Macau authorities are encouraging gaming operators to adopt electronic gaming tables and chips as a means to track foreign players’ bets, the city’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong revealed. During a Legislative Assembly session on Monday, the secretary stated that the measures could ensure the precise calculation of foreign gamblers’ wagers and establish standards for tax regulation.
Nong also asserted that the government would make sure that the casino operators fulfill their promises to develop non-gaming projects as they work towards the goal of a healthy gaming industry. Meanwhile, the secretary said that the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO)’s overseas offices would continue with their promotions customized for designated markets to broaden the city’s international market.
A regulation introduced in December 2022 exempted casino operators from a 5 percent levy via gaming zones exclusive to foreign punters.
In recent times, the CEO and President of MGM Resorts International, Bill Hornbuckle, said that foreigner-only zones had proven ineffective. Instead, MGM for a long time, has been relying on RFID chip tracking technology.
Earlier this month, brokerage Morgan Stanley said that the adoption of RFID electronic tables and chips by Macau gaming operators could allow for the accurate identification of foreign gamblers. Analysts Praveen K Choudhary and Gareth Leung wrote that the majority of Macau gaming dealers had already placed orders for smart tables supported by RFID and that the new equipment is expected to be installed within the next 12 months.