The Hac Sa beach in Coloane
The government is willing to review legislation which introduces a ban on casino construction within specific areas of the city, namely Coloane, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, informed lawmakers yesterday at the Legislative Assembly (AL) plenary meeting.
“If society believes there should be no casinos in certain areas, then aside from the administrative procedures currently in place, we might have to make amendments to the law,” Mr Leong reiterated.
Responding to Au Kam San’s spoken enquiry regarding the development of hotel projects in Seac Pai Van, including the Louis XIII hotel resort, Mr Leong recalled yet again that, “so far none of the gaming concessionaires have requested [authorization to operate gaming tables] following the construction of the hotel Louis XIII.”
According to the enquiry put forward by lawmaker Au, the owners of two hotel projects that are under development in Coloane had previously shown interest in building casinos on their properties.
But the secretary reiterated that for any hotel to operate gaming tables, a gaming concessionaire would be required to file a request with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
The matter raised further debate as lawmakers asked the Secretary to elaborate on the government’s intentions regarding the potential construction of casinos on Coloane Island.
The lawmaker highlighted the Louis XIII hotel resort as an example when questioning the administration on whether or not it will allow casino construction in Seac Pai Van, which currently holds a local population of approximately 60,000.
Mr Leong acknowledged that Macau’s law does not stipulate that casinos cannot be built on specific areas, and therefore he cannot guarantee that casinos will not eventually be built on Coloane Island.
Furthermore, he stated that if in the near future a request to operate gaming tables at any hotel in Coloane is filed, the government will take into consideration several matters, and will listen to the opinions of the public.
“There’s no rule in our law stating that the construction of casinos is banned in certain areas. But we are open to society’s opinions, and if society thinks we need to review legislation to include a ban on casino construction in certain areas, the government is open to such a possibility,” he conceded.
Ng Kuok Cheong insisted on learning more about the Louis XIII hotel that is currently under construction in Seac Pai Van. “Could you ensure Seac Pai Van residents that there will be no casino there? Now that gaming revenue is down and we are no longer experiencing an economic boom, we cannot allow the uncontrolled development of the gaming sector,” he acknowledged.
Ng added that authorities should clarify that casinos cannot be built without restrictions, and that game betting centers should not be located within residential areas. He concluded by saying that, “the law does not stipulate this but the government could introduce such policies.”
‘made in macau’ products in casinos
The government is pondering the inclusion of two new rules in gaming concession contracts, ensuring that gaming operators will forge further business ties with local brands and enterprises, revealed the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong.
Following a spoken enquiry delivered by lawmakers Kou Hoi In and Chui Sai Peng urging the government to protect “Made in Macau” products, the Secretary recalled that this year’s Policy Address already foresees measures to help Macau to diversify its economy and to protect local brands. He added that gaming operators have responded positively to this matter, and have pledged to cooperate with respective government policies.
“The government will ponder whether to include new rules on gaming concessions’ contracts when looking to create further business opportunities for Macau companies, and ensuring that gaming operators comply with their social responsibility,” he concluded.
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