Inside Asian Gaming

IAG NOV 2021年11月 亞博匯 138 TRADE EVENTS Similarly, non-gaming elements also need to be clearly defined. Non-gaming elements such as catering and retail will only squeeze local SMEs. Non-gaming elements may be defined as the construction of hardware facilities. For example, the construction of convention and exhibition centers and performance venues will allow the development of local conventions, exhibitions, performing arts and cultural undertakings, but they do not operate in the industry. Only this way can the economy of Macau be appropriately diversified. IAG: The proposed revisions did not mention Macau’s satellite casinos. Do you have any thoughts on how this part of the industry could or should be addressed, or would you like to see Macau maintain satellite casinos in their current form? Jay Chun: Satellite casinos should be granted legal status. The issue of satellite casinos is a problem left over from history, but it is also a unique model in the development of Macau’s gaming industry. The assets of the 18 satellite casinos currently exceeds MOP$50 billion (US$6.2 billion) and they have made a significant contribution to Macau’s economic development and job creation in the past 20 years. The overall scale of the satellite casinos combined is by no means inferior to any current gambling concession holder. The number of local employees employed by the satellite casinos accounts for about 15% of the local gambling workforce. At the same time, it has also cultivated the surrounding catering and retail industries. Satellite casinos are an existing fact and the government cannot turn a blind eye and ignore it. This industry must have room for survival and development. We (the MGEMA) recommended