The Macao SAR Government appears determined to complete the re-tendering process for gaming concessions before current licenses expire next June, with the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, stating details will be announced soon.
Speaking to media following the Second plenary meeting of the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs in 2021 on Monday, Lei said the government was working to finalize a report on the recent public consultation around proposed amendments to Macau’s gaming law as soon as possible. Details of the public tender for gaming concessions would be announced around the same time, he added.
“The current gaming law was created 20 years ago and did not cover some issues,” he said. “We will adjust our regulations and take into account the opinions of society, including the gaming sector.
“We are preparing the consultation report and the bill will advance according to the projected timeline. Then we will advance with other works.”
Lei refrained from commenting on the cessation of Suncity Group’s VIP business last week due to key executives linked to the case, including CEO Alvin Chau, facing judicial proceedings. However, he insisted the industry should maintain “confidence” in the future, claiming it is inevitable that Macau’s economic recovery will experience ups and downs along the way.
“We are currently in a very difficult situation … if you don’t have confidence how we can make our best [effort to] overcome the challenges?” he said.
The government is due to publish its report on the public consultation by no later than March – three months before the expiry of Macau’s six current casino concessions on 26 June 2022.
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