Macau’s probe into whether a casino flouted the enclave’s personal data protection law will be completed in the early part of 2013. The head of Macau’s Personal Data Protection Office told the press late last week that the investigation into the Venetian Macau’s will conclude in 2013. They relate to their conduct regarding documents they are accused of moving from Macau to the United States of America linked to a case being brought by former Sands China CEO Steve Jacobs where he accuses the company of wrongful dismissal. If guilty the group faces a fine of anything from MOP 8,000 and MOP 80,000 that, in all honesty, is about as effective as fining a professional football two weeks wages.
PokerStars Macau set new records for both attendees and prize money on the Asia Pacific Poker Tour’s latest stop in the enclave. The 2012 Asia Championship of Poker, at the Grand Waldo from October 26 to November 11, saw a total of 2,757 players and a total prize pool of HD$46.2 million (US$6m) – both records for the tour. The championship’s president Danny McDonagh admitted the player numbers were beyond our wildest expectations”. Chinese player Xing Zhou won the main event and the visitor numbers just go to show how popular poker is becoming in Asia.