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Macau’s November Gaming Tax Revenue Surges to $1 Billion

Macau-taxes-in-November-2024-Macau has solidified its position as a global leader in the gaming industry, reporting MOP$8.0 billion (US$999 million) in gaming tax revenue for November 2024. This figure, released by the Financial Services Bureau (DSF), represents a 6.4% increase from the same period last year and a significant 20.3% jump from October’s tax revenue.

This surge correlates with Macau’s October gross gaming revenue (GGR), which climbed to a post-pandemic record of MOP$20.8 billion (US$2.60 billion). This performance, driven by robust visitor numbers and record-breaking activity during the National Day Golden Week holiday, underpinned the government’s fiscal achievements.

From January to November 2024, Macau has collected a total of MOP$81.05 billion (US$10.1 billion) in gaming taxes, representing a 37.2% year-on-year increase. This total accounts for 96.9% of the government’s FY24 gaming tax estimate of MOP$83.6 billion (US$10.4 billion), positioning Macau to exceed its annual financial targets.

Overall government revenue during this period reached MOP$100.5 billion (US$12.5 billion), of which gaming taxes comprised a remarkable 80.6%.

Record-Breaking October Revenue Drives Fiscal Success

The tax achievements stem from a highly successful October, where Macau’s gaming operators generated MOP$20.8 billion (US$2.60 billion) in GGR. According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), this represents a 6.6% year-on-year increase and a 20% rise from September’s MOP$17.3 billion (US$2.16 billion). The October figures also surpassed the previous post-pandemic high of MOP$20.2 billion (US$2.52 billion) recorded in May 2024.

The surge in revenue coincided with the National Day Golden Week holiday, which ran from October 1 to 7. Visitor numbers during the week reached 993,117, marking a 1.9% increase over 2019 figures. Hotel occupancy rates peaked at 98.5% on October 3 and 4, averaging 94.5% throughout the holiday period. Analysts have noted that market strength extended beyond Golden Week, prompting many to revise their revenue forecasts upward.

For the first 10 months of 2024, Macau’s GGR totaled MOP$190.1 billion (US$23.7 billion), reflecting a 28.1% growth compared to the same period in 2023. This sustained momentum highlights Macau’s ongoing recovery and resilience in the global gaming sector.

New Illegal Gaming Law Bolsters Regulatory Oversight

In parallel with its financial successes, Macau has taken significant steps to strengthen its gaming regulatory framework. The new Illegal Gaming Law, effective October 29, 2024, introduces strict penalties for unauthorized gambling activities, including “betting under the table” and illegal currency exchanges.

Key provisions of the law target side betting, a prevalent issue in Macau’s casinos, with offenders now facing up to eight years in prison. Individuals participating in any form of unlicensed gambling could face six months of imprisonment. The legislation also imposes severe penalties on those conducting illegal foreign currency exchanges within integrated resorts, with sentences of up to five years in prison.

To enhance enforcement, the Judiciary Police have been granted expanded investigatory powers, including the ability to conduct undercover operations and night-time searches. These measures address the nocturnal nature of gambling crimes, allowing for more effective intervention during peak activity hours.

The law also criminalizes illegal online gambling and unlicensed lotteries, ensuring that all gaming activities in Macau remain strictly regulated. Corporations engaged in unauthorized gambling can face fines of up to MOP$18 million (approximately US$2.25 million) and judicial dissolution, with company representatives held personally accountable if implicated.

Source:

“Macau government collects US$1 billion in gaming tax revenue in November”, asgam.com , December 12, 2024.

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Caleta Gaming Leads the Way in Brazil’s Regulated Gaming Market

Caleta-Gaming-First-Brazilian-Provider-Certified-for-the-Regulated-Market-in-Brazil-Caleta Gaming has solidified its position as a leader in the gaming industry, becoming the first Brazilian game development provider to achieve certification for the country’s newly regulated market. This milestone, granted by Gaming Laboratories International (GLI), affirms that Caleta Gaming’s Random Number Generator (RNG), Remote Gaming Server (RGS), and select game titles meet Brazil’s stringent regulatory standards.

