Amendments to legislation that would bar Macau casino workers from entering the casinos when they’re not on duty has been passed by the Legislative Assembly. Some lawmakers have asked if the law is enforceable. Others have expressed concerns that it may be considered discriminatory.
According to the Macau News Agency, the ban covers junket workers, gaming table workers, people who operate betting machines, cashiers, public relations workers, food and beverage workers, maintenance crew members and those who work in security and surveillance.
Those staffers may only enter casinos on working days, the first three days of Lunar New Year and other authorized occasions such as for training, MNA reported. As it now stands, the ban will be enforced through random checks by an inspector appointed by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, but some legislators say it will be difficult to fully enforce the ban due to lack of manpower. As Assembly member José Pereira Coutinho asked, “If there are not enough people to conduct the supervision, how can the authorities implement the law?”
It’s been suggested that the ban could be viewed as discriminatory and creates a negative view of casino workers. Secretary for Economy and Finance Lionel Leong says that the law’s intent is simply to combat gambling addiction. “I have never wanted the law to create any discrimination against workers,” Leong said. “I want to reiterate that this law was never intended to affect the careers of people who enter casinos.”
DICJ Director Paulo Martins Chan reassured workers that their jobs will not be at risk if they step onto the premises of a casino. “Many people worry they might lose their job once they violate the law. This law simply sets up a penalty. The law will not lead to workers losing their jobs.”
Chan emphasized that the law is “absolutely established with the aim of responsible gaming. The law is expected to prevent people from becoming addicted to gambling. I believe that the majority of gaming employees will obey the law.”
The law will take effect a year after its publication in the government official gazette, reported the Macau Daily Times. After that, the government will establish a 24-hour hotline to help support implementation of the ban.
Meanwhile, the local government’s Talent Development Committee says the city’s gaming operators should give place local residents in higher management positions. The suggestion was made following the release of a study by the Macao Polytechnic Institute that said of 60,400 casino workers in Macau, 93.4 percent are locals but just 76.8 percent of locals hold senior management posts.
Two other recent studies indicate that dealers and cage staff are less satisfied in their work than other casino workers, have a reduced quality of life, smile less on the job and require more support from social service organizations.
In related news, the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association is asking for a 5 percent to 8 percent salary increase for casino workers in 2019.
