Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JUN 2022年6月 亞博匯 88 When the Chinese government started its series of anti-graft crackdowns, it dealt a huge blow to Macau’s gaming industry, especially to the VIP sector. After reaching its peak in 2013, the VIP sector has never regained its momentum and was gradually replaced by the mass market. And after the series of junkets incidents at the end of 2021, the junket industry as we have known it is officially dead. In my opinion, there are three main factors in the development of the gaming industry so far: firstly, the impact of policies on the gaming industry; secondly, the level of investment by gaming concessionaires, and thirdly, human resources. IAG: You mentioned the demise of junkets. What is your opinion on what has happened? RH: I believe the series of events reflects the consensus in the industry that the traditional business model no longer exists. The only way junkets can operate now is to introduce clients to play in the casinos and get commissions from concessionaires. It is believed this will be easier to supervise and therefore eliminate gray areas. In the past, junket operators enjoyed lots of “hidden” power; We definitely should not ignore the existence of satellite casinos. They’ve made great contributions to Macau’s tourism and economy. 我們絕對不應忽略「衛星賭場」的存在，他 們對澳門旅遊及經濟的貢獻很大。 INDUSTRY PROFILE