• About Us
  • The Team
  • Advertise with Us

The latest news on the gaming industry in Asia

() () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () () ()
  • Home
  • Macau
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia
  • World
  • Industry Talk
  • Trends & Tech
  • iGaming
  • follow
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS Feed
    • LinkedIn

Macau official downplays Hainan tourism threat

Apr 16, 2018 Newsdesk Latest News, Macau, Rest of Asia, Top of the deck  


Macau official downplays Hainan tourism threat

Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong Vai Tac, said on Sunday that he does not expect a recent central government announcement regarding neighbouring Hainan (pictured) to have a negative impact on Macau. He added that he was confident that Macau’s gaming industry would remain strong.

Beijing is aiming to make the free trade zone on the Chinese holiday island of Hainan “more mature” by 2035, according to a central government paper released online on Saturday.

The plan for Hainan did not mention gambling or casinos, but it did mention the possibility of horse racing and an expansion of regulated lotteries. Hainan currently offers the licensed welfare lottery and sports lottery found elsewhere on mainland territory.

There has been some speculation in some media outlets that Beijing might experiment with casino liberalisation for mainland Chinese territory via Hainan.

A venue described as a “casino bar” was reported by Reuters in early 2013 to be operating at a hotel complex in Sanya, Hainan, as an “experiment”. At the venue, customers were able to play recognised casino games such as baccarat. But the buy in was via ticket, and winnings were paid in points, not cash, which could only be redeemed for goods and services. Reuters subsequently reported that the Hainan authorities ordered the casino bar to close two days after its story had appeared.

Macau official Mr Leong stated on Sunday: “We always pay attention to policies [enacted] in different regions regarding the development of the gaming industry; assessing how the situation evolves.” His remarks were to local reporters, as quoted by public broadcaster TDM.

He added: “By doing this, we will be aware if these changes will impact in any way [Macau’s] gaming industry and its economy.”

The official said additionally that the Macau market would remain strong, as it continues to diversify its offering. “The development of our own gaming industry and of our non-gaming offering is actually favourable for the comprehensive tourist attractiveness of Macau”.

Mr Leong was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting at the Macau Young Entrepreneurs Incubation Centre.

Grant Govertsen, analyst at brokerage Union Gaming Securities Asia Ltd, said in a Sunday note: “The [Hainan] policy in no way approves anything remotely close to casinos, nor does it even suggest this is a future possibility.”

He added: “What was announced was a free port concept within a special economic zone. Buried inside an exhaustive list of policies, it suggests the development of horse racing; but importantly omits any references to wagering. It also recommends that the idea of an international-style lottery be studied… which suggests that even a lottery isn’t a done deal.”


  • tweet
Related articles
  • IGT 1Q revenue slightly up y-o-y, on higher gaming sales
    IGT 1Q revenue slightly up y-o-y, on...

    May 11, 2022  

  • Light & Wonder completes sale of lottery biz to Brookfield
    Light & Wonder completes sale...

    Apr 06, 2022  

More news
  • Macau’s unemployment an instability factor to security: govt
    Macau’s unemployment an...

    May 24, 2022  

  • Wynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take 10pct wage in stock
    Wynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take...

    May 24, 2022  


Latest News

Macau’s unemployment an instability factor to security: govt

Macau’s unemployment an instability factor to security: govt

May 24, 2022  

Macau’s unemployment rate, and the resulting social pressure, could potentially result in “instability” regarding the city’s security, said the Office of the Secretary for Security in...
Read More
Wynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take 10pct wage in stock

Wynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take 10pct wage in stock

May 24, 2022  

Macau op debt to hit US$25bln unless travel eased 2H: MS

Macau op debt to hit US$25bln unless travel eased 2H: MS

May 24, 2022  

Sign up to our FREE Newsletter

UB8V5.qr.16(Click here for more)

Pick of the Day

”Resorts World Sentosa is now looking at broadening its customer base to those who engage in casual play for entertainment"

Tan Hee Teck

Genting Singapore’s president and chief operating officer



Most Popular

  • Macau GGR tax cut idea tied to China outlook: brokerageMacau GGR tax cut idea tied to China outlook: brokerage May 23, 2022
  • Review saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau LegendReview saw no irregularity in Levo Chan link: Macau Legend May 23, 2022
  • Wynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take 10pct wage in stockWynn Macau Ltd asks managers to take 10pct wage in stock May 24, 2022
  • RWS seeking to expand gaming customer base: execRWS seeking to expand gaming customer base: exec May 24, 2022
Copyright 2014-2022 TEAM Publishing and Consultancy Ltd / All rights reserved
  • Code of Ethics
  • Privacy Policy
  • Useful Links
  • Contact Us