Government and industry leaders have told Inside Asian Gaming that Macau’s new Chief Executive and government appointees must consider the effectiveness of the non-gaming elements they promote while continuing to enhance the competitiveness of the gaming industry that supports the local economy.
The former President of Macau’s Court of Final Appeal, Sam Hou Fai, is the first and at this stage only individual to announce their candidacy so far, but caused some concern during a press conference on Wednesday when he questioned the “uncontrolled” growth of the gaming industry.
“After the return of sovereignty, Macau held an open tender for the gaming industry, and the tourism and gaming industry developed rapidly afterwards, but for a period of time, it developed in an uncontrolled manner,” he said.
“The Central Government’s proposal for Macau to develop its economy in an appropriately diversified manner is a mandatory question for the Macau SAR Government, not a question of choice.
“No matter how difficult and hard the future may be, we have to do it (economic diversification). Only if we try will there be hope, otherwise society will lose the momentum of development. Economic diversification must move forward, there is no way back.”
Notably, Sam did not mention the word “gaming” at any point in his election manifesto, other than when specifically asked about it by a reporter.
“The dominance of the gaming industry in Macau is detrimental to the development of the city,” he added.
Contacted by IAG afterwards, Legislative Assembly member Ron Lam U Tou said Sam had mentioned diversified development in his press conference, but told IAG that more detail is needed on how “diversified industries” can bring real benefit to society.
“Diversified development should not be just a slogan,” he said. “What kind of industries can bring about a multiplier effect? What are the characteristics of Macau? I hope that more details will be mentioned in the candidates’ policy platforms in the future.”
On the gaming industry itself, Lam expressed concern over how to enhance Macau’s gaming competitiveness.
“Macau’s gaming industry has already developed into leisure gaming and it is now a question of how to maintain its competitiveness,” he continued.
“It is not about expanding the gaming industry, but about maintaining its competitiveness in comparison with other places under the current situation, which also needs to be explained to the public by the new government.”
The President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, Billy Song Wai Kit, said that after the three years of pandemic, the world is facing a raft of economic challenges, so improving Macau’s competitiveness on the international stage will become a key issue.
“I hope that the new government will be more proactive in diversifying the economy and promoting the development of other industries, but at the same time, I hope that the non-gaming elements will bring more benefits to Macau, especially in terms of tax revenue, so that Macau residents can enjoy the fruits of the economy,” he stated.
Song added that the gaming industry is vital in supporting such diversified development, and so the new government must balance the benefits of non-gaming and gaming to Macau’s economy.
