The Chinese authorities may be easing visa restrictions for travel to Macau from the mainland but it now seems that new regulations will further halt the city’s rapidly expanding gambling market. A rise in minimum age for staff and visitors from 18 to 21 is not seen by operators as a threat to casino revenue but a cap on gaming table numbers could affect future development.

After a decline in gaming revenue in Macau, over the months of August and September record amounts have been recorded and the Chinese government seems intent upon again slowing the rapid expansion of gambling in Macau. Following a meeting between government officials and executives of the six gaming operators, a government statement said the operators recognised that curbs on gambling industry expansion are necessary.

Macau is planning to bring in laws to ban slot machines from residential areas as well as place a limit on table games numbers and raise the age limit. Share prices of the gaming companies, which had rebounded from earlier falls, declined again in trading yesterday. However, operators and analysts suggest that limiting growth will be beneficial in the long term. At the meeting with gaming executives the Secretary for Economics and Finance, Francis Tam, urged the companies to prioritise the hiring of local workers. (E-10.13.09)

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