life. Future events, such as property expansions, property developments and refurbishments, new competition, or new regulations, could result in a change in the manner in which we use certain assets requiring a change in the estimated useful lives of such assets.

Our land use rights in Macau under the land concession contracts for Altira Macau and City of Dreams are being amortized over the estimated lease term of the land on a straight-line basis. The expiry date of the leases of the land use rights of Altira Macau and City of Dreams were March 2031 and August 2033, respectively. The maximum useful life of assets at Altira Macau and City of Dreams is therefore deemed to be the remaining life of the land concession contract.

Costs of repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in operating income or loss.

We also evaluate the recoverability of our property and equipment and other long-lived assets with finite lives whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of the carrying value of those assets to be held and used, is measured by first grouping our long-lived assets into asset groups and, secondly, estimating the undiscounted future cash flows that are directly associated with and expected to arise from the use of and eventual disposition of such asset group. We define an asset group as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and estimate the undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the primary asset within the asset group. If the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, we record an impairment loss to the extent the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value with fair value typically based on a discounted cash flow model. If an asset is still under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. All recognized impairment losses, whether for assets to be disposed of or assets to be held and used, are recorded as operating expenses.

During the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, impairment losses amounting to US$282,000, US$17,000 and US$421,000, respectively, were recognized to write off gaming equipment due to the reconfiguration of the casino at Altira Macau to meet the evolving demands of gaming patrons and target specific segments. During the year ended December 31, 2009, an impairment loss amounting to $2.9 million was recognized to write off the construction in progress carried out at the Macau Peninsula site following termination of the related acquisition agreement in December 2009.

Goodwill and purchased intangible assets

We review the carrying value of goodwill and purchased intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, representing trademarks of Mocha Clubs, for impairment at least on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. To assess potential impairment of goodwill, we perform an assessment of the carrying value of our reporting units at least on an annual basis or when events and changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of our reporting units below their carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, we would perform the second step in our assessment process and record an impairment loss to earnings to the extent the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. We estimate the fair value of our reporting units through internal analysis and external valuations, which utilize income and market valuation approaches through the application of capitalized earnings, discounted cash flow and market comparable methods. These valuation techniques are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the projected future operating results of the reporting unit, appropriate discount rates, long-term growth rates and appropriate market comparables.

A detailed evaluation was performed as of December 31, 2009 and the computed fair value of our reporting unit was significantly in excess of the carrying amount. As a result of this evaluation, we determined that no impairment of goodwill existed as of December 31, 2009.

Trademarks of Mocha Clubs are tested for impairment using the relief-from-royalty method and we determined that no impairment of trademarks existed as of December 31, 2009. Under this method, we estimate the fair value of the intangible assets through internal and external valuations, mainly based on the after-tax cash flow associated with the revenue related to the royalty. These valuation techniques are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, including the projected future revenues of the trademarks, appropriate royalty rates, appropriate discount rates, and long-term growth rates.

Share-based compensation

We issued restricted shares and share options under our share incentive plan during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. We measure the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and recognize the cost over the service period in accordance with applicable accounting standards. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to value the equity instruments issued. The Black-Scholes valuation model requires the use of highly subjective assumptions of expected volatility of the underlying stock, risk-free interest rates, the expected term of options granted. Management determines these assumptions through internal analysis and external valuations utilizing current market rates, making industry comparisons and reviewing conditions relevant to our company.

The expected volatility and expected term assumptions can impact the fair value of restricted shares and share options. Because of our limited trading history as a public company, we estimate the expected volatility based on the historical volatility of a peer group of publicly traded companies, and estimate the expected term based upon the vesting term or the historical expected term of publicly traded companies. We believe that the valuation techniques and the approach utilized in developing our assumptions are reasonable in calculating the fair value of the restricted shares and share options we granted. For 2009 awards (excluding stock option exchange program), a 10% change in the volatility assumption would have resulted in a US$223,000 change in fair value and a 10% change in the expected term assumption would have resulted in a US$90,000 change in fair value. These assumed changes in fair value would have been recognized over the vesting schedule of such awards. It should be noted that a change in expected term would cause other changes, since the risk-free rate and volatility assumptions are specific to the term; we did not attempt to adjust those assumptions in performing the sensitivity analysis above.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue at the time persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the service is provided or the retail goods are sold, prices are fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured.

Casino revenues are measured by the aggregate net difference between gaming wins and losses less accruals for the anticipated payouts of progressive slot jackpots, with liabilities recognized for funds deposited by customers before gaming play occurs and for chips in the customers’ possession.

We follow the accounting standards on reporting revenue gross as a principal versus net as an agent, when accounting for operations of Taipa Square Casino and Grand Hyatt Macau hotel. For the operations of Taipa Square Casino, given we operate the casino under a right to use agreement with the owner of the casino premises and have full responsibility for the casino operations in accordance with our gaming subconcession, we are the principal and casino revenue is therefore recognized on a gross basis. For the operations of Grand Hyatt Macau hotel, we are the owner of the hotel property and Hyatt operates the hotel under a management agreement as hotel manager, providing management services to us, and we receive all rewards and take substantial risks associated with the hotel business. As such, we are the principal and the transactions of the hotel are therefore recognized on a gross basis.

Rooms, food and beverage, entertainment, retail and other revenues are recognized when services are provided. Advance deposits on rooms are recorded as customer deposits until services are provided to the customer. Minimum operating and right to use fee, adjusted for contractual base fee and operating fee escalations, are included in entertainment, retail and other revenues and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related agreement.

Revenues are recognized net of certain sales incentives which are required to be recorded as a reduction of revenue; consequently, our casino revenues are reduced by discounts, commissions and points earned in customer loyalty programs, such as the player’s club loyalty program.

The retail value of rooms, food and beverage, and other services furnished to guests without charge is included in gross revenues and then deducted as promotional allowances. The estimated cost of providing such promotional allowances is primarily included in the casino expenses.

Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject our company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of casino receivables. We issue credit in the form of markers to approved casino customers following investigations of creditworthiness. At December 31, 2009 and 2008, a substantial portion of our markers were due from customers residing in foreign countries. Accounts written off when management deems it is probable the receivable is uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful debts is maintained to reduce our receivables to their carrying amounts, which approximate fair values. The allowance is estimated based on specific review of customer accounts as well as management’s experience with collection trends in the casino industry and current economic and business conditions. In determining our allowance for estimated doubtful debts, we apply industry standard reserve percentages to aged account balances and we specifically analyze the collectability of each account with a balance over a specified dollar amount, based upon the age, the customer’s financial condition, collection history and any other known information. The standard reserve percentages applied are based on our historical experience and take into consideration current industry and economic conditions. At December 31, 2009, a 100 basis-point change in the estimated allowance for doubtful debts as a percentage of casino receivables would change the provision for doubtful debts by approximately US$3.2 million.

Income Tax

Deferred income taxes are recognized for all significant temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are individually classified as current and non-current based on the characteristics of the underlying assets and liabilities. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we recorded valuation allowances of US$33.1 million and US$16.1 million, respectively, as management does not believe that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Our assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods. To the extent that the financial results of our operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowance will be reduced.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We seek to manage market risk, including interest rate risk associated with variable rate borrowings, through balancing fixed-rate and variable-rate borrowings with the use of derivative financial instruments. We account for derivative financial instruments in accordance with applicable accounting standards. All derivative instruments are recognized in the consolidated financial statements at fair value at the balance sheet date. Any changes in fair value are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations or in other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting, the type of hedge transaction and the effectiveness of the hedge. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are based on a standard valuation model that projects future cash flows and discounts those future cash flows to a present value using market-based observable inputs such as interest rate yields.

Recent changes in accounting standards

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report for discussion of recent accounting standards.

