Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and amid China’s refusal to condemn the invasion will not harm U.S.-owned Macau casinos unless there is a sudden deterioration of U.S.-China relations, according to comments in the Macau Times by corporate risk expert Steve Vickers.
China has broken with the U.S., Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia. Asked by the Times whether U.S. concession licenses of these operators are at risk, Vickers said risk could result from Macau operators’ involvement in Vladivostok, Russia casinos. Operator NagaCorp recently halted its plans of building an integrated resort in Russia despite already starting the construction of its development in the city of Vladivostok.
“A real risk might relate to revelations of involvement in Vladivostok (Russia) casinos by Hong Kong or Macau gaming entities or concealed investments by Russian interests in such businesses,” Vickers, CEO of Steve Vickers and Associates (SVA), told the Times.
“The national security situation is very clear in Macau and has been well telegraphed. A national security violation can result in loss of a license. It’s that simple.”
The risk expert had previously suggested the primary factor which the Chinese and Macau authorities consider when evaluating concession renewals and new regulations based on national security criteria.
