Ban would affect 100,000 workers
Macau lawmakers continue to discuss a bill that would prohibit casino workers from entering the city’s gaming halls during their off-duty hours.
On August 8, government representatives including Paulo Martins Chan, director of the city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, met with legislators to discuss the bill, which proposes that employees of gaming concessionaires and sub-concessionaires should be prevented from entering casinos during their spare time. According to the Macau Daily Times, regulators are concerned that “criminals are taking advantage of casino employees addicted to gambling.”
The ban would apply to some 100,000 dealers, public relations workers, cashiers and security guards, the Times reported.
“The government initially informed that it had no intention of including public relations workers and restaurant, cleaning, and security staff in the interdiction. However, following the public consultation, the government recognized that these types of workers can also be easily influenced and become addicted to gambling,” said lawmaker Ho Ion Sang.
There are a few proposed exceptions to the rule: workers could enter a casino to participate in training exercises, and also reportedly be allowed to enter during part of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
