Gaming association calls for government to continue cash handouts

Five representatives of the Power of the Macao Gaming Association delivered a letter to the government headquarters yesterday, calling for the government to continue the city’s cash handout scheme in 2017.
The association praised the scheme, saying that the cash-sharing program has widespread grassroots support.
“It is a small gesture that can relieve the discontent among the public,” the association said, adding that “it is a little encouragement given to the public under fair conditions.”
In the words of a member of the association, the majority of the gaming industry – with the exception of one company – has not increased its employees’ salaries. Many SMEs are also maintaining the same wage levels, much like the bigger companies. The association added that this makes laborers’ lives more difficult, which could potentially lead to family problems and spread discontent throughout society.
Moreover, the association said families at the grassroots level needed the money most, as the cash handout scheme has been the only welfare program to benefit the public since the huge growth of the gaming industry.
The association also hopes that the government can build more affordable housing for young people.  Staff reporter