Certified titles include popular games such as Bingo Samba Rio, Ocean Riches, Dragon Rising, Cherry Cherry, and Carnival Beauties. Other certified hits, like Bingo Royale, Torch of Fire, and Atlantis Bingo, demonstrate the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality gaming experiences. Caleta is already progressing with a second phase, which will see 26 additional games undergoing certification.

“This achievement validates our dedication to quality and our ability to adapt to the demands of regulated markets, especially in our home country,” said Fabíola Jaeger, CEO of Caleta Gaming.

Benefits for Operators and Players

Caleta Gaming’s success paves the way for operators seeking to thrive in Brazil’s regulated gaming environment. By partnering with Caleta, licensed operators gain access to certified, locally tailored games designed to ensure seamless compliance while offering an exceptional player experience. The certification provides operators confidence in offering products that align with Brazil’s strict standards while meeting local preferences.

The certification comes at a pivotal time, as Brazil’s gaming market is poised for transformation. With the government introducing comprehensive regulations for land-based casinos, bingo halls, and other gaming activities, Caleta Gaming’s proactive approach ensures it remains at the forefront of this evolving industry.

Regulatory Delays and Advertisement Ban

While Caleta Gaming moves forward, Brazil’s Senate recently delayed a critical vote on a bill to legalize land-based casinos, bingo halls, and jogo do bicho. Initially set for December 4, the vote has been postponed, potentially until December 10, 2024, as opposition from social and religious groups continues.

Meanwhile, Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has introduced measures to regulate gambling advertisements through Order No. 2,344/2024. This directive bans all gambling incentives, including bonuses and promotional credits, to protect vulnerable populations. Companies failing to comply face steep fines of R$50,000 per day.

Supreme Court Justice Luiz Fux also issued a ruling to accelerate regulatory measures targeting advertisements if aimed at children and social welfare beneficiaries. His decision emphasizes safeguarding these groups from the socio-economic impacts of gambling.

Expanding Brazil’s Gaming Market

Caleta Gaming’s recent certification reflects the company’s readiness to adapt to these dynamic regulatory changes. With a growing portfolio of certified games and a commitment to quality, Caleta is well-positioned to lead Brazil’s regulated gaming market, setting a benchmark for innovation and compliance.

As Brazil continues to navigate the complexities of regulation, companies like Caleta Gaming are ensuring the integrity and sustainability of this emerging industry.

Source: 

“Pioneering Excellence in the Brazilian Gaming Market”, Caleta Gaming press release, December 2024.

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Reno’s Grand Sierra Resort Agrees to $250K Settlement With Nevada Gaming Commission

The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno has agreed to pay the Nevada Gaming Commission (NGC) a quarter of a million dollars to settle a regulatory complaint stemming from an incident last year.

Grand Sierra Resort Nevada Gaming Commission
The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno has agreed to pay $250K to settle a regulatory complaint brought by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. This week, the Nevada Gaming Commission signed off on the resolution. (Image: Grand Sierra Resort)

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) brought a complaint against MEI-GSR Holdings, LLC, doing business as the Grand Sierra Resort, after one of its agents reported being denied prompt access to the property’s Grand Theatre during a routine inspection.

Michael Somps, a senior deputy attorney general in the Nevada Attorney General’s Office who represented the state in the matter, told the NGC that a Gaming Enforcement Division agent arrived at the Reno casino on Dec. 19, 2023. During the agent’s inspection, casino security approached the agent after he bypassed a metal detector outside the theater’s entrance.

Casino security told the agent, who had his NGCB badge and credentials displayed, that he had to relinquish his firearm before entering the theater. After about six minutes, higher-ups with the resort informed the security personnel that the gaming agent could enter the theater with his weapon.

Rare Occurrence

All establishments licensed by the Nevada Gaming Commission are subjected to routine inspections. State gaming agents are to have immediate and full access to “all portions of the premises,” with the definition of premises being “curb to curb,” said Somps.

The senior deputy attorney general explained that gaming agents review areas off of the casino floor to ensure that no illegal gambling or other unlawful activity is occurring inside the licensed gaming facility.

While a brief delay for access is sometimes common, a delay of six minutes, which the agent disputed and said was longer, is an outlier according to Somps. Paired with a similar incident in 2021 where a third-party security guard hired by the Grand Sierra blocked a gaming agent’s immediate access until he was wanded, Somps said a $250K penalty against the resort was warranted.

