Good morning. Build it and they will come. But the problem is that now it’s built it’s not enough. Macau continues to suffer from a lack of hotel rooms compared to the overall demand. And this won’t be alleviated in the short term, in particular given the SAR’s shift to higher spending customers – leading a drive to luxurify hotel rooms previously allocated for mass. Looking at premium mass, Macau has fully set its sights in, moving away from a numbers game. And furthermore, business leaders take stock of the gaming hub’s economy, praising its development and shift away from a gaming-centric model.
Macau has everything going for it, the only thing it’s lacking is more hotel rooms. As the territory reaches for its pinnacle it continues to face the shortcomings of supply, hoping for mass to meet the expectations that it’s promised. But could the neighboring territory be its saving grace? Hengqin has the space that Macau lacks, and operators are already moving in to set up their territory. Time will tell.
Asia is the most populated continent on the planet and Football is the No. 1 sport in most countries. The World Cup qualifying matches are traditionally watched by billions of fans in the region, but FIFA has decided to reward Asia with a significant representation at the tournament only now.
Altenar, a leading sportsbook provider is bringing its global expertise to Asia, looking to expand its operations. Since 2011, Altenar has powered hundreds of online sports betting sites worldwide and is a major B2B provider in Europe and Latin America licensed markets.
The future of Macau’s satellite casinos remains uncertain, as the Macau government and gaming concessionaires have not yet begun discussions on the issue.
Jay Chun, co-chairman and managing director of Paradise Entertainment
There are 13 months remaining until the end of the three-year transitional grace period under the new gaming law. Based on the current situation, Macau’s satellite casino operators may need to transition to purely management companies, which will no longer be allowed to share gaming revenue.
According to a report from the Macau News Agency, Jay Chun, co-chairman and managing director of Paradise Entertainment, expressed hope that talks would begin “soon.” Paradise Entertainment operates Casino Kam Pek on the Macau peninsula under the gaming license of SJM Holdings.
Chun noted that, with the change in government, discussions will likely only begin after the new Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, assumes office on December 20, replacing Ho Iat Seng.
Last month, legislator José Pereira Coutinho raised concerns in a written inquiry to the Macau government about the future of satellite casinos and the potential for closures, which could affect the jobs of nearly 10,000 local workers.
Currently, Macau has 30 casinos, including 11 satellite casinos, nine of which operate under SJM’s license. Seven satellite casinos closed in 2022, impacted by the new gaming law and the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chun expressed optimism that satellite casinos would continue to operate beyond the grace period. He emphasized the importance of protecting jobs, saying, “We have many employees, and no one wishes for these workers to abruptly lose their jobs.”
He also pointed out that the focus is now on calculating management fees. Since each satellite venue has its own unique circumstances, Chun indicated that the details of future discussions remain uncertain.
In September of this year, the Macao Gaming Industry Employees Home and the Macao Gaming Practitioners Volunteers Association met with then-candidate Sam Hou Fai, who is now the elected Chief Executive.
The industry representatives raised concerns regarding the possible shutdowns of satellite casinos, citing their potential impact on local employment.
The representatives called for the protection of the employment rights of gaming workers and highlighted that providing paid training is vital for the industry’s sustainable development. They urged that employees receive adequate support to adapt to the changing landscape.
As Macau seeks to pivot away from its dependence on gaming, a broad spectrum of business leaders are voicing concerns about the pace and effectiveness of diversification efforts.
While the casino industry continues to contribute heavily to the economy, voices across various chambers of commerce emphasize the need to embrace new industries, attract skilled professionals, and streamline governmental processes to unlock potential.
This topic was explored during the latest edition of the MBtv Debates Business Series, titled “Macau SAR at 25 and Beyond – Taking the Pulse of the City’s Economy”, held at the Rui Cunha Foundation, which brought together for the first time, the heads of several chambers of commerce representing different countries.
Keith Buckley, Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Macau (BritCham), noted that the liberalization of the gaming sector in 2001, which led to the development of the Cotai Strip, fundamentally transformed the region’s economy.
Keith Buckley, Chairman of BritCham
“The liberalization of gaming created everything: jobs, properties, and a supply chain…If it hadn’t happened, I wonder what we would’ve been looking at now.”