B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the periods indicated:

		Year Ended December 31,
		2009				2008				2007
		(in thousands of US$)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities		$	(112,257	)		$	(11,158	)		$	147,372
Net cash used in investing activities			(1,143,639	)			(913,602	)			(972,620	)
Net cash provided by financing activities			653,350				904,485				1,076,671
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents			(602,546	)			(20,275	)			251,423
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year			815,144				835,419				583,996
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		$	212,598			$	815,144			$	835,419

Operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities was US$112.3 million in 2009, compared to US$11.2 million in 2008. There was a decrease in operating cash flow mainly attributable to a decline in gaming revenue as described in the foregoing section, increased working capital for City of Dreams and Altira and increased pre-opening activities for City of Dreams. Net cash used in operating activities was US$11.2 million in 2008, compared to US$147.4 million net cash provided by operating activities in 2007. This was primarily attributable to the decrease of outstanding gaming chips and tokens, customer deposits, commission payables and other gaming related accruals resulting from a decline in gaming activity at the end of 2008 compared to 2007.

Investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was US$1.14 billion in 2009, compared to US$913.6 million in 2008, primarily due to increased construction and development activity relating to City of Dreams contributing to our total capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2009 of US$937.1 million, payment of the City of Dreams land use rights of US$30.6 million and an increase of US$168.1 million in the amount of restricted cash due to a deposit of cash into bank accounts restricted in accordance with the City of Dreams Project Facility which will be immediately released upon the final completion of City of Dreams and until this time is available for use as required for the City of Dreams’ costs under disbursement terms specified in the City of Dreams Project Facility.

Net cash used in investing activities was US$913.6 million in 2008, compared to US$972.6 million in 2007 primarily due to increased construction and development activity relating to City of Dreams, with capital expenditure for the year ended December 31, 2008 of US$1.05 billion and payment of the City of Dreams land use rights deposit of US$42.1 million. This increase was offset by a decrease of US$231.0 million in the amount of restricted cash due to the utilization of funds on additional loan drawdowns from the City of Dream Project Facility in 2008. Drawdown proceeds from the facilities must be deposited into restricted accounts and pledged to the credit facility lenders.

Financing activities

Proceeds from Our Financing. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to US$653.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to drawdown proceeds of US$270.7 million from the City of Dreams Project Facility and proceeds from our follow-on public offerings in May 2009 and August 2009 totaling US$383.5 million after deducting the offering expenses. Net cash provided by financing activities amounted to US$904.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to drawdown proceeds of US$912.3 million from the City of Dreams Project Facility.

Shareholder Loans and Contributions. As of December 31, 2009, we have approximately US$115.7 million of outstanding shareholder loans from Melco and Crown, of which US$115.6 million was in the form of fixed term loans repayable in May 2011. The fixed term loan from Crown is at an interest rate of 3-months HIBOR per annum and the fixed term loan from Melco is at 3-months HIBOR per annum and at 3-months HIBOR plus 1.5% per annum only during the period from May 16, 2008 to May 15, 2009 with the remaining balance of US$25,000 repayable on demand and non-interest bearing.

No fees or proceeds are payable to Melco and Crown in return for their contributions to us or our subsidiaries and their future economic interest in us is solely based on their share ownership in forming our company.

City of Dreams Project Facility. On September 5, 2007, Melco Crown Gaming and certain other subsidiaries specified as guarantors, or the Borrowing Group, entered into the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility to finance a portion of the total project costs of City of Dreams. On September 24, 2007, the first drawdown which comprised both Hong Kong dollars and US dollars totaling the equivalent of US$500.2 million was made under the City of Dreams Project Facility. Financing costs of US$0.9 million, US$7.6 million and US$49.7 million in relation to the City of Dreams Project Facility were paid accordingly during the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Subsequent drawdowns took place in 2008 and 2009, which comprised of both Hong Kong dollars and US dollars totaling the equivalent of US$912.3 million and US$270.7 million, respectively, under the City of Dreams Project Facility. Subject to satisfaction of the relevant conditions precedent, a further US$50.3 million remained available for future drawdowns as at December 31, 2009 and as of the date of this annual report.

We may obtain financing in the form of, among other things, equity or debt, including additional bank loans or high yield, mezzanine or other debt, or rely on our operating cash flow to fund the development of our projects.

Description of Our Indebtedness

City of Dreams Project Facility

The budgeted cost of construction and development of City of Dreams funded from a combination of the following sources:

	•		cashflow generated from the operations of our existing businesses;
	•		borrowings under the US$1.75 billion City of Dreams Project Facility; and
	•		a portion of the net proceeds from our initial offering and our follow-on offering in December 2006 and November 2007 respectively.

Drawdowns

The final maturity date of the term loan facility is September 5, 2014 and the final maturity date of the revolving credit facility is September 5, 2012 or, if earlier, the date of repayment, prepayment or cancellation in full of the term loan facility.

We have now drawn down the full amount of the term loan facility and the availability period for this has expired. The revolving credit facility is available on a fully revolving basis from, in the case of any drawing for general working capital purposes or purposes of meeting cost overruns associated City of Dreams, the date upon which the term loan facility has been fully drawn, to the date that is one month prior to the revolving credit facility’s final maturity date. As of December 31, 2009 we had drawn down a total of approximately US$199.7 million from the revolving credit facility with a further US$50.3 million still available for further utilization.

All drawings under the City of Dreams Project Facility are to be paid into a disbursement account that will be subject to security. As of December 31, 2009 total drawdowns which comprised both Hong Kong dollars and US dollars totaling the equivalent of approximately US$1.68 billion have been made under the City of Dreams Project Facility. The rollover of existing revolving loans drawn under the City of Dreams Project Facility is subject to compliance with covenants and satisfaction of conditions precedent. Melco Crown Gaming is also required to undertake a program to hedge exposures to interest rate fluctuations under the City of Dreams Project Facility and in certain circumstances, currency fluctuations. The interests of the hedging counterparties under the hedging agreements are secured on a pari passu basis with the lenders.

Repayment

The term loan facility will be repaid in quarterly installments according to an amortization schedule commencing December 5, 2010. Each revolving credit facility loan will be repaid in full on the last day of an agreed upon interest period ranging from one to six months, or rolled-over.

Melco Crown Gaming may make voluntary prepayments in respect of the term loan facility and the revolving credit facility, subject to certain conditions, without premium or penalty other than break costs, in minimum amounts of US$20 million following the completion of City of Dreams and in full prior to completion. Voluntary prepayments will be applied to the term loan principal outstanding on the City of Dreams Project Facility and to maturities on a pro-rata basis and amounts prepaid will not be available for redrawing.

We must make mandatory prepayments in respect of the following amounts within the Borrowing Group under the City of Dreams Project Facility: (1) 50% of the net proceeds of any permitted equity issuance of any member of the Borrowing Group and all of the net proceeds of any permitted debt issuance of any member of the Borrowing Group; (2) the net proceeds of any asset sale, subject to reinvestment rights and certain exceptions; (3) net termination proceeds paid under Melco Crown Gaming’s subconcession, any lease agreement, the hotel management agreements, or any other material contracts or agreements (subject to certain exceptions); (4) net proceeds or liquidated damages paid pursuant to obligation, default or breach under the certain documents relating to City of Dreams; (5) insurance proceeds net of expenses to obtain such proceeds, subject to reinvestment rights and certain exceptions; and (6) excess cashflow (as defined under various financial ratio tests).

Accounts

The terms of the City of Dreams Project Facility require that all of the revenues of the gaming business operated by Melco Crown Gaming, including Altira Macau and City of Dreams, be paid into bank accounts established by Melco Crown Gaming, secured in favor of the security agent for the benefit of the lenders. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, all of the accounts of all of the members of the Borrowing Group have been pledged as security for the indebtedness. Subject to such security, such revenues will be paid out in order of priority, in accordance with specified cash waterfall arrangements.

