Inside Asian Gaming

IAG MAR 2021年3月 亞博匯 46 COLUMNISTS exceptions, can play on offshore websites. Indeed, Macau does not prohibit or restrict access to gaming or wagering websites hosted and operated outside its jurisdiction (something to be considered). Furthermore, Macau does not impose blocking obligations on local internet service providers. The underlying concerns that might dissuade authorities from considering allowing gaming by locals – particularly prevention of excessive and unregulated gambling and addictive behaviors – are easily (from a technical standpoint) addressed in the online spectrum. Protection of minors and vulnerable people would be guaranteed via clear identification of players, including by means of facial recognition, and by betting limits that could be placed on a player’s account). There would no doubt be strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements to ensure play is sufficiently monitored. On the contrary, by allowing locals to play, we would be protecting the local consumer by ensuring they play in a regulated environment. I shall leave the discussion of how this model should not mirror the new Philippine PIGO model for another time. CONVERGENCE VS FRESH BLOOD A debatable matter would be the identity of candidate operators. And it is likely the current gaming concessionaires would want a piece of the online pie. In fact, should they not be allowed to take part, there could be cannibalization of the market and disregard