More than 20 years after the ongoing push for diversification has gained momentum since the introduction of new gaming concessions in 2022, which required operators to make commitments to non-gaming investments.
Under the new gaming concession renewal process, operators were required to invest over MOP100 billion ($12.5 billion) in non-gaming projects as part of their new licenses. He acknowledged the severe challenges gaming companies faced during the pandemic, calling the concession process particularly “arduous.”
However, Buckley expressed skepticism about the tangible outcomes so far. “During COVID, the Macau government realized we didn’t have any alternative to gaming,” he said. “But what has been the practical effect of the diversification efforts? I haven’t seen much impact.”
He also emphasized the need for greater government efficiency, noting the lengthy approval processes in Macau compared to other global cities like Singapore or Abu Dhabi. “Governments need to have the will to make things happen, but here, it takes too long to get licenses and approvals,” he said.
Charles Choy, Chairman Emeritus of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Macau, agreed that diversification is no easy feat. He described gaming as “easy money” compared to other industries, making it a tough challenge for the government to mobilize efforts outside the gaming sector.
Charles Choy, Chairman of AmCham
“We have the largest IR hub in the world and we have created diversification elements around it, world-class concerts, entertainment, and shows, but we need to build on this foundation of gaming and tourism.”
“I suggested to the CE-elect that perhaps the gaming sector could do more than just helping is creating an industry surrounding IR resorts.”
Sam Hou Fai
The city’s Chief Executive-elected, former top court judge Sam Hou Fai, emphasized during his candidacy announcement that a path toward “moderate economic diversification” is essential, after what he described as a “barbaric expansion” with a “large, negative impact” on the city,
Billy Chan, Chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Macau (AustCham), stressed the need to attract a diverse range of professionals to fuel Macau’s broader economic growth, particularly in sectors like medical research.
Billy Chan, Chairman of AustCham
“We need to offer more long-term opportunities for talent, not just one-year residency permits, otherwise, we risk losing skilled professionals to other markets.”
Chan pointed out that talent retention remains a challenge, as many foreign professionals find the short-term visa system unappealing.
At the same time, leaders like Rutger Verschuren, Chairman of the France Macau Chamber of Commerce (FMCC), emphasized that improving government efficiency is critical to attracting both talent and investment.
Rutger Verschuren, Chairman of FMCC
“We need to address inefficiencies in licensing and bureaucratic red tape…Professionals are coming back, but they need to know that the system will work for them, not against them.”
Despite these challenges, there is optimism about Macau’s future. The ongoing expansion of the airport and increased connectivity to other regions are seen as positive steps toward attracting more international tourists and businesses.
“Expanding the Macau airport and adding connections will help bring more foreign tourists,” Carlos Cid Álvares, president of the Macau Delegation of the Portugal-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCILC) said at the event, noting that diversification in tourism could be an essential catalyst for broader economic change.
Carlos Cid Álvares, President of CCILC
“We have a fund of $60 billion, we have all the conditions to put forth all ideas. I think with the new government, new ideas and new blood I think a lot of changes will be put in place.”
For Niall Murray, Chairman of the Irish Chamber of Commerce of Macau (ICCM) a very complete plan needs to be put in place to advance with diversification, discussing with all stakeholders in the community and a defined strategy.
Niall Murray, Chairman of ICCM
“In terms of labor attraction, the cart is in front of the wheels. You need to have the industries first and then the talent will follow.”
“Ireland is a small island in Europe but we have done well, we don’t have manufacturing industries so we jumped to services. Macau can do well seeing different examples and putting a specific detailed strategy plan”, the gaming consultant pointed out.
Ultimately, Macau’s ability to diversify will depend on a coordinated effort to address these challenges, balancing the needs of the gaming industry with new opportunities in other sectors.
“Macau needs to build on what it has, be realistic about what can be developed, and work toward long-term solutions.”
Charles Choy
“It’s not an easy path, but recognizing the challenge is the first step,” Choy said.
The Cebu City government has said that it is actively complying with the directive from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla to crack down on illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) posing as legitimate businesses.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia emphasized the city’s proactive stance, noting that Cebu City had already established a dedicated task force to address the issue even before Remulla’s recent order. The task force, led by the Cebu City Police Office, has been conducting inspections to identify any establishments involved in illicit POGO activities.