Interest and Fees

The U.S. dollar and H.K. dollar denominated drawdowns will bear an initial interest rate of LIBOR and HIBOR plus a margin of 2.75% per annum. Upon substantial completion of City of Dreams, the margin was reduced to 2.50% per annum. The interest rate margin will be further adjusted in accordance with the total debt to EBITDA ratio on a consolidated basis in respect of the Borrowing Group. We are obligated to pay a commitment fee quarterly in arrears from September 5, 2007 throughout the availability period. The commitment fee is payable on the daily undrawn amount under the relevant term loan facility and revolving credit facility.

Melco and Crown Support

In connection with the signing of the City of Dreams Project Facility in September 2007, Melco and PBL (Crown’s predecessor) each provided an undertaking to Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, as agent under the City of Dreams Project Facility, to contribute additional equity up to an aggregate of US$250 million (divided equally between Melco and PBL) to Melco Crown Gaming to pay any costs (i) associated with construction of City of Dreams and (ii) for which Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch as agent has determined there is no other available funding. When Crown acquired the gaming businesses and investments of PBL, it also acquired this obligation. In support of such contingent equity commitment, Melco and Crown each agreed to maintain a direct or standby letter of credit in favor of the security agent for the City of Dreams Project Facility in an amount equal to the amount of contingent equity it is obliged to ensure is provided to Melco Crown Gaming until the final completion date of City of Dreams has occurred, and when certain debt service reserve accounts have been funded. Their letters of credit in the aggregate amount of US$250 million were released and replaced by short-term deposits placed into bank accounts restricted in accordance with the City of Dreams Project Facility by the Company in May and September 2009, respectively. The balance of this restricted cash will be immediately released upon the final completion for City of Dreams and compliance with other release conditions under the City of Dreams Project Facility; until this time it is available for use as required for the payment of City of Dreams project construction costs based on disbursement terms under the City of Dreams Project Facility.

Security

Security for the City of Dreams Project Facility and hedging agreements include, among others:

	•		a first priority mortgage over all land and all present and future buildings on and fixtures to such land, and an assignment of land use rights under land concession agreements or equivalent held by the relevant entities in the Borrowing Group;
	•		the letters of credit described above in “—Description of Our Indebtedness—City of Dreams Project Facility—Melco and Crown Support”;
	•		charges over the bank accounts in respect of the Borrowing Group;
	•		assignment of the Borrowing Group’s rights under certain insurance policies;
	•		first priority security over the Borrowing Group’s chattels, receivables and other assets which are not subject to any security under any other security documentation;
	•		pledge over equipment and tools used in the gaming business by Melco Crown Gaming; and
	•		first priority charges over the issued share capital of the Borrowing Group.

Covenants

The Borrowing Group must comply with certain negative and affirmative covenants. These covenants include, among others, that, without obtaining consent from the Majority Lenders (as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility), they may not:

	•		create or permit to subsist further charge or any form of encumbrance over its assets, property or revenues except as permitted under the City of Dreams Project Facility;
	•		sell, transfer or dispose of any of its assets unless such sale is conducted on an arm’s length basis at a fair market value permitted in accordance with the terms of the City of Dreams Project Facility and the proceeds from the sale shall be credited to the relevant accounts over which the lenders have a first priority charge on;
	•		make any payment of fees under any agreement with Melco or Crown (or their affiliates) other than fees approved by the Majority Lenders or, after a certain date, in accordance with the waterfall, or enter into agreements with Melco or Crown or their affiliates except in certain limited circumstances;
	•		make any loan or guarantee indebtedness except for certain identified indebtedness and guarantees permitted;
	•		create any subsidiaries except as permitted under the City of Dreams Project Facility, such as those necessary for completion and operation of City of Dreams; or
	•		make investments other than within agreed upon limitations.

In addition, the Borrowing Group will be required to comply with certain financial ratios and financial covenants each quarter, such as

	•		Consolidated Leverage Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility, cannot exceed 4.50 to 1 for the reporting periods ending September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010, March 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, cannot exceed 4.00 to 1 for the reporting periods ending September 30, 2011, December 31, 2011 and March 31, 2012, and cannot exceed 3.75 to 1 for the reporting periods ending June 30, 2012 onwards;
	•		Consolidated Interest Cover Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility, must be greater than or equal to 2.50 to 1 for the reporting periods ending September 30, 2010, December 31, 2010 and March 31, 2011, and must be greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1 for the reporting periods ending June 30, 2011 onwards; and
	•		Consolidated Cash Cover Ratio, as defined in the City of Dreams Project Facility, must be greater than or equal to 1.10 to 1 for the reporting periods ending September 30, 2010 onwards.

Events of Default

The City of Dreams Project Facility contains customary events of default including: (1) failure to make any payment when due; (2) breach of financial covenants; (3) cross default triggered by any other event of default in the facility agreements or other documents forming the indebtedness of the borrowers and/or guarantors; (4) failure by Crown and Melco to maintain the letters of credit according to the terms of the City of Dreams Project Facility; (5) breach of the credit facility documents, land agreements, lease agreements for the provision of gaming services or hotel management agreements; (6) insolvency or bankruptcy events; (7) misrepresentations on the part of the borrowers and guarantors in statements made in the loan documents delivered to the lenders; (8) failure to commence or complete the construction by certain specified dates; and (9) various change of control events involving us.

We may obtain financing in the form of, among other things, equity or debt, including additional bank loans or high yield, mezzanine or other debt, or rely on our operating cash flow to fund the development of our projects.

On December 7, 2007, the City of Dreams Facility was amended to introduce a US borrower, Melco PBL (Delaware) LLC, now MPEL (Delaware) LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Melco Crown Gaming.

Sources and Uses

We have been able to meet our working capital needs, and we believe that we will be able to meet our working capital needs in the foreseeable future, with our operating cash flow, existing cash balances, proceeds from our follow-on public offering and additional financings.

New business developments or other unforeseen events may occur, resulting in the need to raise additional funds. There can be no assurances regarding the business prospects with respect to any other opportunity. Any other development would require us to obtain additional financing.

Other Liquidity Matters

Melco Crown Gaming has a rating of “BB-” by Standard & Poor’s and a rating of “Ba3” by Moody’s Investors Service. For future borrowings, any decrease in our corporate rating could result in an increase in borrowing costs.

C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.

We have entered into a license agreement with Crown Melbourne Limited and obtained an exclusive and non-transferable license to use the Crown trademark in Macau. Our hotel management agreements for the use of the Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency trademarks on a non-exclusive and non-transferable basis were terminated in August 2008 and replaced by a management agreement for the use of the Grand Hyatt trademarks to reflect the branding of the twin-tower hotels under the “Grand Hyatt” brand. In January 2007, we entered into a casino trademark license agreement and a hotel trademark license agreement (which was subsequently novated and amended by a Novation Agreement on August 20, 2008) with Hard Rock Holdings Limited, or Hard Rock, to use the Hard Rock brand in Macau at the City of Dreams. Pursuant to the agreements, we have the exclusive right to use the Hard Rock brand for the hotel and casino facility at the City of Dreams for a term of ten years based on percentages of revenues generated at the property payable to Hard Rock. We also purchase gaming tables and gaming machines and enter into licensing agreements for the use of certain tradenames and, in the case of the gaming machines, the right to use software in connection therewith. These include a license to use a jackpot system for the gaming machines. In addition, we have registered the trademarks “Mocha Club” and “City of Dreams” in Macau. We have registered in Macau certain trademarks and are currently in the process of applying for the registration of certain other trademarks and service marks to be used in connection with the operations of our hotel casino projects in Macau.

D. TREND INFORMATION

Other than as disclosed elsewhere in this annual report, we are not aware of any trends, uncertainties, demands, commitments or events that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on our net revenues, income, profitability, liquidity or capital resources, or that caused the disclosed financial information to be not necessarily indicative of future operating results or financial conditions.

E. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Except as disclosed in Note 18(d) to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, we have not entered into any financial guarantees or other commitments to guarantee the payment obligations of any third parties. We have not entered into any derivative contracts that are indexed to our shares and classified as shareholder’s equity, or that are not reflected in our consolidated financial statements.

