The number of licenced casino operators will remain the same for a period of time and the Government will not approve new applications for land use filed by gaming companies. The Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, announced this when he attended a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly this afternoon to answer legislators’ inquiries on various issues. Mr Ho said that the policy to maintain the number of gaming concession, based on a thorough evaluation of the industry, would go through the legislative process shortly. Currently there are three concessionaires and three sub-concessionaires. Moreover, the Government will not accept land applications by gaming operators and land to be reclaimed in the future will not be used for gaming purposes, the Chief Executive said. However, gaming projects under construction, approved or under discussion with the Government will not be affected. He also disclosed that the Government was studying ways to maintain the number of casinos, gaming tables and slot machines. New applications will not be granted before the introduction of these measures, which are aimed at enhancing the administration and diversified development of the industry. The Government would continue to urge operators to move slot machine parlours away from densely populated districts. In addition, the Government would continue to restrict casino operators from entering other industries, especially direct involvement in public utilities, Mr Ho said. Moreover, the Government would introduce adequate measures to regulate the share of commissions of gaming promoters, Mr Ho said. He also disclosed that the Government is studying a licensing scheme for casino management personnel. At a press conference after the plenary session, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said this was the right time to review the gaming industry after years of rapid development, which put pressure on Macao’s land reserve and human resources. There are currently 29 casinos with more than 4,200 gaming tables in Macao, he added.
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