Although some experts expected it to be delayed again, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong says the re-tendering process for the casino concessions in Macau is on schedule.
When the first concessions began to expire in 2020, the Macau government extended them so that all concessions would expire at the same time in 2022. With the pandemic ebbing and waning, it was unclear whether that schedule would be maintained, but Lei confirmed it will. He also said to expect some amendments to the gaming law.
“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.”
With the pandemic and the recent uncertainty in the VIP sector following the arrest of Suncity’s Alvin Chau, Lei said you have to be realistic.
“We are currently in a very difficult situation,” he said. “If you don’t have confidence how we can make our best effort to overcome the challenges?”