Furthermore, we do not have any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity. We do not have any variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.

F. TABULAR DISCLOSURE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Our total long-term indebtedness and other known contractual obligations are summarized below as of December 31, 2009.

		Payments due by period
		Less than				1-3				3-5				More than
		1 year				years				years				5 years				Total
		(in millions of US$)
Contractual obligations
Long-term debt obligations:
Loans from shareholders (1)		$	—				115.6				—				—				115.6
Other long-term debt (2)			44.5				793.1				845.6				—				1,683.2
Operating lease obligations:
Leases for office space, VIP lounge, recruitment and training center, staff quarter and Mocha Clubs locations			10.0				11.6				9.0				9.7				40.3
Other contractual commitments:
Government land use fees payable for Altira Macau land (3)			0.2				0.3				0.3				2.8				3.6
Government land use fees payable for City of Dreams land (4)			1.2				2.4				2.4				22.0				28.0
Interest on land premium for City of Dreams land (4)			1.1				2.8				0.2				—				4.1
Construction, plant and equipment acquisition commitments (5)			32.6				—				—				—				32.6
Buses and limousines services commitments			2.6				—				—				—				2.6
Fixed premium on gaming subconcession			3.7				7.5				7.5				28.0				46.7
Trademark and memorabilia license fee commitments			0.9				1.8				1.8				4.0				8.5
Consultancy and other services commitments			2.7				1.3				0.8				—				4.8
Total contractual obligations		$	99.5				936.4				867.6				66.5				1,970.0

G. SAFE HARBOR

See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”.

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report on Form 20-F.

Name		Age				Position/Title
Lawrence (Yau Lung) Ho			33			Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
James D. Packer			42			Co-Chairman
John Wang			49			Director
Clarence Chung			47			Director
Todd Nisbett			42			Director
Rowen B. Craigie			54			Director
James A. C. MacKenzie			56			Independent Director
Thomas Jefferson Wu			37			Independent Director
Alec Tsui			60			Independent Director
Robert Mactier			45			Independent Director
Simon Dewhurst			40			Chief Financial Officer
Stephanie Cheung			47			Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Nigel Dean			56			Executive Vice President and Chief Internal Audit Officer
Akiko Takahashi			56			Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources/Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Richard Tsiang			49			Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer
Greg Hawkins			46			President of City of Dreams
Ted (Ying Tat) Chan			38			President of Altira Macau
Constance (Ching Hui) Hsu			36			President of Mocha Clubs

Directors

Mr. Lawrence (Yau Lung) Ho has served as our co-chairman and chief executive officer since our inception. Since November 2001, Mr. Ho has also served as the group managing director and, since March 2006, the chairman and chief executive officer of Melco. Mr. Ho serves on numerous boards and committees in Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China. In recognition of Mr. Ho’s excellent directorship and entrepreneurial spirit, the Institutional Investor, a leading research and publishing organization, honored him as the “Best CEO” in the Conglomerates category in 2005. As a socially responsible young entrepreneur in Hong Kong, Mr. Ho was elected as one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Persons 2006”, organized by the Junior Chamber International HK. In 2009, Mr. Ho was selected by FinanceAsia as one of the “Best CEOs in Hong Kong”, “China Top 10 Financial and Intelligent Persons” judged by a panel led by the Beijing Cultural Development Institute and Fortune China; and was named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” at Hong Kong’s first Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards. Mr. Ho worked at Jardine Fleming from September 1999 to October 2000 and iAsia Technology Limited (the predecessor of Value Convergence Holdings Limited) from October 2000 to November 2001. Mr. Ho graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in commerce from the University of Toronto, Canada and was awarded the Honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree by Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland for his contribution to business, education and the community in Hong Kong Macau and China.

Mr. James D. Packer has served as our co-chairman since our inception. Mr. Packer is the Executive Chairman of Crown and a member of the Crown Investment Committee. Mr. Packer is also Executive Chairman of Consolidated Press Holdings Limited (the largest shareholder of Crown) and Executive Deputy Chairman of Consolidated Media Holdings Limited. Mr. Packer is also a director of Crown Melbourne Limited, having been appointed on July 22, 1999, and Ellerston Capital Limited, having been appointed on August 6, 2004. Mr. Packer is also a director of Burswood Limited.

Mr. John Peter Ben Wang has served as our director since November 2006. Mr. Wang is currently a non-executive director of Oriental Ginza Holdings Limited and MelcoLot Limited, companies listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. He was the chief financial officer of Melco from 2004 to September 2009. Prior to joining Melco in 2004, Mr. Wang had over 18 years of professional experience in the securities and investment banking industry. He was the managing director of JS Cresvale Securities International Limited (HK) from 1998 to 2004 and had previously worked for Deutsche Morgan Grenfell (HK), CLSA (HK), Barclays (Singapore), SG Warburgs (London), Salomon Brothers (London), the London Stock Exchange and Deloitte Haskins & Sells (London). Mr. Wang qualified as a chartered accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1985. He graduated from the University of Kent at Canterbury in the United Kingdom with a bachelor degree in Accounting.

Mr. Clarence (Yuk Man) Chung has served as our director since November 2006. Mr. Chung has also been an executive director of Melco since May 2006. Mr. Chung joined Melco in December 2003 and assumed the role of chief financial officer. Before joining Melco, he was the chief financial officer at Megavillage Group, an investment banker at Lazard managing an Asian buy-out fund, a vice-president at Pacific Century Group, and a qualified accountant with Arthur Andersen. Mr. Chung is also the chairman and chief executive officer of Elixir Gaming Technologies, Inc., a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE-Amex). Mr. Chung holds a masters degree in business administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a member of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Mr. Todd Nisbet has served as our director since October 14, 2009. Mr. Nisbet joined the Crown Limited team in October of 2007. In his role as Executive Vice President — Design and Construction, Mr. Nisbet is responsible for all international project development and construction operations of Crown Limited. From August 2000 through July 2007, Mr. Nisbet held the position of Executive Vice President — Project Director for Wynn Design and Development, a development subsidiary of Wynn Resorts Limited (“Wynn”). Serving this role with Wynn, Mr. Nisbet was responsible for all project development and construction operations undertaken by Wynn. Prior to joining Wynn, Mr. Nisbet was the Vice President of Operations for Marnell Corrao Associates. During his 14 years at Marnell Corrao, he was responsible for managing various aspects of the construction of some of the Las Vegas’ most elaborate and industry-defining properties. Mr. Nisbet holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Mr. Rowen B. Craigie has served as our director since our inception. Mr. Craigie is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Crown. Mr. Craigie is also a director of Crown Melbourne Limited and Burswood Limited. Mr. Craigie previously served from 2007 to 2008 as the Chief Executive Officer of PBL Gaming and from 2002 to 2007 as the Chief Executive Officer of Crown Melbourne Limited. Mr. Craigie joined Crown Melbourne Limited in 1993, was appointed as the Executive General Manager of its Gaming Machines department in 1996, and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2000. Prior to joining Crown Melbourne Limited, Mr. Craigie was the Group General Manager for Gaming at the TAB in Victoria from 1990 to 1993, and held senior economic policy positions in Treasury and the Department of Industry in Victoria from 1984 to 1990. He holds a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) degree from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

Mr. James A. C. MacKenzie has served as our director since April 2008. Mr. MacKenzie is also chairman of Mirvac Group and Pacific Brands Ltd. He led the transformation of the Victorian Government’s Personal Injury Schemes from 2000-2007 and he has previously held senior executive positions with ANZ Banking Group, Norwich Union and Standard Chartered Bank. A chartered accountant by profession, Mr. MacKenzie was a partner in both the Melbourne and Hong Kong offices of an international accounting firm now part of Deloitte. In 2003 Mr. MacKenzie was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal for services to public administration. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Quantitative Methods) degree from the Swinburne University of Technology and has completed the Advanced Management Program at the University of Oxford and the Making Corporate Boards More Effective Course at the Harvard Business School. He is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He is the chairman of our audit committee.