“Long before Secretary Remulla’s order, we already created a task force with the Cebu City Police Office at its front in the campaign against POGO in territory. So far, we have not monitored any,” Garcia stated.
The mayor reported that the task force has inspected various establishments with business models similar to POGOs, such as those operating under the guise of legitimate enterprises. However, no irregularities have been detected thus far.
Despite these findings, Garcia acknowledged the possibility that some establishments might be concealing illegal POGO operations behind legitimate fronts. To address this, he highlighted the importance of ramping up intelligence efforts in collaboration with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“As a local government unit under the direct supervision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we should strengthen our intelligence gathering with the help of the NBI and the PNP,” Garcia said.
During a Commission on Appointments hearing on Nov. 21, DILG Secretary Remulla called on local chief executives across the country to intensify their monitoring of business establishments to ensure they are not being used as fronts for illegal POGO or scam hub operations.
Remulla pointed out that some POGOs have resorted to applying for permits as resorts or restaurants to disguise their illegal activities. He urged local governments to remain vigilant and conduct regular inspections to put an end to these schemes.
Mayor Garcia reaffirmed Cebu City’s commitment to supporting national efforts to curb illegal gaming operations. He stressed the city’s obligation to safeguard its communities from the potential social and economic harms associated with POGO-related activities.
“While we have not found evidence of POGO operations in Cebu City, we remain vigilant. Our local police and task force are focused on identifying any illegal hubs that may be operating in secret,” Garcia said.
Cebu City’s proactive measures and commitment to intelligence-driven enforcement reflect a broader effort to align local governance with national directives to address illegal gaming and scam operations across the country.
Stretch Network, a B2B poker software provider, offering Turnkey, White Label, and API solutions, has announced the launch of two poker features aimed at enriching the player experience and enhancing operator offerings.
Show/Muck: A functionality that empowers players to control the information they reveal after a hand. Whether players choose to display a winning strategy, bluff their opponents, or keep their cards hidden, this feature introduces an exciting psychological aspect to the game. It adds a new layer of strategy, allowing players to influence the flow of the game and create a more engaging poker environment, keeping both participants and spectators on the edge of their seats.
Cash Money: This feature allows players to use bonus funds during cash games, seamlessly converting the used portion into real money. Any remaining bonus funds are automatically returned to the player’s balance, ensuring both value and convenience. This adds flexibility and provides an enriched experience for players, giving them the freedom to maximize their gaming session without limitations.
With these updates, Stretch Network reinforces its dedication to delivering poker solutions that empower operators and enhance player satisfaction, creating a more thrilling and rewarding environment for all involved.
Playtech, the gambling industry’s leading technology company delivering business intelligence-driven gambling software, has announced that Anna Massion has advised the Board that, following the expiry of her three-month notice period, she wishes to step down as a non-executive director of the Company to pursue other opportunities.
Anna Massion, non-executive director at Playtech
Anna will remain as a non-executive director of the Company until 28 February 2025, and the Company intends to shortly commence a process to appoint a new non-executive director to the Board.
Brian Mattingley, Non-executive Chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to Anna for her valuable contribution since being appointed in 2019. She has shown the utmost commitment and dedication during a period of significant change for the Company, which this year alone has included the proposed sale of Snaitech and record sets of results. We wish her all the best in her future roles.”
Sands China honored some of its most outstanding suppliers at the Sands Supplier Excellence Awards Tuesday at The Parisian Macao. The awards were part of a joint event where Sands China also recognized the 15th and 16th cohorts of local SMEs graduating from its Sands Procurement Academy training programme.
The event highlighted some of the success stories of Sands China’s ongoing partnerships with its local SME suppliers and held a cocktail and business networking session to connect local SME suppliers with representatives from various Sands China departments, including the procurement and supply chain team.
Sands Supplier Excellence Awards
An annual initiative of Las Vegas Sands Corp., the Sands Supplier Excellence Awards acknowledges the cooperation and services of some of Sands’ most noteworthy suppliers worldwide. A judging committee composed of Sands China executive management selects Macao’s award winners each year.
At Tuesday’s ceremony at The Parisian Theatre, Sands China awarded seven winners:
Corporate Culture & Sustainability:
Linyi Standard Textile Trading Co. Ltd.
