Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lei Wai Nong, revealed on Sunday that the government has been actively monitoring the gaming revenue generated by foreign customers. This tracking involves the use of electronic gaming tables and chips within foreigner-only gambling zones. However, specific numbers regarding foreign customer contributions to the gross gaming revenue (GGR) for this year were not disclosed.
New Gaming Law: A Potential Tax Waiver for Foreign Players
Under Section 22(3) of Macau’s new Gaming Law, the government may consider waiving up to 5% of the GGR tax associated with foreign players, excluding those from Macau, mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Transparency in Revenue Tracking
Lei highlighted that Macau concessionaires have established segregated foreign gaming areas, equipped with electronic gaming tables and chips. These dedicated spaces help the government accurately identify gambling revenue generated by foreign gamblers. Concessionaires are required to submit daily data, which is then verified by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
Encouraging Investment and Tourism
Lei emphasized the importance of attracting investment from foreigners, as outlined in the concessionaires’ contracts. He also shed light on Macau’s primary sources of foreign tourists, particularly from Southeast Asia and South Korea. However, Lei acknowledged the need to improve aviation capacity to enhance tourism from Europe and the United States.
Promising Visitor Arrival Numbers
Macau has witnessed encouraging visitor arrival numbers in the first nine months, totaling close to 20 million. Notably, Saturday’s arrivals reached a remarkable 158,000, marking the highest single-day arrivals since the outbreak and surpassing the same period before the pandemic.