As Macau approaches the end of the three-year transition period for satellite casinos under its new gaming law, lawmaker Ngan Iek Hang is urging gaming operators to increase their investment in non-gaming projects.
This call comes amidst concerns about an uneven economic recovery, with non-gaming sectors lagging behind gaming revenue, and the need to evaluate the “performance” of these operators in diversifying Macau’s economy.
Ngan’s inquiry to the government concerns labor market data. According to the Statistics and Census Service, the fourth quarter of 2024 saw only 253 job vacancies within the gaming industry. Coupled with widespread shop closures and a cautious hiring atmosphere favoring versatile talent, the overall job market remains constrained.
While Macau strives for a “1+4” diversified industrial structure (referring to one dominant industry, tourism, and four emerging industries), the gaming sector remains the cornerstone, employing 18.9 percent of the workforce and significantly impacting related sectors like hospitality, catering, and entertainment.
Recognizing this, Ngan stresses the imperative for integrated tourism and leisure enterprises to bolster their non-gaming initiatives. This would drive broader industrial development, create diverse job opportunities, facilitate re-employment, and revitalize local business districts, fostering a more vibrant and diversified economy.
In alignment with the government’s push for moderate economic diversification, Ngan, a pro-government ally, requests a thorough assessment of gaming operators’ contributions. He emphasizes the need to address the limited range and quantity of new job vacancies. Specifically, he advocates for the creation of more skill-oriented, non-gaming positions, coupled with training programs to support local residents in career transitions.
Furthermore, Ngan inquires about the government’s plans, beyond current district revitalization projects, to incentivize gaming operators to increase local procurement and support the stability of local businesses through strategic partnerships. He seeks clarity on how the government intends to leverage these large companies to bolster the broader local economy.
Currently, Macau’s six gaming operators have been designated to revitalize six historic districts in the city as part of their non-gaming commitments under the new 10-year gaming concessions.
The districts include Lai Chi Vun Shipyard, Rua da Felicidade, the A-Ma area, Inner Harbor Piers 23 and 25, Avenida do Almeida Ribeiro, and Rua de Cinco de Outubro.
As reported previously, the revitalization efforts have shown some results, with over 1.7 million visits recorded during various performances and events from the initiative’s start in 2023 through December 2024.
More than 750 arts and cultural events have been held, supporting over 200 cultural and creative enterprises and creating jobs for over 200 service providers.