Mr. Thomas Jefferson Wu has served as our independent director since our Nasdaq listing. Mr. Wu has been the managing director of Hopewell Holdings Ltd., a Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed business conglomerate, since October 2009 . He has served in various roles with the Hopewell Holdings group since 1999, including group controller, executive director, chief operating officer, deputy managing director and was the co-managing director from July 2007 to September 2009. He is also the managing director of Hopewell Highway Infrastructure Limited. He is a member of the Huadu District Committee and Standing Committee of The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a member of the Advisory Committee of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, a member of Pan-Pearl River Delta Panel of the Central Policy Unit, Hong Kong SAR Government, and a member of the China Trade Advisory Committee of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, a member of the Hong Kong SAR Government Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electric Vehicles, a council member of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, a member of the Court of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, a member of the board of directors of The Community Chest of Hong Kong and The Hong Kong Sports Institute Limited. He also acts as the honorary consultant of the Institute of Accountants Exchange, honorary president of the Association of Property Agents and Realty Developers of Macau, vice chairman of The Chamber of Hong Kong Listed Companies and vice chairman of the Chinese Ice Hockey Association. He holds an MBA from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University. He is the chairman of our compensation committee, a member of our audit committee and a member of our nominating and corporate governance committee.

Mr. Alec Tsui has served as our independent director since our Nasdaq listing. Mr. Tsui has extensive experience in finance and administration, corporate and strategic planning, information technology and human resources management, having served at various international companies. He held key positions at the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong prior to joining the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1994 as an executive director of the finance and operations services division and becoming the chief executive in 1997. He was the chairman of the Hong Kong Securities Institute from 2001 to 2004. He was an advisor and a council member of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange from July 2001 to June 2002. Mr. Tsui is currently the Chairman of WAG Worldsec Corporate Finance Limited and an independent non-executive director of a number of listed companies in Hong Kong, Nasdaq and Shanghai, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, China Chengtong Development Group Limited, a property development company, COSCO International Holdings Limited, a conglomerate engaging in various businesses including ship trading, property development and investment, China Power International Development Limited, Greentown China Holdings Limited, a developer of residential properties, China Blue Chemical Limited, a fertilizer manufacturer, China Hui Yuan Juice Group Limited, Pacific Online Ltd., ATA Inc., an online educational testing provider and China Oilfield Services Limited, an oilfield services provider . Mr. Tsui graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Engineering degree in industrial engineering. He completed a program for senior managers in government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He is the chairman of our nominating and corporate governance committee, a member of our audit committee and a member of our compensation committee.

Mr. Robert W. Mactier has served as our independent director since our Nasdaq listing in December 2006. Mr. Mactier is also the independent, non-executive Chairman of STW Communications Group Limited, a publicly listed Australian communications and advertising company and is a director of Aurora Community Television Limited. Since 1990 Mr. Mactier has held a variety of roles across the Australian investment banking and securities markets. He is currently a consultant to UBS Investment Bank in Australia. From March 1997 to January 2006, Mr. Mactier worked with Citigroup Pty Limited and its predecessor firms in Australia, and prior to this he worked with Ord Minnett Securities Limited from May 1990 to October 1994 and E.L.& C. Baillieu Limited from November 1994 to February 1997. During this time, he has gained broad advisory and capital markets transaction experience and specific industry expertise within the telecommunications, media, gaming, entertainment and technology sector and across the private equity sector. Prior to joining the investment banking industry, Mr. Mactier qualified as a chartered accountant, working with KPMG from January 1986 to April 1990 across their audit, management consulting and corporate finance practices. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney, Australia and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Mr. Mactier is a member of our compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

Executive Officers

Mr. Simon Dewhurst is our chief financial officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dewhurst was the head of Media & Entertainment Investment Banking at CLSA Asia Pacific Markets from May 2001 to November 2006. Before joining CLSA, Mr. Dewhurst spent six years as a senior executive at News Corporation based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining News Corporation, Mr. Dewhurst was an experienced senior in the Audit and Business Advisory Division at Arthur Andersen & Co. between May 1991 and June 1995. Mr. Dewhurst holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree from Reading University in the U.K. He qualified as an Associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales in 1994.

Ms. Stephanie Cheung is our executive vice president and chief legal officer. She also acts as the secretary to our board of directors. Prior to joining us, Ms. Cheung practised law with various international law firms including Troutman Sanders, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer and Baker & McKenzie. Ms. Cheung holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Ontario, Canada, and an MBA (finance) from York University, Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Nigel Dean is our executive vice president and chief internal audit officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Dean was general manager-corporate governance at Coles Myer Ltd, Australia’s second largest retailer, where he was responsible for the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and other corporate governance compliance programs. Other positions held at Coles Myer include the head of group internal audit for seven years and head of internal audit of the Supermarkets Division for four years. Previous experience in external and internal audit includes positions with Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co (now KPMG), Ford Asia-Pacific, CRA (now RioTinto) and Elders IXL Group. Mr. Dean is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of CPA’s and a Certified Internal Auditor. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Deakin University, a Diploma of Business Studies (accounting) from Swinburne College and an MBA from Monash University.

Ms. Akiko Takahashi is our executive vice president and chief officer, human resources/corporate social responsibility. Ms. Takahashi served as our group human resources director since December 2006. Prior to joining us, she was the global group director, human resources for Shangri-la Hotels and Resorts, an international luxury hotel group with over 24,000 employees, headquartered in Hong Kong. Between 1993 and 1995, she was senior vice president, human resources and services for Bank of America, Hawaii, FSB, where her last assignment was to lead the human resources integration for the largest international hotel joint venture in Japan. She began her career in the fashion retail industry in merchandising, operations and was VP Human Resources for a major retail group owned by Charles Feeney, founder of Duty Free Shoppers. Ms. Takahashi attended the University of Hawaii.

Mr. Richard Tsiang is our executive vice president and chief development officer. Mr. Tsiang joined us from MGM Grand in Macau, where he was the group chief financial officer. Prior to MGM, he was senior vice president and managing director, Asia-Pacific for Cendant Corporation, and chief financial officer, head of strategy, Asia for Yahoo! Mr. Tsiang has a bachelor of commerce and an MBA from the University of Melbourne. He is a chartered accountant having qualified while at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Australia.

Mr. Greg Hawkins has served as our president of City of Dreams since May 2008. Prior to that he acted as the chief executive officer of Altira Macau from January 2006. Prior to joining us, he was general manager for gaming at SKYCITY Entertainment Group, or Skycity, a diversified gaming and entertainment enterprise listed in Australia and New Zealand. At Skycity, he managed the gaming operations and strategies across multiple casino businesses in New Zealand. He also served as a director of Skycity Australia during the period between 2001 and 2004, overseeing the operations of the Skycity’s casino in Adelaide, Australia, as well as gaming machine and food and beverage businesses of Skycity in Auckland, New Zealand from 1998 to 2001. Before joining Skycity, he was with Crown Melbourne Limited beginning in 1994 as an initial member of the executive team that launched the Crown Casino Melbourne, and held senior management positions with the Victoria TAB gaming division during the period between 1990 and 1994. Mr. Hawkins graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in applied science, majoring in mathematics and general science from Monash University.

Mr. Ted (Yin Tat) Chan has served as president of Altira Macau since November 2008. Mr. Chan was the chief executive officer of Amax Entertainment Holdings Limited from December 2007 until November 2008. Prior to joining Amax, Mr. Chan worked with our chief executive officer on special projects from September 2007 to November 2007 and was the general manager of Mocha Clubs from 2004 to 2007. From June 2002 to November 2006, Mr. Chan was the assistant to Mr. Lawrence Ho at Melco, and he was involved in the overall strategic development and management of the company. Mr. Chan served as a director of development at First Shanghai Financial Holding Limited from 1998 to May 2002, specializing in internet trading solutions and China business development. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and with a master’s degree in financial management from the University of London, the United Kingdom.

