Macau able to close casinos in event of emergency

A new framework for the city of Macau allows authorities to order the shutdown of all casinos in the event of an emergency.

Macau.- The new civil protection legal framework for the city of Macau makes clear that authorities will now be able to order the closure of casinos in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Macau’s chief executive will be able to suspend all operations if an emergency arises.

The law considers as an emergency any event that put lives at risk, causes severe economic or environmental damage, or threatens public security. That includes natural disasters such as typhoons and floods, but also accidents, public health incidents and social security incidents.

The new framework is part of a Macau’s civil protection system developed as a result of Typhoon Hato, which caused 10 deaths in the city and widespread damage in August 2017 with wind speeds of 200 kilometres per hour (124 mph).

In February this year, Macau’s chief executive Ho Iat Seng mandated a 14-day shutdown of all of the city’s gaming venues due to the rise of Covid-19 infection cases.

Despite Macau’s gaming law requiring casinos to open daily, operators can suspend activities in “exceptional” situations upon government approval.

With the new framework operators can also take the decision to shut venues in the event of a disaster but must inform the government about the suspension as soon as possible.