Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau says it will continue to strengthen the supervision of the SAR’s junket operators following last week’s revelation that it had conducted 25 checks of VIP rooms at seven Macau casinos.
The checks were in response to allegations by Chinese media two weeks ago that leading Macau junket operator Suncity Group had signed up players who gambled in its junket rooms in Macau to online gaming and proxy betting services. Suncity has vehemently denied the allegations.
In a follow-up announcement on Monday, the DICJ confirmed it had conducted a number of surprise inspections at various VIP Clubs around Macau and that “in the future relevant inspections will continue to ensure the gambling industry operates according to the law and develops healthily.”
The DICJ also issued a reminder that any junket promotors found to be violating gaming laws, “including violations of local laws and regulations outside of Macau,” would see their licenses affected.
According to the DICJ’s announcement, it held a meeting with the Public Administration and Civil Services Bureau and the Judicial Police late last week to exchange information on the latest developments in illegal online gambling activities and trends in gambling crimes.
At a specially convened press conference held nine days ago, Suncity Group CEO Alvin Chau revealed the company would apply Macau law to all of its operations globally.
“For any products that are legally allowed to operate in other countries and regions, the company will not adopt them if the laws of Macau do not allow it and will strictly adhere to the law of Macau,” Chau said at the time.