Interview with Marcus Lim, CEO of Vault Corporation

Jul 14, 2024

Interview with Marcus Lim, CEO of Vault Corporation

Introduction

  • Host: Tim Poole, Editor of Gaming Insider
  • Guest: Marcus Lim, CEO of Vault Corporation
  • Topics: Career, current projects, gaming industry insights

Early Career Background

  • First role in the gaming industry with Sands China in Macau
  • Previous ventures:
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Bakery business
    • Wakeboarding center
    • Defense construction with the Singaporean government
  • Transition to Sands China: Exciting opportunity, felt natural fit for gaming industry

Experience with Sands China and Crown

Sands China

  • Short stint of three months with Sands in Venetian Macau
  • Transitioned back to Singapore due to family (wife expecting first child)
  • Marina Bay Sands: Considered world-class property, high innovation with technology

Crown Resorts

  • Recruited by Crown: Took on role as head of Singapore branch office
  • Transition from $2-3 billion turnover to $200 million after Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World opened in Singapore
  • Focused on destination marketing to combat long-haul travel challenge
  • Strategically capitalized on unique Australian experiences to drive customer engagement
  • Successfully raised turnover back to $2.8 billion in three years
  • Emphasis on executive team efforts, innovative strategies, and proper sales training

Industry Insights

Regulatory Environment

  • Crown and Australian market undergoing regulatory scrutiny and compliance updates
  • Blackstone takeover of Crown, shifting focus towards compliance and regulations
  • Optimistic outlook for Australian market: Regulatory adjustments will stabilize the industry

Asian Gaming Landscape

  • Singapore: Strong gaming market with premium direct business model
  • Philippines: Rapid growth in gaming sector
  • Macau: Resilient market, despite challenges post-junket era
    • Hardware infrastructure is an advantage
    • Need for innovation and creativity to enhance customer experiences
    • Potential for revival with new models and compliance-focused partnerships

Current Ventures

Vault Corporation

  • Founded post-pandemic; addresses KYC, compliance, and transparency issues
  • Business model: Subscription-based with performance bonuses
  • Objectives: Provide robust sales and marketing solutions for casino operators
  • Future Outlook: Persistent efforts expected to yield significant contracts

Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

Book and Stories

  • Marcus Lim authored a book capturing experiences with high rollers and sales strategies
  • Key sales lesson: Balance customer desires with company interests, build trust and relationships

Conclusion

  • Marcus Lim's diverse experiences across different industries highlight adaptability and strategic thinking
  • Positive outlook for the future of his ventures and the gaming industry overall