359 attended Macau’s gaming law consultation sessions

Between September 15 and October 29, 359 people attended the public consultation sessions on gaming laws.

Macau.- A week after the last public consultation session on gaming law, Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has reported that 359 people attended the series of meetings. The sessions were held on October 22, 23, 24 and 25, later than planned due to local Covid-19 cases and Typhoon Kompasu.

Macau Business said the meetings were attended by representatives from gaming and junket operators, gaming sector workers, representatives of the social services sector, the legal sector, the education sector, associations and private citizens.

Attendees expressed concerns about the number and duration of future gaming concessions and proposed controls on dividend distribution. A Macau law firm  questioned that proposal, arguing that “there is no legal framework to justify any intervention by the Macau authorities in the distribution of dividends from private companies.”

Questions about a possible end to the current sub-concession system that led to the creation of three additional Macau casino licences also arose during the sessions.

Lei Wai Nong, Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, had said: “We don’t want to encourage any more sub-concession arrangements, because we want to ensure stability in our gaming concession system…they… should not expand endlessly.”

Macau’s current casino licences are due to expire in June 2022. However, the city’s gaming laws state that licences can be extended for up to five years from the original 20-year term. Now there will be 180 days to write the final report, after which a draft will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly for additional conversation. 

Junkets request details on Macau’s proposed new gaming laws

Kwok Chi Chung, president of the Macau Association of Gaming and Entertainment Promoters, has asked the government for more clarity.

Kwok said he has doubts about the proposals regarding the VIP junket segment and said junkets need clarity on what constitutes an illegal deposit. According to the proposal, people convicted of making illegal deposits will face up to five years in prison. 

In September, Ben Lee, managing partner of iGamiX Management & Consulting, said Macau could lose 80 per cent of its premium mass business due to the proposed changes. He’s opposed to the proposal to have elected “delegates” on Macau’s gaming concessions – a move designed to introduce greater checks on the activity of the gaming firms.