Macao’s six gaming operators issued separate statements over the weekend to welcome the government’s gaming industry amendment bill, whose details were announced by Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon on Friday.
All the operators expressed their appreciation of the proposals, indicated that they considered their implementation would be beneficial for Macao, and said they were looking forward to tendering.
“Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) welcomes the bill. GEG will proactively support the related work of the Macao SAR Government, as well as the gaming industry’s sustainable and healthy development, in order to contribute to Macao’s long-term prosperity,” their statement read. GEG Chairman Dr Lui Che Woo said: “We believe that having optimised laws and regulations in place will lay a solid foundation for the city’s steady development and propel the synergetic development of the gaming industry, leading to Macao’s overall economic resilience and diversity.”
Melco Resorts & Entertainment commented that it is fully confident in the development of the integrated tourism and leisure industry and is committed to participating in the public tender of the award of a gaming concession and will continue to promote economic diversification in Macao.
MGM China said the bill has provided clarity and details on the overall direction, administrative procedures and timetable, and improved the relevant content of the current gaming law that is necessary for a healthy and sustainable development of the gaming industry in the long run.
Sands China said it will fully cooperate with the SAR government to support the passage of the bill, thereby contributing to the healthy and sustainable development of Macao’s gaming industry. The company added that it remains optimistic about the future of Macao’s integrated resort industry, and is looking forward to submitting its bid for a Macao gaming concession.
SJM Resorts said that the bill has improved the relevant content of the existing gaming law with details on the proposed amendments and clear guidelines for the benefit of a sustainable and healthy development of Macao’s gaming industry.
Finally, Wynn said it was encouraged that the Government has expedited the review process and also taken into consideration the views of the industry and the general public, and provided clarity on many of the outstanding issues.
The company added that it believed that the enhancement of these regulations will significantly strengthen the sustainable development of Macao over the long-term, and it was looking forward to working closely with the Government and actively participating in the public tender process.