Innovation & Creativity:
Filament Limited
Cost Management:
Kei Chong Construction and Engineering Company Limited
Quality Management:
Bright Elite Gourmet Company Limited
Project Management:
Pat Davie (Macau) Limited
+Service Excellence:
TCC Carpets
Small/Medium Enterprise (SME):
CMC Trading Engineeering (International) Limited
Sands Procurement Academy Graduation
Sands China recognized 73 local SMEs for completing the Sands Procurement Academy training program. Since the academy was founded in 2017, a total of 602 suppliers have enrolled and 559 have graduated, including Tuesday’s group.
The Sands Procurement Academyis a component of Sands China’s Local Small, Medium and Micro Suppliers Support Programme – part of the company’s longstanding support of Macao’s SMEs.
With Sands China holding the academy’s graduation ceremony together at one event with the Sands Supplier Excellence Awards, the graduating SMEs are able to gain encouragement and inspiration by seeing local SMEs among those getting awarded by Sands China as outstanding suppliers.
Co-organised with the Macao Chamber of Commerce and the Macau Productivity and Technology Centre (CPTTM), the Sands Procurement Academy helps local SME suppliers gain experience and capacity for working with large-scale international corporations by sharing practical business knowledge and skills to promote the development of their businesses. It is a first-of-its-kind industry training and is one of eight sub-academies under the Sands China Academy professional development programme.
The academy has been open to all local SMEs in Macao since 2019, after initially targeting a few key categories of local suppliers. This has allowed a broader range of SMEs to benefit from the skills and knowledge offered by the academy’s professionals.
Local SME Success Stories
Sands China also used the opportunity presented by Tuesday’s event to highlight the success stories of some of its local SME suppliers. Since 2016, Sands China has collaborated with local newspapers to publish a series of inspiring stories about SMEs who have forged partnerships and grown together with Sands China.
The 138 stories that have been published reveal how, in the quest for success and self-improvement, local SMEs have elevated their capabilities by working with a large international corporation like Sands China. Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd. and Wong Cho Wai, assistant chief editor of Macao Daily News, presented framed copies of the stories that were published in 2024 to the SMEs as souvenirs, congratulating them on their successes.
Dr. Wong said: “On behalf of Sands China, we would like to congratulate all award winners and graduates of the Sands Procurement Academy. For more than two decades, Sands China, as a pillar of Macao’s economy, has been growing together with the community. The Sands Supplier Excellence Awards is not only a recognition of Macao’s suppliers, but also a testimony of our joint efforts and growth.
SMEs account for more than 90 percent of Macao’s registered enterprises and occupy a pivotal position in Macao’s economy. Therefore, our company has always remained unwavering in our commitment to support the growth of SMEs, and adhered to purchasing products and services from them.
In addition, through the Sands Procurement Academy training programme, we comprehensively assist SMEs to continuously equip themselves and enhance their competitiveness in the ever-changing business environment. We are pleased to see the enthusiastic response to the programme over the past eight years. Many graduates have expressed how they have benefited a lot and the results are encouraging.”
Tuesday’s event concluded with the graduates of the Sands Procurement Academy attending a cocktail and business networking session, where they met representatives from various Sands China departments, including procurement and supply chain.
Guests of honour at the joint event were:
Sun Yaohua, director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR;
Pong Kai Fu, deputy director of the Macao Economic and Technological Development Bureau;
Jack Chang, deputy director-general of the Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center;
Sanna Leong, acting senior manager of the Investment Promotion and Commerce Development Affairs Department of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute;
Mok Chi Wai, vice president of the Standing Committee of Directors of the Macao Chamber of Commerce;
Wong Cho Wai, assistant chief editor of Macao Daily News;
Dr. Wong; Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd.; various Sands China executives; and representatives of local suppliers.
As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, Sands China has remained committed to procuring locally and helping Macao’s SMEs grow. Sands China has had a total procurement spend of MOP 10.3 billion in 2024 to date, with 29 percent going to local SMEs.
Pragmatic Play, a top content provider in the iGaming sector, has expanded its popular sportsbook offering by introducing football player markets.