Ms. Constance (Ching Hui) Hsu is our president of Mocha Clubs. Ms. Hsu has worked for Mocha Clubs since September 2003. She was Mocha’s former financial controller and more recently the chief administrative officer overseeing finance, treasury, audit, legal compliance, procurement and administration and human resources functions. Ms Hsu obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration with major in accounting in the United States and an MBA (with concentration on financial services) from University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong. Ms Hsu is qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Washington, United States; a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; and an associate member of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

B. COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

In addition to the equity awards granted as described below, we paid aggregate remuneration of approximately US$5.3 million to all the directors and senior executive officers of our Company as a group in relation to the year ended December 31, 2009.

Pursuant to our 2006 Share Incentive Plan (See “—E. Share Ownership—2006 Share Incentive Plan”), we may grant either restricted shares or options to purchase our ordinary shares. In 2009, we issued options to acquire 4,003,062 of our ordinary shares pursuant to our 2006 Share Incentive Plan to the directors and senior executive officers of our Company with exercise prices of US$1.09 per share (US$3.26 per ADS) and 3,337,770 restricted shares with grant date fair value ranging from US$1.01 to US$1.09 per share (US$3.03 to US$3.26 per ADS). The options expire ten years after the date of grant. In 2009, options to acquire 180,507 of our ordinary shares and 34,497 restricted shares held by the directors and senior executive officers were forfeited. In 2009, the Company cancelled certain options granted in 2007 and 2008 to acquire 3,864,509 of our ordinary shares held by senior executive officers. The exercise price of these options ranged from US$4.01 to US$5.06 per share (US$12.04 to US$15.19 per ADS). These cancelled options were re-issued at a ratio of 1.5 cancelled options to 1 re-issued option at the exercise price of US$1.43 per share (US$4.28 per ADS).

C. BOARD PRACTICES

Composition of Board of Directors

Our board of directors consists of ten directors, including three directors nominated by each of Melco and Crown and four independent directors. Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(c) generally requires that a majority of an issuer’s board of directors must consist of independent directors, but provides for certain phase-in periods under Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(a)(5). However, Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350(a)(1) permits foreign private issuers like us to follow “home country practice” in certain corporate governance matters. Walkers, our Cayman Islands counsel, has provided a letter to the Nasdaq certifying that under Cayman Islands law, we are not required to have a majority of independent directors serving on our board of directors. We rely on this “home country practice” exception and do not have a majority of independent directors serving on our board of directors.

Duties of Directors

Under Cayman Islands law, our directors have a fiduciary duty to act honestly, in good faith and with a view to our best interests. Our directors also have a duty to exercise the skill they actually possess and such care and diligence that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. In fulfilling their duty of care to us, our directors must ensure compliance with our memorandum and articles of association, as amended and restated from time to time. A shareholder has the right to seek damages if a duty owed by our directors is breached.

The functions and powers of our board of directors include, among others:

	•		convening shareholders’ annual general meetings and reporting its work to shareholders at such meetings;
	•		declaring dividends and distributions;
	•		appointing officers and determining the term of office of officers;
	•		exercising the borrowing powers of our company and mortgaging the property of our company; and
	•		approving the transfer of shares of our company, including the registering of such shares in our share register.

On March 18, 2008, our board of directors adopted corporate governance guidelines with the intention of strengthening our corporate governance practice.

Terms of Directors and Executive Officers

Our officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the board of directors. Our directors are not subject to a term of office and hold office until such time as they are removed from office by special resolution or the unanimous written resolution of all shareholders. A director will be removed from office automatically if, among other things, the director (i) becomes bankrupt or makes any arrangement or composition with his creditors; or (ii) dies or is found by our company to be or becomes of unsound mind.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our board of directors established an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee in December 2006.

Audit Committee

Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Thomas Jefferson Wu, Alec Tsui and James MacKenzie, and is chaired by Mr. MacKenzie. All of them satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq corporate governance rules. We believe that Mr. MacKenzie qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert”. The charter of the audit committee was adopted by our board on November 28, 2006. It was amended and restated on several occasions, with the last amendment on November 25, 2009 to provide the audit committee members with clearer guidance to enable them to carry out their functions with regards to oversight of the independent auditors and internal audit. The purpose of the committee is to assist our board in overseeing and monitoring:

	•		the integrity of the financial statements of our company;
	•		the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors;
	•		the performance of our independent auditors;
	•		the integrity of our systems of internal accounting and financial controls;
	•		legal and regulatory issues relating to the financial statements of our company, including the oversight of the independent auditor, the review of the financial statements and related material, the internal audit process and the procedure for receiving complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, auditing or other related matters;
	•		the disclosure, in accordance with our relevant policies, of any material information regarding the quality or integrity of our financial statements, which is brought to its attention by our disclosure committee, which we expect to set up and will comprise certain members of our senior management; and
	•		the integrity and effectiveness of our internal audit function and risk management policies, procedures and practices.

The duties of the audit committee include:

	•		considering a tendering process for the appointment of the independent auditor every five years, selecting our independent auditors and pre-approving all auditing and non-auditing services permitted to be performed by our independent auditors;
	•		at least annually, obtaining a written report from our independent auditor describing matters relating to its independence, undertaking a performance evaluation of the independent auditor on an annual basis and reporting the results of such evaluation to the Chief Executive Officer;

	•		discussing with our independent auditor, among other things, issues regarding accounting and auditing principles and practices and the management’s internal control report;
	•		approving related-party transactions, amounting to more than US$256,000 per transaction or series of transactions, or of an unusual or non standard nature which are brought to its attention;
	•		Establishing and overseeing procedures for the handling of complaints and whistle blowing;
	•		deciding whether any material information regarding the quality or integrity of the Company’s financial statements, which is brought to its attention by our disclosure committee, should be disclosed;
	•		approving the internal audit charter and annual audit plans;
	•		assessing and approving any policies and procedures to identify, accept, mitigate, allocate or otherwise manage various types of risks presented by management, and making recommendations with respect to our risk management process;
	•		together with our board, evaluating the performance of the audit committee;
	•		assessing the adequacy of its charter; and
	•		Cooperating with the other board committees in any areas of overlapping responsibilities.

Compensation Committee

Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Thomas Jefferson Wu, Alec Tsui and Robert Mactier, and is chaired by Mr. Wu. All of them satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq corporate governance rules. The charter of the compensation committee was adopted by our board on November 28, 2006. It was amended and restated on several occasions with the latest amendment on December 16, 2008 to clarify the purpose, duties and powers of the compensation committee and to provide the compensation committee members with clearer guidance to enable them to carry out their functions.

The purpose of the compensation committee is to discharge the responsibilities of the board relating to compensation of our executives, including by designing (in consultation with management and our board), recommending to our board for approval, and evaluating the compensation plans, policies and programs of our company.

Members of the compensation committee are not prohibited from direct involvement in determining their own compensation. Our chief executive officer may not be present at any compensation committee meeting during which his compensation is deliberated.

The duties of the compensation committee include:

	•		in consultation with senior management, making recommendations on our general compensation philosophy and overseeing the development and implementation of our compensation programs;
	•		making recommendation to the board with respect to the compensation packages of our directors and approving the compensation package of our senior executive officers, including the chief executive officer;
	•		overseeing our regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters;
	•		together with the board, evaluating the performance of the compensation committee;
	•		assessing the adequacy of its charter; and
	•		cooperating with the other board committees in any areas of overlapping responsibilities.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

Our nominating and corporate governance committee consists of Messrs. Thomas Jefferson Wu, Alec Tsui and Robert Mactier, and is chaired by Mr. Tsui. All of them satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules. The charter of the nominating and corporate governance committee was adopted by our board on November 28, 2006. It was amended and restated on several occasions, with the latest on December 16, 2008 to clarify the purpose, duties and powers of the nominating and corporate governance committee and to provide the nominating and corporate governance committee members with clearer guidance to enable them to carry out their functions.