Licensees have a long history of complying and granting Board agents immediate access to all portions of the premises. The Board views the Grand Sierra Resort’s violation seriously and maintains that licensees and their employees understand that any Board agent be given immediate access to any portion of the premises of the gaming establishment after they display their credentials,” Somps said.

The Meruelo Group, the parent owner of the Grand Sierra Resort controlled by billionaire Alex Meruelo, did not contest the fine in agreeing to settle the complaint.

The $250K fine comes just days after Meruelo’s Grand Sierra donated $15K each to the Robert Mitchell Elementary School and Vaughn Middle School, both of which are part of the Washoe County School District.

Where the Money Goes 

The Nevada Gaming Commission and Gaming Control Board are responsible for the strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, and activities associated with the state’s gaming industry. Nevada’s gaming law allows the NGC to impose fines on licensees found to be non-compliant with its regulations.

Fines received by the state gaming agency are directed to the Nevada General Fund. The $250K fine against Grand Sierra slightly offsets another decision made on Monday that determined that Nevada Restaurant Services Inc., the parent of Dotty’s gaming taverns, was owed a $3 million tax refund.

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Macau’s New Illegal Gaming Law Comes Into Effect

Macaus-Illegal-Gaming-Law-comes-into-effect-on-Tuesday-after-being-officially-announcedMacau’s newly enacted Illegal Gaming Law has officially come into effect as of October 29, 2024, following its announcement in the Official Gazette. The law, which passed its final vote in the Macau Legislative Assembly on October 16 and was signed by the President of the Assembly, Kou Hoi In, marks a robust shift in Macau’s approach to tackling illegal gambling. The comprehensive legislation introduces strict penalties for various illicit practices, including “betting under the table” and unauthorized money exchanges, expanding the range of investigatory powers available to law enforcement agencies.

Strict Penalties for Side Betting and Unauthorized Currency Exchange

One of the law’s main provisions targets “betting under the table,” also known as side betting, a practice prevalent in Macau’s casino industry. This provision introduces penalties of up to eight years imprisonment for those found participating in or facilitating these activities. Additionally, the law extends to individuals who engage in any form of illegal gambling, with penalties of up to six months in prison for merely placing a wager in an unlicensed game.

The legislation also cracks down on illegal currency exchange operations within Macau’s integrated resorts, which include casinos and their surrounding areas. Often associated with “money exchange gangs,” these unauthorized exchanges have posed challenges for Macau’s regulatory environment. Individuals caught conducting unlicensed foreign exchange transactions for gambling purposes can now face up to five years in prison, a measure intended to disrupt the money exchange networks that have often exploited Macau’s gaming sector.

Enhanced Investigative Authority for Law Enforcement

Under the new law, Macau’s Judiciary Police will have expanded investigative tools to enforce gambling regulations more effectively. Law enforcement officers are now authorized to conduct undercover operations and perform night-time searches when investigating illegal gambling activities. These undercover operations allow agents to act without fear of prosecution for actions taken within the scope of their investigations, provided they do not incite criminal acts. However, informants’ identities will remain protected unless a court determines that their testimony was intentionally misleading, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the evidence gathered.

Furthermore, the law lifts the previous restriction on night-time domicile searches for suspected offenses related to illegal gambling, allowing authorities to conduct such searches between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. for cases involving illicit betting and mutual betting. This amendment acknowledges the nocturnal nature of gambling crimes in Macau, enabling a more responsive approach to enforcement during peak times for such activities.

Addressing Emerging Forms of Illegal Gambling

Macau’s new legal framework not only strengthens penalties for traditional forms of illicit gambling but also criminalizes online gambling, illegal mutual betting, and unlicensed lotteries. The inclusion of a provision against “illegal online gambling” reflects the government’s determination to keep all gambling activities strictly regulated and confined to licensed establishments. The law categorizes online gambling as any game of chance or mutual betting conducted remotely or electronically, thus ensuring that the prohibition encompasses all digital platforms, regardless of physical location.

