DICJ satisfied with test results
The Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, a regulatory body also known as the DICJ, has confirmed that it will not conduct emergency drills at the city’s casinos “in the coming months.” Security has become a serious concern in the industry since two deadly attacks in 2017—one at Resorts World Manila in the Philippines capital in June, and one in Las Vegas in October. Together the attacks took almost 100 lives.
In January, emergency workers, law enforcement and others joined a simulated drill at Galaxy Macau, a casino resort operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. The drill, which simulated an armed robbery, a bomb threat and a hostage situation was meant to test the emergency responsiveness of the gaming industry should it be faced with a violent attack like the ones in the U.S. and the Philippines. The DICJ said it was satisfied with the outcome, according to GGRAsia.
“In view of the current security situation, the DICJ has no plan to conduct another casino emergency drill in the coming few months with scale similar to the one that took place in Galaxy Macau,” said a statement from the regulator. “Nevertheless, the DICJ will continue paying close attention to the security of the casinos and should there be any need for another joint simulation drill. The DICJ will actively participate in it and provide the necessary coordination and support.”
During the drill, the gaming bureau tested a so-called “major incidents emergency communication mechanism.” Macau’s Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak said it “achieved the anticipated results.”
According to the current Asia Risk Assessment from Steve Vickers and Associates Ltd., a specialist in risk mitigation, said Macau’s casino industry remains “vulnerable to terrorist attack despite recent efforts to improve readiness.”
