Officials in Macau continue to press for the adoption of radiofrequency identification (RFID) technology in the city’s casinos.
“Smart tables” and chips can better track player data for enhanced government oversight, said Ben Lee, managing partner of IGamiX Management & Consulting.
“Every bet can be tracked back to the player,” Lee said in comments to TDM Portuguese News. “You buy in $100,000 worth of chips, they will know how much you bought, where you played, how many bets you made, how much per bet—and if you were to pass your chips to somebody else, they will know that as well. ”
Lee said such data would allow officials to monitor specific individuals and groups, including foreign players, and reduce the risk of inaccurate payments.
MGM China and Sands China adopted the technology in 2016, but their rivals in the market have yet to follow. However, according to Macao News, concessionaires Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts and SJM have all announced plans to roll out the technology, and Wynn Macau reportedly is considering it.
Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong told the Legislative Assembly that RFID technology could also establish better standards for tax regulation.
Last month, Morgan Stanley analysts Praveen K. Choudhary and Gareth Leung said most dealers have already placed orders for smart tables supported by RFID, with the new equipment expected to be installed within the next 12 months.
