Macau’s junket industry is calling for greater clarity and fairness in regulations as the city welcomes a new head of its gaming regulatory body, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
Speaking to AGB, U Io Hung, President of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, expressed hope that the appointment of new DICJ Director Ng Wai Han will bring clearer administrative guidance and a more balanced approach to oversight.
“We hope the new director will provide a clear framework for day-to-day operations, not only on the administrative front but also in regulatory monitoring,” U said. He emphasized the need for regulatory measures that are consistent and reasonable in their application.
His comments refer to heightened scrutiny by the DICJ, including a recent reminder that junket employees and administrative management staff must display work permit badges issued by casino operators while on duty. Non-compliance could result in fines ranging from MOP100,000 ($12,430) to MOP500,000 ($62,150).
U described the penalties as unusually harsh by international standards. “I believe this fine is rare in the whole world. I hope Director Ng can reevaluate this issue,” he said.
The DICJ had been without a permanent leader for over five months before Ng’s appointment. Her swearing-in ceremony was held on May 7th, during which Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip urged her to unite the team and proactively address public expectations for the gaming sector.
U Io Hung also acknowledged that DICJ directors are expected to align with central government policies. He cited recent remarks from senior officials regarding tighter oversight of non-gaming-related investments. “I believe the DICJ will definitely follow the rules,” he added.
The Macau government periodically conducts a comprehensive review of gaming operators’ implementation of non-gaming investment commitments.
Secretary Tai Kin Ip confirmed that a review mechanism is already in place to ensure concessionaires meet their contractual obligations. Under the new gaming concession contracts, the six operators are required to invest a minimum of MOP108.8 billion (US$13.6 billion) in non-gaming projects over 10 years. As Macau’s gross gaming revenue in 2023 exceeded MOP180 billion ($22.5 billion), the required investment will increase by 20 percent to approximately MOP130.4 billion ($16.3 billion).
Although these non-gaming investments are classified as commercial commitments rather than public expenditures, the government has emphasized that it will strictly monitor compliance to ensure gaming companies fulfill their social responsibilities.
On a broader note, junket veteran U Io Hung commended the authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb illicit money exchange activities in and around Macau’s casinos. “The results are clear — illegal money changers inside and outside casinos have been effectively cracked down on,” he said. He noted that DICJ’s new director is expected to approach this issue in line with the existing framework.
