Reportedly, the number of inspectors should grow from 192 to 459, and some of the reorganisational moves include the integration of the Games of Fortune Inspection Department and Mutual Bets Inspection Department into the Gaming Inspection Department; which will then be divided into a Research Department, a Department of Installations and Information Technology, and a Legal and Licensing Department.
The changes in the regulator’s structure have been forced by the growth of Macau's gaming market.
Macau is the largest gaming hub in the world and, despite half the usual international travel due to Covid-19, the market is slowly beginning to recover.
The city’s authorities have also clamped down on illegal or suspicious money transactions, which in turn have placed greater scrutiny on casinos.
The current gaming concessions for many of the well-known operators, such as Sands China, Wynn Macau, MGM China, SJM Holdings, Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment, are set to expire soon, and the heightened regulatory supervision will likely be reflected in the application process for new concessions.
Macau’s gaming market is preparing to welcome players back, even if international travel is still yet to be confirmed. As a method of inviting more visitors into the city, Macau is considering relaxing border entry requirements for travellers from Guangdong.
The mainland province reportedly has its new Covid-19 spikes under control, which should see renewed travel between the regions. Macau’s travel bubble with Hong Kong is still in the works, even if progress has stalled due to new outbreaks.
