Macau Health Bureau “concerned” at smoking ban loophole

Macau’s Health Bureau has expressed “concern” over reports that some casinos are circumventing the territory’s smoking ban by turning some of their premium mass floor areas into members’ only facilities, local media reported.
The statement follows a note released by Credit Suisse on Friday pointing out the conversion. The firm said that it would be positive for the casinos if they were allowed to create premium mass smoking rooms.
The Health Bureau said it will ask gambling regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), to handle the situation.
Macau banned smoking in casinos from Oct. 6th this year, except for in specially designated rooms that are free of gaming outlets and in separate VIP rooms. In a last minute clarification, the government emphasised that premium mass segments would also be included in the ban.
A total of 19 gaming venues, including slot parlours, were approved to set up smoking lounges on mass gaming floors. The remaining 28 casinos which told the government of their plan to set up smoking lounges are still awaiting final approval.
The ban comes at a time of declining revenue in Macau, with gross gambling revenue forecast to slump for a fifth straight month in October. A cooling economy in mainland China and a crackdown on corruption has hit the VIP market hard, while the mass market is also showing signs of slowing down.
So far, the casinos say they have not noticed a major deterioration in business related to the smoking ban.