Macau’s six gaming concessionaires already have exclusive foreigner-only gaming zones at their casino properties but they have yet to apply for a tax exemption under the city’s new gaming tax regime. This was confirmed by Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong during a recent Legislative Assembly meeting.

Exclusive Gaming Zones Operating at 12 Macau Casinos

According to Secretary Lei, the exclusive gaming areas are now operational across a total of 12 casinos in the city. Each of the six casino operators may apply for up to a 5% levy exemption from gross gaming revenue (GGR) generated by overseas customers. However, none of the six concessionaires have so far applied for the incentive.

Mr. Lei said that the operators must submit the required documents to apply for the tax exemption and that the process would be handled with caution as it involves government revenue.

Tax Incentive Not Material to Sands China

None of the operators publicly disclosed whether they had availed of the tax rate exemption, though Sands China president Wilfred Wong Ying Wai indicated in May that they were considering applying for a tax reduction linked to the operation of their foreigner-only gaming zone. 

However, Robert Goldstein, chairman and CEO of Sands China and its parent company Las Vegas Sands Corp, recently stated that the incentive scheme does not have much significance to the company’s business as they are more focused on delivering quality service to their customers.

Gaming law experts have busted perceptions that the “command-and-control” model currently in effect in certain gaming markets, such as in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the best approach to gaming regulation. According to experts, no regulatory model is inherently superior, and other jurisdictions adopting a different approach can still achieve the same policy goals.

No Gold Standard in Gaming Regulation

Anthony Cabot from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Boyd School of Law, Pedro Cortés of the Macau-based gaming law firm Rato, Ling, Lei & Cortes, and gaming lawyer António Lobo Vilela looked into the two main gaming regulatory systems: command-and-control (such as the model implemented in Nevada), and concession (such as the one in effect in Macau).  

In an article in the latest edition of the UNLV Gaming Law Journal, the three gaming law experts weighed in on whether there is a gold standard on how gaming is regulated. Each of them agrees that neither model is inherently superior as they both have their own advantages and disadvantages and have encountered successes and failures in their implementation.

Four Primary Principles in Gaming Regulation

The command-and-control system is widely considered the best model, but it is a misplaced idea, and clinging to it is “counterproductive”. Regardless of the model being used, good gaming regulation is gauged by its ability to meet four primary objectives: effectiveness, efficiency, equity, and political acceptability, the authors concluded.

Casino operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will drive more real estate investors to the country. The “ultra-rich” would be particularly interested in buying properties if the country welcomes more casinos.  That’s according to a report from independent real estate consultancy firm Knight Frank.

East Asian Investors Turn Attention To Ras Al Khaimah

All eyes are on the UAE, as foundation construction of the Wynn Al Marjan Island, owned by US-based hotel and casino operator Wynn Resorts, began earlier this year. The integrated resort is set to open in 2027 and will become UAE’s first casino. 

In its latest destination report, Knight Frank featured Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and the city’s real estate prospects after it was chosen as home to Wynn’s newest casino complex. The global consultancy firm surveyed 183 individuals from the ultra-rich group who have a combined net worth of US$3.2 billion and a spending power of US$2.5 billion.

According to the survey, ultra-rich investors, especially those from East Asia (60%) are now more likely to purchase property in RAK because of the casino development in the city. 

More Casinos Expected to Open in UAE

While no other emirate has announced plans to also open a casino, 42% of the respondents believe more casinos will launch elsewhere in the UAE (45% said those casinos could open in 1-2 years). A further 48% said they’d be more likely to purchase residential property in Dubai if a casino opened there.

The appeals court in New York ruled that New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement should launch an investigation into allegations by a New York gambler that Golden Nugget Atlantic City used illegal dice to cheat him out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Golden Nugget Accused of Using Illegal Dice 

Wayne Chan filed a lawsuit against Golden Nugget in September 2021 after he lost over $469,125 playing craps at the casino in 2018 and 2019. He alleged that the casino used tampered and non-transparent dice in their craps tables, resulting in unfair play, which violates New Jersey laws. 

Chan submitted a complaint to the New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement regarding his experience but there was no intervention from the regulator.

Summary Judgment Reversed

The lower court ruled in favor of Golden Nugget, granting the casino a summary judgment on its breach of contract claim against Chan for $200,000. But the Appellate Division, First Division in Manhattan ruled that the judgment was “premature” and that New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement must first investigate Chan’s claim. 

The appeals court reversed the summary judgment and the Division of Gaming Enforcement will now have to determine whether or not Golden Nugget broke the law by using a non-transparent dice.

Poker House Dallas, one of the largest poker rooms in Texas, could shut its doors this month if it ends up losing its case in the appeals court. The card room is currently involved in a legal battle with city authorities over a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issue, with officials claiming the club is not authorized to run a poker room in the Dallas area.

Poker House Dallas Awaits Judgment from Appeals Court

In a recent statement, Poker House Dallas said it would be forced to terminate its operations effective May 23 if the appeals court does not rule in its favor. 

In the meantime, the card room is offering a discount on its hourly seat rate to attract players as it awaits the verdict. The club is now only charging $8/hour, down from the original $13/hour. 

The club is asking for the community’s support as it fights to remain open, continue to spread poker games, and keep the jobs of its staff. 

Complicated Gambling Laws in Texas

Texas implements strict anti-gambling laws. Casino gambling and any other activities that involve the collection of rake from players are currently illegal in the state. 

But poker rooms have found a way to operate “legally” by adopting a membership model whereby they only charge seat/membership fees on players instead of collecting rake. Still, some cities argue that poker room operations are prohibited under Texas laws, leading to legal battles with card clubs.