Macau Declares “No-Connection” from Crown Casino Arrests
Macau authorities have distanced itself from the recent Crown China incident.
Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau Chief Paulo Martins Chan has emphasized that they have no-connections to the recent gambling scandal in China. Mr. Chan has told Macau press that Crown Casino’s employees who were detained in mainland China are not employees based in Macau.
GGRAsia reports that DICJ’s chief has made it point to check on gaming companies in Macau to follow regulations. Macau-based casinos have been abiding the laws in China. It’s a mandate that casinos in Macau have been following in order to recover from its recent gambling industry profit losses.
The Crown China Incident Explained
Chinese authorities have detained 18 Crown Casino employees which includes 3 Australia nationals. The group was led by a high ranking executive who is handling its VIP marketing. Advertising gambling services and soliciting Chinese gamblers to gamble overseas is illegal in mainland China. Casino operators are allowed to promote their resorts’ non-casino related amenities.
Is Macau Overreacting?
It’s a no-brainer why Macau is defensive in terms of distancing itself from the Crown China incident. Since Macau is starting to recover from its losses, other gambling go-to destinations are enticing Chinese gamblers to wager overseas.
This case is a reminder for the gaming companies here: when they are conducting their marketing activities in mainland China, they have to have a clear understanding of its laws and abide by them,” Chan said, according to press report.
It has been reported that Chinese authorities are observe in Crown’s mainland operations. It already warned the Crown team regarding the solicitation prohibitions. Industry observers speculate that Crown has been candy-coating its casino offerings with other resort amenities.
Will the Crown China Incident Affect Macau’s Industry?
It’s surprising that Macau is playing it safe to increase China’s faith in regulated gambling. It’s reported that Chinese authorities have detained 10 other people. These are organizers of junkets that Crown licensed to entice high end gamblers to travel to Australia.
With this in tow, Macau officials have advised gambling operators to be observant in abiding laws not only in Macau but in an international stage as well. DICJ Chief Chan has made it clear that while it distances itself from the Crown China incident, the city won’t feel its repercussions.
