Inside Asian Gaming

IAG FEB 2022年2月 亞博匯 22 COVER STORY Here’s what we know so far. On 14 September 2021, the Macau government released a consultation document outlining nine key issues to be addressed in amending Law 16/2001. Those issues were: 1. 2. 3. The number of concessions The concession period Increases in statutory supervision share with the regulator, caps on the number of table games and slot machines in operation, minimum GGR expectations and the future of junkets (if there is one). With the current 20- year licenses of Macau’s concessionaires due to expire this year, the real question now is whether a re-tendering process can be run and done by the 26 June deadline or if the licenses will be extended by up to three more years – although as short as six months is more likely – as permitted by law. 3.1. 3.2. Increase of capital above MOP$200 million Increase of Macau permanent resident Managing Director shareholding above 10% Meeting the government’s original mid-2022 deadline will largely depend on how quickly the Legislative Assembly can pass the draft bill. Depending on who you listen to – and taking into account the potential for legislators to propose various changes – that timeline could range anywhere from two months to a year. Either way, the events of recent weeks have at last provided some much- needed clarity on exactly what the government expects in return for issuing its next round of privileged casino licenses.