分类： News

As Macau’s post-COVID recovery delivers steady, rather than spectacular, financial results, local authorities continue to remind gaming concessionaires of their obligations to support diversification initiatives. Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip has taken charge of these efforts, hoping to hasten the region’s evolution into a leading tourism destination.

The Government Is Tightening Its Control
Tai informed lawmakers Wednesday that his department will now assume a more proactive role in overseeing revitalization and diversification projects planned by gaming operators under their January 2023 10-year gaming concessions. During a legislative Q&A, Tai revealed that two new government-led task forces under his leadership would help steer Macau’s economic prosperity.

According to a recent IAG report, the first of the new task forces will evaluate progress in revitalizing six historic districts tied to each concessionary. The second one will ensure the region’s casino giants remain compliant with non-gaming investment terms outlined in their contracts. Tai added that this move would allow Macau to more effectively manage diversification investments, distributing them where they would be most impactful.

The government will guide the grantee companies to allocate more resources to support key industrial projects in Macau and Hengqin.

Tai Kin Ip, Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance
All six of Macau’s casino giants have expressed willingness to diversify their offerings with tourism, cultural, and tech initiatives, drawing in more than just gamblers. However, years later, development has been sporadic at best, with few high-profile projects emerging beyond existing hotel or retail expansions. On the surface, it appears that most companies prefer to prioritize initiatives that will bring direct benefits.

Economic Realities Mean Change Is Inevitable
Tai’s announcement follows lukewarm financial figures for March. Gross gaming revenue reached MOP$19.66 billion ($2.46 billion), a minuscule 0.8% year-on-year increase and a slight drop compared to February. While these figures still mark sustained growth, year-to-date GGR through March rose only 0.6% compared to the same period in 2024, far from the breakout recovery some stakeholders hoped for.

Most experts now forecast full-year 2025 gaming revenue growth of just 3% to 5%. This figure is especially underwhelming given the region’s aggressive push for economic reinvention. The government will concentrate concessionary contributions on revitalizing its six historic districts. Some funds will also go to the neighboring island of Hengqin, transforming it into a modern tourism and technology hub.

The Macau government’s harsher tone may herald a new age in Macau’s post-pandemic reorientation. While gaming remains the lifeblood of the local economy, local leaders seek to ensure that the region’s future does not solely depend on baccarat tables and VIP rooms. With the days of passive oversight now gone, concessionaires must adapt to a new reality.

Kern County judge sentenced Rafael Lainez Castro to almost 7 years in prison after last month a jury found him guilty of shooting at a Golden West Casino guard, among other charges.

Rafael Lainez Castro Receives Lengthy Prison Sentence
The 39-year-old man who threatened and shot at a security guard at Golden West Casino has been sentenced to prison, though the guard was not injured in the incident. The convicted man, Rafael Lainez Castro, received a sentence of six years and 10 months during a hearing on Tuesday, according to court records. Castro was convicted last month of attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, and other charges.

According to prosecutors, the shooting happened in the early hours of July 15, 2023. Early on the day Castro entered the Golden West Casino in southeast Bakersfield to gamble and consume alcohol. Around 2 a.m., he was asked to leave the premises due to disruptive behavior. However, Castro refused to leave, and security personnel were asked to escort him out of the building. At that time, Castro immediately began physically fighting with security, growing more upset, and repeatedly threatened the life of a security guard, said prosecutors.

Castro then got into his vehicle, drove over a curb, and headed toward the casino entrance. He pulled up, rolled down his window, and fired multiple shots at the same security guard he had threatened, prosecutors said.

In response to the gunfire and fearing for his safety, the security guard drew his legally possessed firearm and returned fire, striking Castro once. Fortunately, he was unharmed, and he also managed to hit Castro back one time. After that, Castro quickly drove off, but was apprehended later that day.

Here Are More Details About the Case
Following Castro’s arrest, a lengthy legal trial started. On March 17, 2025, a Kern County jury found Rafael Castro guilty of attempted voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm, and attempted criminal threats. He was also convicted of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person due to a prior conviction, and of unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm in a vehicle.

Following the pronunciation of Castro as guilty, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer stated that the alcohol-fueled incident unfolded in a matter of seconds and left several bystanders shaken. She also said that the motive behind the violent act is being treated with the seriousness it warrants. The District Attorney’s Office remained committed to pursuing justice through to the completion of sentencing.

The Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), the French National Gaming Authority, has recently completed its assessment of action plans aimed at addressing excessive and underage gambling in the country. These plans were submitted by two exclusive gambling operators, 16 authorized online gaming operators, 203 casinos, and 235 racetracks.

The ANJ’s findings reveal an alarming situation in France, with approximately 1.2 million individuals identified as problem gamblers, of which 360,000 are classified as excessive gamblers. Furthermore, the ANJ referenced a recent study that indicated 34.8% of minors surveyed in 2021 had engaged in gambling activities. Additionally, one-quarter of children around the age of nine had participated in a game of chance during that year.

This review comes alongside the 2024 gambling activity report, which outlines the number of individuals who approached the ANJ for assistance with gambling-related issues. In the ANJ’s 2024-2026 strategic plan, reducing the number of excessive gamblers is identified as a key regulatory priority.

As part of these efforts, the two exclusive operators, FDJ and PMU, have been urged to enforce stricter measures to prevent sales to minors and to enhance systems for identifying and assisting excessive gamblers.

The 16 other operators are expected to align their efforts with the prevalence data and work towards identifying a higher number of excessive gamblers relative to the size of their customer base. These operators are also tasked with demonstrating measurable and verifiable progress in combating problem gambling through improved detection and early intervention strategies. This includes introducing limits on gaming offerings such as rapid poker tournaments and live betting.

The casino sector has shown notable improvement, according to the ANJ, and to aid this, the ANJ introduced an e-learning platform last November, offering practical guidance on detecting gambling issues and responding appropriately.

It’s important to note that in 2019, problem gamblers were responsible for contributing 38.3% of France’s gross gaming revenue, with 20.7% coming from those categorized as excessive gamblers.

The 235 racetracks have also made significant strides, particularly in raising awareness among new players and offering new training programs for volunteers. Furthermore, the National Federation of Horse Racing has implemented additional controls. As horse racing is often seen as a family-oriented event, the ANJ has instructed racetracks to clearly differentiate betting areas and ensure that children’s activities are not inadvertently promoting gambling.