Macau gambling industry amendment bill passes first reading amid “satellite casinos” concerns

January 26, 2022 Crime & Legal

The Macau Legislative Assembly (AL) passed its first reading of the draft bill seeking to amend Macau’s gaming on Monday. The draft bill is now set to be sent to the Standing Committee, where closed-door discussions are to be held after the Chinese New Year holiday, most likely in the second week of February, according to local media.

The draft bill was introduced to the General Assembly by Lei Wai Nong, Secretary for Economy and Finance, who said “non-gaming elements,” such as shopping and accommodations, would play a key role in the re-tendering process.

According to Lei Wai Nong, in order to select the best concession candidates, officials will set criteria for non-gaming elements in the tender. While gaming was the first visiting purpose for arrivals before 2016, this changed over time, and thus these non-gaming elements are set to be “enhanced” in the future to diversify the enclave’s industry.

The government is also set to put Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the center of the bidding process. Operators will have to put forward proposals for officials to review and comment, in an effort to negotiate how these social responsibility efforts will be carried out.

The first reading of the gambling law amendment also brought to the forefront a possible termination of “satellite casinos” in the world’s largest gaming hub. These are venues that are not located in premises owned by the gambling concessionaires operating casinos in Macau.