Macau CEO says studies continue on concession renewals

Thursday 15th of November 2018

Macau CEO Fernando Chui Sai On gave his 2019 policy address on Thursday, but gave few details about the process for renewing the territory’s gaming concessions and was vague when pressed by reporters at a follow up question and answer session.

The CEO said the government has been intensifying studies and listening extensively to the public. He says there is “quite some time” remaining before the first two concessions expire in March 2020 and even more before the remaining four in 2022.

“In the Policy Address, I referred that, after the Interim Review (of Gaming Liberalization for Games of Fortune in Macau) report we have been carrying out studies on the termination of the licenses,” he told reporters.

“We have two contracts coming up in 2020 and four contracts in 2022. This way, before these dates we will promote the public tender for the awarding (of gaming licenses). We have been looking at how we can do it best and the works have been initiated. When they are more mature, we will divulge the information.”

Chui said much of the government work was focused on the development of Macau as an international centre for tourism and leisure, with additional support provided for the development of non-gaming activities.

He did confirm that the government would maintain its current cap on growth in table numbers and would reinforce the oversight of junket operators.