Calls for Macau regulator to clarify legal status of sub-agents

The role of the sub-agents is similar to their partnering junkets but they are not currently licensed by the Macau gaming regulator.

Macau.- Gaming academic Ryan Ho Hong Wai has called on Macau’s gaming regulator to present a “clear legal definition” to clarify the role of sub-agents.

Sub-agents, or “gaming collaborators”, are not currently licensed by the Macau gaming regulator. As such, Ryan Ho Hong Wai says there is a lack of legal clarity regarding their occupational status and tax liability.

Sub-agents are mostly individuals from mainland China who work with licensed VIP gambling promoters to help organise bringing players from mainland China or elsewhere to gamble in Macau.

This year Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) reported that there were 85 junkets authorised to operate in the Special Administrative Region (SAR). Authorities have confirmed they were willing to introduce changes to regulations applicable to junkets.

Ryan Ho Hong Wai said: “The city’s VIP gaming room system has never received any formal recognition under Macau’s existing gaming legal framework and that regulatory issue should be resolved.”