Inside Asian Gaming

IAG MAR 2022年3月 亞博匯 50 COLUMNISTS on behalf of the concessionaires under Law No. 16/2001, and this provision is retained in the draft bill. However, the concept of a “management company” is not merely a gaming service provider but an authorized operator having the power to run casinos in its own right. It is fairly understandable that such a provision has never been invoked because this casino management arrangement can elevate an outside investor to the status of a gaming operator, thus shattering the city’s system of gaming concessions. The forthcoming demise of the satellite casino system might motivate the industry stakeholders to seek alternative solutions like this to stay in business under the new gaming law. It is, however, very much in doubt whether the government or the concessionaires would be amenable to the idea of splitting the exclusive rights to operate casinos in Macau. POTENTIAL AVENUES FOR SATELLITE CASINOS It has been a trend that satellite casinos have been marginalized by the integrated resorts owned and developed by most gaming operators. Though challenges abound, these small- scale casinos also possess a high degree of operational resilience and responsiveness. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, most casinos have been struggling with a lack of business in this challenging environment. According to industry sources, one satellite property bucked the trend and recorded decent profits in the second half of last year. This result hinges largely on their dedication to quality service alongside various play incentives. All these, Babylon, a satellite casino housed at the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf precinct. 位於澳門漁人碼頭的衛星賭場巴比倫娛樂場。