Macau’s gaming watchdog has discovered unlicensed gaming agents allegedly engaging in gaming promotion activities during inspections in the casino areas.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) announced the launch of an investigation into the unlicensed individuals, noting that it will strictly follow the respective laws and may implement measures to ban the violators from entering the casinos.
The message was shared on DICJ’s WeChat channel on Wednesday. However, no further details about the unlicensed gaming agents were provided.
The DICJ noted that this action is part of a series of inspections in Macau’s casinos that have been carried out recently.
‘These inspections included monitoring the operations of VIP rooms and mass gaming areas, as well as preventing illegal activities such as under-the-table betting and unauthorized profit-sharing, and identifying unlicensed gaming agents.’
In addition to regular inspections and monitoring, the DICJ mentioned that they have sent personnel to VIP rooms and mass gaming areas to verify the identities and membership information of individuals present.
The monitoring aims to ensure that those engaged in gaming junkets and partnership activities hold valid licenses or permits. These special inspections are intended to ensure that VIP room operations and casino activities comply with current laws and regulations.
Analysts have pointed out that such inspections and patrolling of gaming floors could be offputting to some punters, potentially contributing to a downturn in activity – coupled with China’s increased focus on illegal money exchanges in the SAR and macroeconomic conditions.