New rules for slot parlours in March

The long-awaited bylaw that removes slot machine parlours from residential areas is due to be ready by the end of March, the head of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Manuel Joaquim das Neves, vowed.
In a written reply to an enquiry from lawmaker Au Kam San, Neves said that the new rules would be out within the first quarter of this year. He added that the government would work with the gaming industry to set a schedule for the removal of all parlours operating in residential areas.
The government first proposed banning slot-machine parlours from residential districts in 2007. Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam Pak Yuen, announced the measure during the 2008 Policy Address.
Despite the four-year delay, Neves ensured that the government has stopped approving new parlour projects in residential areas.
The government says there are only two slot machine parlours in residential areas, which are the SJM Yat Yuen Canidrome Slot Lounge in Fai Chi Kei and Melco’s Mocha Marina Plaza parlour in Rua de Pequim.
Last October, Tam said that the draft bylaw states that a gaming area is defined within 300 to 500 metre radius from a casino. Out of that boundary would be the ‘community areas’ where no gaming facilities would be allowed.
Moreover, he added, the government would only consider approving slot machine venues “in casinos, hotels or commercial buildings”.
One month later, in a note to clients, Union Gaming Research said that Mocha Marina Plaza was likely to close its doors. However, the analysts downplayed the impact as they believe the operator “may have identified another parcel” to open another Mocha Club venue.