Alive Risk Names Scott Carroll Underwriting Director for Entertainment Programs

Alive Risk, a managing general underwriter of Ryan Specialty Underwriting Managers, has appointed Scott Carroll as underwriting director of entertainment programs. Carroll has over four decades of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in entertainment-related risks. His appointment strengthens Alive Risk's Entertainment team, which provides coverage for music, touring, live events, film and media productions, and production support services.

EPSIUM (NASDAQ: EPSM), a prominent player in Macau's premium alcoholic beverage market, has recently expanded its operations into the entertainment sector. This strategic move is part of the company's broader pivot towards high-growth markets, driven by cross-industry synergies and government-backed economic diversification. The partnership with Era Future, a leading event production and film company, aims to boost premium beverage sales through high-profile events, aligning with Macau's "1+4" tourism-entertainment integration strategy [1].

The non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between EPSIUM and Era Future is designed to create a feedback loop where high-profile events attract visitors who then spend on premium beverages and gaming. This synergy is evident in the 19% surge in Macau's gross gaming revenue (GGR) during Jacky Cheung's "60-Plus" concert series in 2025, which saw premium player activity and average wagers increase significantly [1].

EPSIUM's entry into the entertainment sector is part of Macau's broader post-pandemic recovery, driven by a resurgence in large-scale events and government initiatives. The Macau government's "1+4" strategy explicitly promotes tourism-entertainment integration, making EPSIUM's pivot both timely and aligned with policy. The city's total GGR for the first half of 2025 reached MOP118.77 billion ($14.69 billion), a 4.4% year-on-year increase, underscoring the sector's resilience [1].

The partnership offers EPSIUM multiple revenue streams, including direct sales, brand visibility, and data-driven insights. By integrating with Era Future's event ecosystem, EPSIUM can tap into increased foot traffic at integrated resorts, co-branded promotions, and consumer behavior data. This strategy mirrors the broader "tourism +" model championed by the Macau government, which aims to diversify revenue bases and leverage Macau's growing creative economy [1].

While the strategic logic is compelling, investors must consider several risks. The MOU is non-binding, and definitive terms remain unannounced, which could impact timelines. Additionally, the market is competitive, with established players like Wynn and Sands. However, EPSIUM's niche in premium liquor offers differentiation, and the company's stock has shown volatility in line with Macau's economic cycles, rebounding 25% in 2025 [1].

In conclusion, EPSIUM's move into the entertainment sector represents a strategic bet on Macau's future. By leveraging cross-industry synergies and aligning with government-driven diversification, the company is positioning itself to thrive in a high-growth environment. For investors, this represents an opportunity to bet on Macau's transformation from a gaming-centric hub to a global entertainment destination. However, patience is key, as the partnership's success will depend on execution, regulatory clarity, and the continued strength of Macau's tourism sector.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/epsium-strategic-move-macau-entertainment-sector-leveraging-cross-industry-synergy-high-growth-expansion-2508/