The Macau Gaming Enterprises Staff’s Association has publicized a number of complaints relating to casino patrons’ abuse of dealers. Six separate cases have been reported to the union in the past three months alone.
The association is calling for the government to blacklist gamblers with a history of violence from local casinos.
The call-to-action came about as the result of a recent case involving a casino dealer, surnamed Chio. Wearing a mask and sunglasses to prevent identification, she recounted her story to a public audience alongside representatives of the union.
“He [the patron] picked up the card as soon as I shuffled it to him. Not only did he crumple it but he threw it right at my face,” explained Chio. “What’s more? He slapped my face. I felt extremely humiliated and dizzy afterwards.”
Chio, who describes the encounter as physical abuse, has already sought assistance from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and the Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL).
The director of DSAL, Wong Chi Kong, told reporters that their involvement will be minimal, since this is a criminal case and not a labor dispute.
“The gaming operator has the duty to report this case to the police authorities if it involves any criminal offenses like physical violence,” he said, as cited by TDM. “All that we can do now is forward the case, as [DSAL] is not in charge of handling criminal activities.”
Choi Kam Fu, the director-general of the Macau Gaming Enterprises Staff’s Association, wants a ban to be imposed on gamblers with a history of violence toward casino staff.
“Spitting at their [dealers’] faces is not so serious,” said Choi. “Sometimes they [patrons] hit their face or pull out weapons.”
“The authorities should ban them from entering casinos if they have previously committed such violent acts,” he added.
In response, DICJ informed that they are cooperating with the Judiciary Police (PJ) to follow up on the complaint and that they welcome any suggestions on how best to protect gaming workers. According to TDM, the PJ said they have received seven cases of physical abuse in casinos this year. DB
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