Inside Asian Gaming

AUGUST 2018 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 13 WeChat shuts down 50,000 accounts for World Cup betting Legislative assembly passes bill banning Macau casino workers from gaming floors Chinese messaging and online payment app WeChat has deleted 50,000 accounts and another 8,000 group chats discussing gambling since the football World Cup kicked off in Russia. WeChat developer Tencent issued a statement during the closing stages of the event detailing its anti-gambling measures and urging users not to engage in any World Cup betting activities via its hugely popular app, which is estimated to have almost one billion users worldwide. “During the World Cup, World Cup gambling websites have been shut down by the government, causing some betting activities to migrate to social platforms,” WeChat said. “We appeal to the majority of users to watch the World Cup rationally, to appreciate the competitive nature of football and respect the spirit of the game, and keep away from gambling.” Macau’s Legislative Assembly has approved a draft bill banning local casino workers from entering Macau casinos outside of working hours. The bill, which will now head to committee for further deliberations and refining of policy details, is aimed at curbing problem gambling among casino employees. It was revealed by the Deputy Director of Macau’s Social Affairs Bureau, Hoi Wa Pou, earlier this year that around 30% of all individuals who ask for assistance in dealing with a gambling problem work in the casino industry. The bill will target employees working in a range of positions in Macau casinos including dealers and EGM workers, cleaners, security personnel, cashiers and even some public relations staff. Those workers found to be in a casino outside of work hours would face fines of between MOP$1,000 and MOP$10,000. However, employees would be allowed to enter casinos on the first three days of the Lunar New Year and for work-related activities such as training.