Macau: number of junket licences falls to 46
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has confirmed that the number of junket licences has plunged by 45.9 per cent from 85 to only 46.
Macau.- The junket industry in Macau continues to struggle due to stricter oversight and the impact of the arrest of Alvin Chau Cheok Wa, CEO of Suncity Group on cross-border gambling and money laundering accusations. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has revealed that the number of junket licences has fallen from 85 in 2021 to 46.
The number of licences has been falling each year. In 2013 there were 235 junket operators in Macau. According to the proposed amendments to Macau’s gaming regulatory framework, junket operators will only be allowed to provide services to only one casino operator.
André Cheong Weng Chon, Executive Council spokesperson, said the bill would also ban junkets from engaging in revenue-sharing arrangements with casino operators and from operating certain areas or facilities in casino venues. Another measure would require gaming operators to submit details of commissions paid to junkets for the previous month by the 10th day of each month.
In 2021, VIP gross gaming revenue (GGR) accounted for nearly 32.8 per cent of Macau’s GGR, at MOP28.49bn (US$3.55bn). That’s down from last year’s 43.5 per cent market share, according to official data. In the three months ended Dec. 31, 2021, VIPs accounted for just 25.7 per cent of Macau’s total gaming revenue over the same period.