The purpose of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to assist our board in discharging its responsibilities regarding:

	•		the identification of qualified candidates to become members and chairs of the board committees and to fill any such vacancies;
	•		oversight of our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, in particular the legal and regulatory requirements of the Macau SAR (including the relevant laws related to the gaming industry), of the Cayman Islands, of the SEC and of the Nasdaq;
	•		the development and recommendation to our board of a set of corporate governance principles applicable to our company; and
	•		the disclosure, in accordance with our relevant policies, of any material information (other than that regarding the quality or integrity of our financial statements), which is brought to its attention by the disclosure committee.

The duties of the committee include:

	•		identifying and recommending to the board nominees for election or re-election to the board committees, or for appointment to fill any such vacancy;
	•		Developing a set of corporate governance principles and reviewing such principles at least annually;
	•		deciding whether any material information (other than that regarding the quality or integrity of our financial statements), which is brought to its attention by the disclosure committee, should be disclosed;
	•		together with the board, evaluating the performance of the committee;
	•		assessing the adequacy of its charter; and
	•		Cooperating with the other board committees in any areas of overlapping responsibilities.

Interested Transactions

A director may vote in respect of any contract or transaction in which he or she is interested, provided that the nature of the interest of any directors in such contract or transaction is disclosed by him or her at or prior to its consideration and any vote in that matter.

Remuneration and Borrowing

The directors may determine remuneration to be paid to the directors. The compensation committee assists the directors in reviewing and approving the compensation structure for the directors. The directors may exercise all the powers of the company to borrow money and to mortgage or charge its undertaking, property and uncalled capital, and to issue debentures or other securities whether outright or as security for any debt obligations of our company or of any third party.

Qualification

There is no shareholding qualification for directors.

Benefits Upon Termination

Our directors are not currently entitled to benefits when they cease to be directors.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into an employment agreement with each of our executive officers. The terms of the employment agreements are substantially similar for each executive officer, except as noted below. We may terminate an executive officer’s employment for cause, at any time, without notice or remuneration, for certain acts of the officer, including, but not limited to, a serious criminal act, willful misconduct to our detriment or a failure to perform agreed duties. Furthermore, either we or an executive officer may terminate employment at any time without cause upon advance written notice to the other party. Except in the case of Mr. Lawrence Ho, upon notice to terminate employment from either the executive officer or our company, our company may limit the executive officer’s services for a period until the termination of employment. Each executive officer is entitled to unpaid compensation upon termination due to disability or death. We will indemnify an executive officer for his or her losses based on or related to his or her acts and decisions made in the course of his or her performance of duties within the scope of his or her employment.

Each executive officer has agreed to hold, both during and after the termination of his or her employment agreement, in strict confidence and not to use, except as required in the performance of his or her duties in connection with the employment or as compelled by law, any of our or our customers’ confidential information or trade secrets. Each executive officer also agrees to comply with all material applicable laws and regulations related to his or her responsibilities at our company as well as all material written corporate and business policies and procedures of our company.

Each executive officer is prohibited from gambling at any of our company’s facilities during the term of his or her employment and six months following the termination of such employment agreement.

Each executive officer has agreed to be bound by non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during the term of his or her employment and six months following the termination of such employment agreement. Specifically, each executive officer has agreed not to (i) assume employment with or provide services as a director for any of our competitors who operate in a restricted area; (ii) solicit or seek any business orders from our customers; or (iii) seek directly or indirectly, to solicit the services of any of our employees. The restricted area is defined as Asia or Australasia or any other country or region in which our company operates.

D. EMPLOYEES

Employees

We had 9,631, 4,803, and 4,928 employees as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The following table sets forth the number of employees categorized by the areas of operations and as a percentage of our workforce as of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

		December 31,
		2009								2008								2007
		Number of				Percentage				Number of				Percentage				Number of				Percentage
		Employees				of Total				Employees				of Total				Employees				of Total
Mocha			757				7.8	%			615				12.8	%			545				11.1	%
Altira Macau			2,753				28.6				3,540				73.7				4,201				85.2
City of Dreams			5,718				59.4				317				6.6				83				1.7
Corporate and centralized services			403				4.2				331				6.9				99				2.0
Total			9,631				100	%			4,803				100	%			4,928				100	%

None of our employees are members of any labor union and we are not party to any collective bargaining or similar agreement with our employees. We believe that our relationship with our employees is good. We recruited a significant number of employees in 2009 to cater for the opening of City of Dreams in June 2009 for which we developed human resources outreach programs in Macau and hosted several recruitment events in cities throughout China. See “Item 2d. Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Operation of Our Properties—We have recruited a substantial number of new employees for each of our properties and competition may limit our ability to attract or retain suitably qualified management and personnel.”

We have implemented a number of human resource initiatives over recent years for the benefit of our employees and their families. These initiatives include unique in-house learning academy, an on-site high school diploma program, scholarship awards, corporate management trainee programs as well as fast track promotion training initiatives jointly coordinated with the School of Continuing Study of Macau University of Science & Technology and Macao Technology Committee.

E. SHARE OWNERSHIP

Except as disclosed in Item 7 below, each director and member of senior management individually owns less than 1% of our outstanding ordinary shares.

2006 Share Incentive Plan

We have adopted a share incentive plan, or 2006 Plan, to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, provide additional incentives to employees, directors and consultants and to promote the success of our business. Under the 2006 Plan, the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to all awards (including shares issuable upon exercise of options) is 100,000,000 over ten years. Our Board has recently approved the removal of the maximum award amount of 50,000,000 shares over the first five years. The removal of such maximum limit for the first five years was approved by our shareholders at our general meeting held in May 2009. As of December 31, 2009, 62,964,552 out of 100,000,000 shares remain available for the grant of stock options or restricted shares.

The following paragraphs describe the principal terms included in our 2006 plan.

Types of Awards. The awards we may grant under our 2006 plan include:

	•		options to purchase our ordinary shares; and
	•		restricted shares.

Plan Administration. The compensation committee will administer the plan and will determine the provisions and terms and conditions of each award grant.

Award Agreement. Awards granted will be evidenced by an award agreement that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each award.

Eligibility. We may grant awards to employees, directors and consultants of our company or any of our related entities, including Melco, Crown, other joint venture entities of Melco or Crown, our own subsidiaries or any entities in which we hold a substantial ownership interest. However, we may grant options that are intended to qualify as incentive share options only to our employees.

Exercise Price and Term of Awards. In general, the plan administrator will determine the exercise price of an option and set forth the price in the award agreement. The exercise price may be a fixed or variable price related to the fair market value of our common shares. If we grant an incentive share option to an employee who, at the time of that grant, owns shares representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of our share capital, the exercise price cannot be less than 110% of the fair market value of our common shares on the date of that grant.

The term of each award shall be stated in the award agreement. The term of an award shall not exceed ten years from the date of the grant.

Vesting Schedule. In general, the plan administrator determines, or the award agreement will specify, the vesting schedule.

A summary of the awards pursuant to the 2006 Plan as of December 31, 2009, is presented below:

				Number of
		Exercise		unvested
		price/grant date		share options
		fair value per		/ restricted				Vesting
		ADS		shares				Period
Share Options
2007 Long Term Incentive Plan		$14.15–$15.19			335,181			4 to 5 years
2008 Long Term Incentive Plan		$12.04–$14.08			373,101			4 years
2008 Retention Program		$3.04			13,002,339			3 years
2009 Cancel and Re-issue Program		$4.28			3,612,327			4 years
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan		$3.04–$3.26			4,654,500			4 years
					21,977,448
Restricted Shares
2008 Long Term Incentive Plan		$3.99–$12.04			434,794			3 to 4 years
2008 Retention Program		$3.04			2,167,059			3 years
2009 Long Term Incentive Plan		$3.26			644,178			4 years
					3,246,031

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our ordinary shares (exclusive of any ordinary shares represented by ADSs held by the SPV) as of December 31, 2009 by all persons who are known to us to be the beneficial owners of 5% or more of our share capital.

