The concern was raised when Leong pointed out that while the gaming industry is flourishing post-pandemic, the reestablishing of workers’ benefits back to pre-pandemic levels have not been done.
“I have received several requests for support from frontline workers who complain that, after the pandemic, the number of visitors [has] increased and due to lack of manpower, they had to attend to more customers,” Leong was quoted saying by Macau news agencies.
“Furthermore, they are constantly dealing with fraudsters and have also been forced to adapt to new electronic gaming tables and new equipment. If they make a mistake, they easily receive warning letters and there have even been cases in which workers have been fired for work-related mistakes, or even advised to voluntarily quit.”
Leong further added that such work conditions have affected the workers' family and social lives, placing them under physical and psychological pressure. While there were new gaming laws in force to protect the workers, the laws were not strongly enforced nor scrutinised.
“I appeal to concessionaires to reduce the pressure on workers, hiring more workers promptly and helping them resolve problems according to their needs. Warning letters should not be issued [so readily] but should be only for good reason in the name of keeping a harmonious employment relationship,” Leong concluded.
July 2024 saw an 11.6% increase in Macau’s gross gaming revenue, which, despite falling short of predictions, still reflected year-on-year growth. In this case, Leong’s concerns were justified and an important note for healthy, sustainable growth for the sector.
