Macau Regulator Boss Says Responsible Gambling Is a Duty of Operators
Summary
Author’s take: Macau’s regulator has made it plain: responsible gambling is not optional window-dressing — it is a legal duty for operators and will be actively enforced.
Ng Wai Han, director of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), told attendees at the “Responsible Gambling Promotion 2025 Closing Ceremony” on 17 December at MGM Cotai that responsible gambling is essential to the lawful, healthy and orderly growth of Macau’s gaming industry and is a legal requirement under the Gaming Law.
The ceremony, co-organised by the Social Welfare Bureau, the DICJ and the University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming, recognised 15 casinos and gaming venues as “Model Units for Responsible Gambling Implementation” and presented certificates to 175 trained individuals who completed professional gambling-counselling and instructor courses.
Key Points
- Ng Wai Han stressed responsible gambling is a legal obligation for gaming concessionaires in Macau, not merely an outreach exercise.
- The DICJ and partners awarded 15 venues as model implementers and certified 175 professionals in gambling counselling and instructor training.
- Regulators require regular reporting from concessionaires and conduct on-site inspections to assess programme effectiveness.
- Strict oversight of casino entry bans is being maintained, and overall supervision of responsible gambling measures is being strengthened.
- The government plans to boost public-awareness campaigns and expand stakeholder collaboration to prevent gambling disorders as the sector recovers.
Context and relevance
As Macau’s gaming industry rebounds faster than expected, regulators are shifting from promotion to enforcement. Making responsible gambling a statutory duty raises the compliance bar for operators and signals greater regulatory scrutiny — especially around reporting, on-site inspections and enforcement of entry bans. This is important for casino management, investors, policy-makers and welfare groups tracking gambling-harm prevention.
Why should I read this
Short version: if you have skin in Macau’s gaming scene — operator, supplier, investor or regulator watcher — this is one to skim. The regulator’s message is clear and practical: tidy up your responsible-gambling measures, keep paperwork up to date, and expect inspections. It matters because enforcement is being ramped up just as the market recovers.