Macau’s six gaming operators issued separate statements over the weekend to welcome the government’s gaming industry amendment bill, details of which were announced by Secretary for Administration and Justice André Cheong Weng Chon on Friday. 

The six companies’ slightly edited statements are published by alphabetical order.

Galaxy Entertainment Group:

Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) welcomes the bill. GEG will proactively support the related work of the Macau SAR Government, as well as the gaming industry’s sustainable and healthy development, in order to contribute to Macau’s long-term prosperity.

GEG Chairman Dr Lui Che Woo said: “We agree and fully support the goals of the government’s proposed legislation, which holds that national and Macau’s security should have top priority when operating casinos and gaming-related activities, whereas Macau’s economic diversification and sustainable development should be promoted. We believe that having optimised laws and regulations in place will lay a solid foundation for the city’s steady development and propel the synergetic development of the gaming industry, leading to Macau’s overall economic resilience and diversity.” Deeply rooted in Macau, GEG upholds the philosophy of “What is taken from the community is to be used for the good of the community” and is fully committed to making positive contributions to Macau. GEG will work together as one mind to fully prepare itself for new opportunities while making every effort to fulfil its corporate social responsibilities.

Melco Resorts & Entertainment:

Melco Resorts & Entertainment welcomes and supports the framework of the proposed amendment to the current gaming law (Law 16/2001) issued by the Macau SAR government on January 14. The Company is grateful to the SAR government for considering the opinions from all sectors of society and the gaming industry while devising the proposed framework with a clear direction that refines the relevant legal framework which is beneficial to promoting the sustainable and healthy development of Macau’s gaming industry.

Melco is fully confident in the development of the integrated tourism and leisure industry. The Company is committed to participating in the public tender of the award of a gaming concession and will continue to promote economic diversification in Macau.

MGM China: 

MGM China welcomes and supports the Macau SAR Government’s submission of the core framework of the “Amendment to the Macau SAR Gaming Law No. 16/2001” to the Macau Legislative Assembly for debate and vote today [Friday], after taking into account the views expressed during a public consultation process late last year. The bill announced [on Friday] has provided clarity and details on the overall direction, administrative procedures and timetable, and improved the relevant content of the current gaming law that is necessary for a healthy and sustainable development of the gaming industry in the long run. MGM China is sincerely grateful of the Macau SAR Government on granting us sufficient time to prepare for our tender submission under the new gaming law.

Sands China: 

Sands China Ltd. fully supports and welcomes the Macao SAR government’s announcement on Friday of the framework for the upcoming amendment to the Macao Gaming Law (Law 16/2001). The company is grateful to the SAR government for providing clear guidelines on several proposed changes following feedback from the industry and the general public.

Sands China will fully cooperate with the SAR government to support the passage of the bill, thereby contributing to the healthy and sustainable development of Macao’s gaming industry. Sands China remains optimistic about the future of Macao’s integrated resort industry, and is looking forward to submitting its bid for a Macao gaming concession.

SJM Resorts: 

SJM Resorts, S.A. welcomes and fully supports the proposed amendments to the gaming law (Law 16/2001) announced by the Macau SAR Government on January 14. The gaming bill, which was sent to the Legislative Assembly for debate and vote, reflects that the Government has taken into account the views collected from the industry and various sectors during the public consultation. The bill has improved the relevant contents of the existing gaming law with details on the proposed amendments and clear guidelines for the benefit of a sustainable and healthy development of Macau’s gaming industry. SJM is getting prepared for the new tendering while awaiting the announcement of 

more details from the Government. As always, SJM fully supports and coordinates with the Government in safeguarding the security of the Nation and Macau SAR, and in promoting the prosperity and stability of the city, further advancing the cause of “One Country, Two Systems” in Macau.

Wynn:

As one of Macau’s pioneering Concessionaires, Wynn fully supports and welcomes the Macau SAR government’s draft amendment to the Gaming Law.

We are encouraged that the Government has expedited the review process and also taken into consideration the views of the industry and the general public, and provided clarity on many of the outstanding issues.

We believe that the enhancement of these regulations will significantly strengthen the sustainable development of Macau over the long-term, and we look forward to working closely with the Government and actively participating in the public tender process.