Additionally, the law defines penalties for the unauthorized operation of mutual betting pools and lotteries, imposing fines or prison terms of up to three years for those found operating illegal lotteries. This includes the illegal sale of lottery tickets like Hong Kong’s Mark Six lottery, which has historically been popular in Macau.

Corporate Liability and Implications for Casino Operators

Significantly, the legislation expands accountability beyond individuals to corporations and other legal entities engaged in illegal gambling activities. Companies that are facilitating unlicensed gambling can now face fines of up to MOP 18 million (approximately $2.25 million) and, in some cases, judicial dissolution. The law also permits authorities to hold company representatives, such as directors and managers, personally responsible for fines imposed on their businesses if they are proven to have participated in the offense.

As Macau seeks to uphold a tightly regulated gaming industry, implementing the Illegal Gaming Law represents a milestone in the region’s efforts to combat unauthorized gambling. The measures are part of a broader crackdown following high-profile cases involving junket operators such as Alvin Chau and Levo Chan, who were implicated in illicit betting activities. By expanding enforcement powers and tightening penalties, Macau’s government aims to curb illegal gambling operations and protect the integrity of its casino sector.

Sources:

Macau’s Illegal Gaming Law Comes Into Effect on Tuesday after Being Officially Announced, asgam.com, October 29, 2024.

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AGA, ECA, and BGC Join Forces to Tackle Global Gaming Challenges

American-Gaming-Association-European-Casino-Association-and-Betting-Gaming-Council-Forge-Strategic-Dialogue-to-Address-Global-Gaming-ChallengesIn a significant move for the global gaming industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at addressing shared challenges. The agreement, announced today, signifies a collaborative effort to confront key issues like illegal gambling, responsible gaming, industry innovation, and security. By pooling resources and expertise, the three organizations are committed to advancing the legal gaming industry and protecting consumers worldwide.

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, emphasized the importance of the new partnership, stating, “This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe.” He noted that the collaboration would help expand efforts to combat illegal gambling, strengthen responsible gaming practices, and promote innovative business solutions. According to Miller, this dialogue across borders is essential for safeguarding the integrity of the industry and ensuring its continued growth.

Strengthening Industry Collaboration

The MOU establishes a framework for joint research projects and facilitates knowledge-sharing between the organizations’ members. This collaboration will enable the associations to tackle industry challenges more effectively by leveraging each group’s unique strengths and resources.

Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association, expressed the ECA’s strong support for the initiative, saying, “The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security, and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community.”

One of the partnership’s first major initiatives will be a law enforcement roundtable in January 2025 addressing illegal gambling. The event will gather industry leaders, law enforcement officials, and regulators to discuss the effects of illegal gambling on the legal industry, consumer protection, and global financial systems. The roundtable will also explore ways to improve cross-jurisdictional communication and develop actionable strategies to mitigate the risks posed by unregulated gambling.

A Shared Vision for Responsible Gaming

Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst highlighted the importance of the collaboration in enhancing safer gambling standards. “This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted, and sustainable betting and gaming industry,” she said. Hurst praised the reputation of BGC members as global leaders in the field and pointed out that working together with the AGA and ECA would be critical in tackling the growing unregulated gambling black market, particularly in the UK.

The MOU emphasizes the shared commitment of the three organizations to ensure a sustainable and responsible gaming industry. By addressing challenges like illegal gambling and enhancing security measures, the partnership aims to protect consumers and promote a healthy gaming ecosystem. Each organization brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table, further strengthening the industry’s efforts to combat illegal activities and foster responsible growth.

With the MOU in place, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive stance on some of the most pressing challenges facing the global gaming industry. Through ongoing dialogue, joint initiatives, and shared expertise, this partnership is poised to drive meaningful progress in the areas of responsible gaming, security, and innovation. The upcoming law enforcement roundtable in 2025 will be a crucial first step in the fight against illegal gambling, setting the tone for future collaborations.

As the global gaming industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this one will play a vital role in ensuring its continued success. By working together, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are not only addressing current challenges but also paving the way for a more secure, responsible, and innovative future.

Source:

“American Gaming Association, European Casino Association, and Betting & Gaming Council Forge Strategic Dialogue to Address Global Gaming Challenges“ Betting and Gaming Council, October 10, 2024.

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