The latest update sees player markets, including shots on goal, shots on target, player fouls, player passes, and many more, become available to operators, ensuring a more definitive sportsbook product for operators and a wider range of betting options for their customers.
Football is the most popular sport in the world. Every week, millions of bets are placed on domestic and international games. Many of these bets include specific player markets, which continue to grow in popularity.
The addition of player markets is the latest development to Pragmatic Play’s sportsbook, which covers the entire trading lifecycle from event creation to bet settlement. The product features custom markets, dynamic odds, and risk management across thousands of global sports competitions, underpinned by the latest data from official sources. Operators can also benefit from unparalleled localisation and customisation capabilities, allowing them to tailor the user experience to their brand.
Gareth Crook, SVP of Sports at Pragmatic Play, said: “Betting on the actions of individual football players is fast becoming a key growth area within any sportsbook. Users are starting to favour these types of markets when betting on football over the more traditional football markets and it was important for us to add this latest product to our football offering. Pragmatic Play sports clients can now enjoy access to a full range of player markets across multiple football competitions globally.”
MGM joined forces with the City University of Macau (CityU) to organize the “Responsible Gaming Campus Ambassador” Program from September to November, aiming to promote proper financial management and values among college students.
This program concluded with a certificate award ceremony for nearly 40 ambassadors from various majors such as International Tourism and Management, Social Work and so on.
Han Tian, Executive Vice President of Gaming Operations & Strategic Marketing of MGM, said: “The Macao Youth Policy (2021-2030) strongly emphasizes moral education and healthy living, therefore MGM strives to leverage our strengths to contribute to this field. As the first integrated resorts operator to collaborate with local universities on a sustainable RG promotion program, we signed a memorandum of understanding with CityU earlier this year and rolled out a series of initiatives including this Program to local youths as well as mainland students. We hope that these participants can extend what they have learned to their friends and families, further disseminating RG-related information beyond Macau.”
Robert Chan, Pro-Rector of CityU, said: “The in-depth understanding of proper financial values and RG will not only broaden our students’ horizons but also serve as the foundation for building a harmonious society. After the completion of this Program, we anticipate the ambassadors will become RG advocates and give back to the society.”
The Program is comprised of thematic courses and promotional practice, with the aim to enhance the participants’ sense of social responsibility while improving their communication, organizational and teamwork skills.
MGM and CityU have invited experts in tourism and leisure industry as well as the social service sector to provide courses for the participants, in order to deepen their knowledge.
These courses mainly focused on the tourism and leisure industry’s function and position in the development of the society, gaming industry’s history and development, RG policies, RG’s importance of Macau’s sustainable development, as well as the introduction and prevention of gaming-related issues.
The participants will then need to put theory into practice by organizing RG promotional roadshow on campus, taking part in MGM’s RG promotional activities in local community and more.
Macau’s Judiciary Police have dismantled a syndicate involved in illegal money exchange activities, arresting 13 individuals during the operation.
The group is accused of conducting over 800 illegal money exchange transactions since the activity was criminalized in the region on October 29th this year, with a total volume of over HK$31.2 million ($4 million).
The crackdown was part of a larger cross-border operation in collaboration with China’s Public Security Bureau. On November 26th, authorities in Macau and 23 provinces in mainland China—including Beijing, Hebei, Guangxi, Hunan, and Guangdong—launched a coordinated operation targeting illegal cross-border money exchange activities.
Mainland police arrested 216 individuals suspected of participating in illegal money exchange schemes, with transaction volumes exceeding RMB 3.5 billion ($483 million).
In Macau, 60 officers from the Judiciary Police were deployed to multiple locations, including hotels in the Macau Peninsula and Taipa, as well as two residential units. The operation led to the apprehension of 13 suspects, including 12 mainland residents and one Macau resident, aged between 32 and 43.
Among those arrested, one individual had overstayed their visa, while another had entered Macau illegally to engage in money exchange activities.
Authorities confiscated over HK$2.7 million ($372,300) in cash, casino chips worth HK$540,000 ($74,462), and 18 mobile phones used to facilitate transactions. All suspects claimed to be unemployed.
Macau’s new Law on Illegal Gambling Activities imposes stricter measures on unauthorized gambling operations, with a particular focus on illegal currency exchange for gambling purposes. Offenders now face penalties of up to five years in prison.
