Macau could revoke gambling licences for national security interests
According to Macau’s gaming law amendment bill, the chief executive has the right to terminate a gambling licence without judicial procedures if a casino operator breaches national security.
Macau.- New details on the final draft of Macau’s gaming law amendment bill have surfaced revealing that the bill would allow the chief executive to end a casino operator’s contract for reasons such as threats to national or city security, public interest or a breach of contractual obligations.
The chief executive’s decision would be subject to analysis by the Macao Gaming Committee. The casino operator would have the right to appeal the decision.
Chan Chak Mo, president of the second standing committee of the Legislative Assembly, stressed that the decision to rescind a gambling licence would be under administrative scope, so a clearer definition is not needed, as it is not a judicial decision. He added that all of Macau’s six gaming concessions support the bill.
He said threats to national security won’t be covered by criminal law as procedures could take up to 10 years to be settled, almost as long as the concession lasts.
The new gaming law bill was approved at first reading by Macau’s Legislative Council and is expected to get a final reading by June. It will allow up to six gaming concessions with a length of 10 years with the possibility of a 3-year extension.
Lei Wai Nong, Macau’s secretary for economy and finance, has confirmed that the territory’s current casino licences will be extended until December 31.