		Ordinary shares beneficially
		owned (1)
Name		Number				%
Melco Leisure and Entertainment Group Limited (2)(3)(4)			533,750,000				33.45
Crown Asia Investments Pty. Ltd. (5)			533,750,000				33.45

As of December 31, 2009 a total of 1,595,617,550 ordinary shares were outstanding, of which 528,112,273 ordinary shares were registered in the name of a nominee of Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, the depositary under the deposit agreement. We have no further information as to shares held, or beneficially owned, by U.S. persons. Since the completion of our initial public offering in December 2006, all ordinary shares underlying the ADSs quoted initially on the Nasdaq Global Market and since January 2009 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market have been held in Hong Kong by the custodian, Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, on behalf of the depositary. In October 2007, we appointed BOCI Securities Limited to assist us in the administration of our long term incentive plan.

None of our shareholders will have different voting rights from other shareholders after the filing of this annual report. We are not aware of any arrangement that may, at a subsequent date, result in a change of control of our company.

Melco Crown Joint Venture

In November 2004, Melco and PBL agreed to form an exclusive new joint venture in Asia to develop and operate casino, gaming machines and casino hotel businesses and properties in a territory defined to include Greater China (comprising Macau, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan), Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and other countries that may be agreed (but not including Australia and New Zealand).

In March 2005, Melco and PBL concluded the joint venture arrangements resulting in our company becoming a 50/50 owned holding company and entered into a shareholders’ deed that governed their joint venture relationship in our company and our subsidiaries. Subsequently, Crown acquired all the gaming businesses and investments of PBL, including PBL’s investment in our company. We act as the exclusive vehicle of Melco and Crown to carry on casino, gaming machines and casino hotel operations in Macau, while activities in other parts of the territory will be carried out under other entities formed by Crown and Melco.

Original and Amended Shareholders’ Deed

Under the original shareholders’ deed, projects and activities of the joint venture in Greater China were to be undertaken by MPEL (Greater China), which is effectively owned 60% by Melco and 40% by PBL, with projects in the Territory outside Greater China to be undertaken by one or more other of our subsidiaries which are effectively owned 60% by PBL and 40% by Melco.

Memorandum of Agreement

Simultaneously with PBL entering into an agreement with Wynn Macau to obtain a subconcession on March 4, 2006, Melco and PBL executed a memorandum of agreement on March 5, 2006, relating to the amendment of certain provisions of the shareholders’ deed and other commercial agreements between Melco and PBL in connection with their joint venture. Melco and PBL supplemented the memorandum of agreement by entering into a supplemental agreement to the memorandum of agreement on May 26, 2006. Under the memorandum of agreement, as amended, Melco and PBL agreed in principle to share on a 50/50 basis the risks, liabilities, commitments, capital contributions and economic value and benefits with respect to gaming projects in the Territory, including in Macau, subject to PBL obtaining the subconcession and the transfer of control of Melco Crown Gaming to us. The principal terms and conditions of the shareholders’ deed, as amended by the memorandum of agreement and the supplemental agreement to the memorandum of agreement, are:

	•		Melco and PBL are to share on a 50/50 basis all the economic value and benefits with respect to all gaming projects in the Territory;
	•		Melco and PBL are to appoint an equal number of members to our board of directors, with no casting vote in the event of a deadlock or other deadlock resolution provisions;
	•		All of the class A shares of Melco Crown Gaming, representing 28% of all the outstanding capital stock of Melco Crown Gaming, are to be owned by PBL Asia Limited (as to 18%) and the Managing Director of Melco Crown Gaming (as to 10%), respectively. Mr. Lawrence Ho has been appointed to serve as the Managing Director of Melco Crown Gaming. The holders of the class A shares, as a class, will have the right to one vote per share, receive an aggregate annual dividend of MOP 1 and return of capital of an aggregate amount of MOP 1 on a wind up or liquidation, but will have no right to participate in the winding up or liquidation assets;
	•		All of the class B shares of Melco Crown Gaming, representing 72% of all the outstanding capital stock of Melco Crown Gaming are to be owned by MPEL Investments, our wholly owned subsidiary. As the holder of class B shares, we will have the right to one vote per share, receive the remaining distributable profits of Melco Crown Gaming after payment of dividends on the class A shares, to return of capital after payment on the class A shares on a winding up or liquidation of Melco Crown Gaming, and to participate in the winding up and liquidation assets of Melco Crown Gaming;

	•		The shares of Altira Developments and Melco Crown (COD) Developments and the operating assets of Mocha would be transferred to Melco Crown Gaming;
	•		MPEL (Greater China) and Mocha are to be liquidated or remain dormant; and
	•		The provisions of the shareholders’ deed relating to the operation of our company are to apply to Melco Crown Gaming.

Shareholders’ Deed

Melco and PBL entered into a shareholders’ deed post our initial offering which was effective in December 2006. In connection with the acquisition of the gaming businesses and investments of PBL by Crown, Melco and Crown have entered into a new variation to the shareholders’ deed with us, which became effective in July 2007. The new shareholders’ deed includes the following principal terms:

Exclusivity. Melco and Crown must not (and must ensure that their respective Affiliates and major shareholders do not), other than through us, directly or indirectly own, operate or manage a casino, a gaming slots business or a casino hotel, or acquire or hold an interest in an entity that owns, operates or manages such businesses in Macau, except that Melco and Crown may acquire and hold up to 5% of the voting securities in a public company engaged in such businesses.

Directors. Melco and Crown may each nominate up to three directors and shall vote in favor of the three directors nominated by the other and will not vote to remove directors nominated by the other. Melco and Crown will procure that the number of directors appointed to our board shall not be less than ten. However, if the number of directors on our board is increased, each of Melco and Crown will agree to increase the number of directors that they will nominate so that not less than 60% of our board will be directors nominated by Melco and Crown and voted in favor of by the other.

Transfer of Shares. Without the approval of the other party, Melco and Crown may not create any security interest or agree to create any security interest in our shares. In addition, without approval from the other, Melco and Crown may not transfer or otherwise dispose of our shares, except for: (1) permitted transfers to their wholly owned subsidiaries; (2) transfers of up to 1% of our issued and outstanding shares over any three month period up to a total cap of 5% of our issued and outstanding shares; (3) transfers subject to customary rights of first refusal and tag-along rights in favor of Crown or Melco (as the case may be) with respect to their transfers of our shares; and (4) in the case of Melco, the assured entitlement distribution by Melco to its shareholders of the assured entitlement ADSs.

Events of Default. If there is an event of default, which is defined as a material breach of the shareholders’ deed, an insolvency event of Melco or Crown or their subsidiaries which hold our shares, or a change in control of the Melco or Crown subsidiaries which hold our shares, and it is not cured within the prescribed time period, then the non-defaulting shareholder may exercise: (1) a call option to purchase our shares owned by the defaulting shareholder at a purchase price equal to 90% of the fair market value of the shares; or (2) a put option to sell all of the shares it owns in us to the defaulting shareholder at a purchase price equal to 110% of the fair market value of the shares.

Notice from a Regulatory Authority. If a regulatory authority directs either Melco or Crown to end its relationship with the other, or makes a decision that would have a material adverse effect on its rights or benefits in us, then Melco and Crown may serve a notice of proposed sale to the other and, if the other shareholder does not want to purchase those shares, may sell the shares to a third party.

Term. The shareholders’ deed will continue unless agreed in writing by all of the parties or if a shareholder ceases to hold any of our shares in accordance with the shareholders’ deed.

See “Item 4. Information on the Company—C. Organization Structure” for our current corporate structure.