Macau’s gaming regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), says it has contacted the city’s six concessionaires to discuss further strengthening of casino security in the wake of the tragic Las Vegas shooting that left 58 people dead this week.
In a statement, the DICJ said it plans to meet with Macau’s operators to review the effectiveness of current casino security measures and to follow up on plans implemented earlier this year following the shooting event at Resorts World Manila in June.
They included increasing the presence of security personnel and improving the equipment used for security checks at casino entrances.
“The Bureau reiterates that the SAR Government has a long history of focusing on the security work of casinos and will strictly monitor security measures and their implementation,” it said. “In June, the Bureau immediately called an emergency meeting after the casino shooting and arson incident to strengthen casino security work, explore how to deal with serious accidents and discuss countermeasures.
“The Bureau will continue to review the effectiveness of casino security measures, improve and optimize the relevant regulatory work in due course.”
The DICJ’s statement comes as casinos in Las Vegas begin strengthening their own security measures, with Wynn and Encore checking bags using handheld metal detectors within 48 hours of the shooting. Nevada’s Gaming Control Board also announced that it has deployed plainclothes officers at Strip casinos.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas Sands Corp and MGM Resorts International have pledged a combined US$7 million to assist the victims of this week’s horrific shooting.
Las Vegas Sands and the Adelson Family Foundation announced the establishment of a US$4 million relief fund in memory of those who lost their lives.
“No amount of financial resources will erase this terrible tragedy or bring back those who lost their lives because of it,” LVS Chairman and CEO Sheldon Adelson and wife Miriam said in a statement. “To honor the memories of those lost, we must help rebuild the lives of people impacted and provide much-needed support to the organizations helping in that effort. Las Vegas is our home and on behalf of every single Las Vegas Sands team member and the Adelson family, we pledge to do everything we can to bring our community together, provide support for the victims and their families, and ensure Las Vegas remains the strong and vibrant city it has always been.”
MGM Resorts also announced that it would donate US$3 million to fund humanitarian assistance to victims of the Las Vegas shooting, along with organizations who provide support to those who were first on the scene to assist in the traumatic events.
“There are simply no words to express our grief and outrage over this senseless and horrific attack on our community,” said MGM Resorts Chairman and CEO Jim Murren. “Yet in this devastating time, we are inspired. From the heroic stories of victims on the ground who placed the safety of strangers and loved ones before themselves, to the incredible bravery of first responders who rushed in when others were rushing out and who surely lessened the damage, to the knowledge of so many good and incomplete works done by those we lost – we are collectively drawing strength and faith to meet the difficult days ahead.
“With this donation, we hope to make a difference to those who were harmed and those who are left behind. We also wish to recognize the awesome contributions of first responders, not just here in Las Vegas but around the United States, who give so completely of themselves when disaster strikes. On behalf of our Las Vegas community, I wish to say thank you to our global community who remind us from moment to moment that we are not alone.”
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