Inside Asian Gaming

IAG JUL 2022年7月 亞博匯 52 U nless you have been in hibernation since September last year, you would be aware the Macau government has been on a mission to revise the Macau gaming law, and then complete the tendering process for the new round of Macau casino gaming concessions. The last time it did this was way back in 2002. This time around the concessions will be valid for a maximum of 10 years (plus a possible extension of up to three years at the Macau government’s discretion if extenuating circumstances exist), rather than the previous 20-year period which was to expire on Sunday 26 June 2022 (but was itself extended to 31 December 2022). With the new gaming law passed by the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday 21 June, the industry is now readying itself for the launch of the tender process, which I believe will take up all of Q3 this year and some of Q4. That process will likely be an “open” tender process – in other words any company may apply – as it was back in 2002. The alternative is that it could be a restricted tender process in which only prequalified companies may apply. Let’s look at the “open” tender process, which I feel is the more likely procedure, using the process used back in 2002 as a guide. The first step will be the appointment of a Tender Commission, a group of suitably qualified people who will control and oversee the process. Next, we can expect the tender to be “opened” by means of a letter issued by dispatch of the Chief Executive. This will be an important stage, outlining the rules and procedures of the tender. There could be surprises at this stage – for example the letter could stipulate that there will be five concessionaires, not six. Or that the concession will run for say eight years rather than the widely expected 10. It could even say something totally unexpected such as a certain percentage of the capital of the winning bidders must be owned by Macau locals or Chinese companies. Any other IN FOCUS