Macau gaming labour groups express concerns about satellite casinos

Affiliates of the Macau Federation of Trade Unions expressed fears potential job losses if proposed changes for satellite casinos go ahead.

Macau.- A group of gaming workers affiliated with the Macau Federation of Trade Unions has sent a letter to the Legislative Assembly committee that’ analysing the final draft of Macau’s gaming law amendment bill to expressing concerns about the future of the satellite casinos.

Macau’s proposed new regulatory regime will require any casinos operating in the city to be established on assets owned by gaming operators. Labour groups say this may cause some satellite casino owners may withdraw from the market, leading to job losses at satellite yards.

There are currently 18 satellite casinos in Macau operating under licences attached to one of the six casino concessionaires but run by third parties in individually owned premises.

Legislator Chan Chak Mo has recently said Macau authorities are considering extending a proposed three-year grace period to allow satellite casinos to resolve ownership issues. He said the government did not intend to see satellite casinos closing down and that authorities hope satellite gaming venues continue to run under the new regulatory framework.