Gaming law under revision

The Government will soon present a proposal for the revision of the Gaming Industry Regulatory Framework law, the main legislation governing casino activities in the territory, the Macau Business reported yesterday.
The main goal is to increase the minimum age for entering casinos from 18 to 21, but other changes will be made, Fernando Vitória, legal adviser of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, said during the “First seminar on gaming operations and gaming licensing”, organised by the Law Faculty of the University of Macau, on Friday.
According to Vitória, the proposal will be sent to the Executive Council soon. The revision will also cover issues like the preventive interdiction of players entering into casinos – an issue already mentioned in the current law, but that has raised some grey areas – and the existence of lists of interdicted players.
On the minimum age for entering in casinos, Vitória said there will be an adaptation period in order not to affect the employment rights of croupiers currently aged under 21. It will also be possible for fire fighters, police officers or health care staff to go inside casinos in emergency situations.
The proposal will also cover situations as when someone under 21 plays in a casino and wins.