Macau Chief Executive says China will support the city

The announcement of an amendment to China’s criminal law that would criminalise the promotion of gambling overseas has caused concerns.

Macau.- Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng has avoided responding to concerns about new amendments to China’s criminal law, which would criminalise the promotion of gambling “overseas” to mainland Chinese residents.

Local media asked the chief executive about the possible negative impact the changes could have on Macau’s casinos.

He declined to comment on the subject but said China’s central government would continue to be “very supportive” of the city. He said he would “not make a judgment” on China’s new legislation, noting it was still “under discussion” by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.

Wilfred Wong Ying Wai, president of casino operator Sands China, has said he does not expect the amendment of China’s criminal law to have any “bigger impact” than the effect already seen from tightened controls over capital flows.

He said: “Now China has been strengthening the control over capital flow, and the impact of that has already been reflected [on Macau’s gaming revenue trend]. There should not be any bigger impact from the new… legislation [on the mainland] … on the gaming revenue trend here.”