Macau has been considering implementing a ban that would prevent employees from visiting casinos when they’re not on the clock—a move that is similar to one seen in other countries. What they still haven’t been able to figure out, however, is how best to establish the controls to enforce the ban. The latest option would be to conduct random checks on personnel, instead of facial recognition, which had previously been suggested.
Lawmakers are said to be discussing the possibility of employing a dedicated inspector to conduct random checks on casino staff. The decision comes following a meeting of the Macau Standing Committee, which was convened to discuss the ban and its implementation.
The inspector, or inspectors, would be appointed by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ, for its acronym in Portuguese), the agency that regulates casinos, and would be responsible with conducting random checks at casinos throughout the city. The individual would be required to file a report on any worker that is found to be in violation of the ban, if and when it’s enforced.
In speaking with local media outlets, First Standing Committee Chairman Ho Ion Sang indicated that there would also be third-party reports accepted. He stated that there could be a 24-hour telephone hotline that would allow individuals to provide tips, as well as the distribution of campaign material to educate casino personnel about the ban and the measures being implemented to enforce it.
The ban is expected to be considered by the city’s Legislative Assembly this December. If approved, it would cover approximately 54,000 casino workers across Macau and is designed to prevent them from being overexposed to gambling. The ban covers floor employees, cashiers, food and beverage personnel, public relations employees and security and cleaning staff. It might also include 8,000 individuals employed by junket operators.
54,000—or 62,000, if the junket employees are included—is a big number. The chances of the program being effective if only one inspector is employed are lower than the chances of winning the Power Ball lottery. While the purpose of the program—to help ensure employees don’t turn into gambling addicts—is a noble one, the design of the program is impractical and won’t be able to meet the goal.
