Macau’s Legislative Assembly has approved a draft bill banning local casino workers from entering Macau casinos outside of working hours.
The bill, which will now head to committee for further deliberations and refining of policy details, is aimed at curbing problem gambling among casino employees. It was revealed by the Deputy Director of Macau’s Social Affairs Bureau, Hoi Wa Pou, earlier this year that around 30% of all individuals who ask for assistance in dealing with a gambling problem work in the casino industry.
The bill will target employees working in a range of positions in Macau casinos including dealers and EGM workers, cleaners, security personnel, cashiers and even some public relations staff. Those workers found to be in a casino outside of work hours would face fines of between MOP$1,000 and MOP$10,000.
However, employees would be allowed to enter casinos on the first three days of the Lunar New Year and for work-related activities such as training.
One issue yet to be resolved in regards to the bill is how the ban on workers entering casinos outside of work hours will be enforced. There are also some concerns over the bill infringing on the rights of workers, including accessing non-gaming facilities that happen to be located on or alongside a casino floor, such as restaurants or bars.
