Lawrence Ho runs one of Asia’s largest casino resort companies. As Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, he built a portfolio of award-winning integrated resorts across Macau, the Philippines, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka.
This profile covers his career, his biggest projects, and what his work means for US casino industry readers.
Quick Facts About Lawrence Ho
| Role | Chairman and CEO |
| Companies | Melco Resorts & Entertainment (Nasdaq: MLCO), Melco International Development (HKEx: 0200) |
| Led Melco International Since | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Macau, China |
| Family Background | Son of the late Macau gaming pioneer Stanley Ho |
| Known For | City of Dreams, Studio City, Morpheus |
Who Is Lawrence Ho
Lawrence Ho is the son of Stanley Ho, the businessman who helped shape Macau’s modern casino industry. Lawrence built his own career instead of stepping straight into the family business.
He started in investment banking. He worked at Jardine Fleming’s Asia Derivatives Group and at Citibank before moving into gaming and hospitality.
Ho took control of Melco International Development in 2001. He then founded Melco Resorts & Entertainment to build a new kind of integrated resort, one focused on entertainment, dining, and design as much as gaming.
How Lawrence Ho Built Melco Resorts
Ho grew Melco Resorts & Entertainment step by step over two decades. Each new property added a different market or a different kind of guest experience.
| Year | Milestone |
| 2006 | Melco Crown lists on the Nasdaq stock exchange |
| 2007 | Altira Macau opens as the company’s first casino resort |
| 2009 | City of Dreams Macau opens as the flagship integrated resort |
| 2015 | City of Dreams Manila and Studio City Macau both open |
| 2018 | Morpheus opens at City of Dreams, designed by architect Zaha Hadid |
| 2023 | City of Dreams Mediterranean opens in Cyprus, Europe’s first and largest integrated resort |
| 2025 | City of Dreams Sri Lanka opens as the first integrated resort in South Asia |
Melco also runs Mocha Clubs, a chain of slot lounges spread across Macau.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Ho has picked up top honors across Asia’s business and gaming sectors for two decades.
- Asia’s Best CEO, Asian Excellence Awards (2018) and Corporate Governance Asia (2016)
- Asia’s Best Corporate Board Award, Asian Corporate Director Recognition Awards (2017)
- Medal of Merit-Tourism, Macau SAR government (2017), for contributions to Macau tourism
- Leadership Gold Award, Business Awards of Macau (2015)
- Best CEOs in Hong Kong, Finance Asia, a five-time honoree through 2014
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards (2009)
- 100 Most Influential People Across Asia Pacific, Asiamoney
Melco itself also holds a notable industry distinction. In 2017, the Cyprus government awarded Melco the country’s first and only casino license, with 15 years of exclusivity.
Board Roles and Public Service
Beyond Melco, Ho holds seats and titles that connect him to wider business and civic circles.
- Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
- Advisory committee member, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce
- Honorary Lifetime Member, Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong
- Chairman, Maple Peak Investments (Canada)
- Board member, The Community Chest of Hong Kong
What This Means for US Readers
Melco does not run land based casinos in the United States. Still, US readers who follow the casino industry have good reason to know Ho’s name.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker MLCO. That makes it one of the more accessible ways for US investors to get exposure to Asia’s casino resort market.
Ho’s approach also shapes wider industry trends. His resorts lean on entertainment, design, and brand experience rather than gaming alone, a shift many US operators are following too.
FAQ
What company does Lawrence Ho run?
Lawrence Ho is Chairman and CEO of Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Melco International Development. He leads strategy and operations across both companies.
Is Lawrence Ho related to Stanley Ho?
Yes. Lawrence Ho is the son of Stanley Ho, the late Macau casino pioneer known as the King of Gambling. Lawrence built his own separate career in the industry.
What casino resorts has Lawrence Ho built?
Ho’s portfolio includes Altira Macau, City of Dreams Macau, City of Dreams Manila, Studio City Macau, Morpheus, City of Dreams Mediterranean in Cyprus, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka.
Where is Melco Resorts & Entertainment headquartered?
Melco Resorts & Entertainment is headquartered in Macau, China, with resorts across Asia, Europe, and South Asia.
Does Melco operate casinos in the United States?
No. Melco focuses on integrated resorts in Macau, the Philippines, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka. Its stock trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker MLCO, giving US investors a way to follow the company.