City University study reveals triads play a large role in Macau VIP gaming

Tuesday 1st of March 2016

A study by the City University of Hong Kong has found that triads play a large part in VIP gaming in Macau, according to Portuguese news agency, Lusa.

The study by Professor Lo Tit Wing and Sharon Ingrid Kwok claims that despite “regulatory measures”, gaming rooms for VIPs continue to be “dominated by triads.”

The study found that casino managers in Macau tend to look for VIP room contractors that have credibility among triads, however “not all of the operators of VIP rooms are triad members,” the report claims. “Even though triad membership is not necessarily a prerequisite to entering the business, the respondents admitted that triad ‘dor’ (reputation) and power is a crucial factor in winning the trust of casino management,” said the report.

The study claims to have successfully interviewed 17 respondents between 2012 and 2015, including senior members of several triad organizations.

In their response to Lusa’s request for comment, a spokesman for Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau said the bureau is unaware of any triad involvement with junket operators.

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