Macau to have tough inspection rules for new casino equipment
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (GICB) has said that all casino equipment must undergo a thorough inspection process to ensure safety and fairness for use. This includes third-party certifications and comprehensive employee training. This comes after a recent enquiry from lawmaker Leong Sun Iok, who raised concerns about the impact of high-intensity operations in casinos due to newly upgraded equipment.
“Additionally, the bureau makes it mandatory that concessionaires establish stringent and comprehensive standard operating procedures for each piece of gaming equipment, and provide adequate training for their employees,” it added. “For gaming equipment and tools already in operation at casinos, the bureau conducts on-site inspections and reviews at irregular intervals to ensure that gaming activities are conducted fairly and safely.”
As per data from the Labour Affairs Bureau, the authorities handled 5,095 occupational accidents last year. Of this total figure, 10 resulted in fatalities. The statistics also revealed that nearly 30 percent of these incidents were linked to the gaming and entertainment industry. This trend is similar to that of 2023.
Impact of high-intensity operations on workers
One of the primary concerns highlighted by lawmaker Iok was the impact of high-intensity operations on casino employees, particularly dealers. In his enquiry, he detailed how the introduction of smart gaming tables with advanced features, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, has made operations faster and how dealers are compelled to carry out high intensity tasks in a short time, which can lead to physical and mental strain.
He has been vocal about growing concerns over occupational health and safety as the introduction of smart gaming tables places increased strain on employees. Last month, Iok raised alarm over the physical toll these systems are taking on frontline workers, warning that rapid, repetitive movements required by the technology are leading to serious health issues.
In a written inquiry, he stressed on reports from gaming operators indicating that employees are suffering from hand injuries due to the speed and force required to operate the new equipment. He warned that prolonged repetitive strain could result in musculoskeletal disorders, joint pain, and tendonitis, severely impacting mobility and quality of life.
Smart gaming tables deployment race
Macau has been at the forefront of this technological race, with many casinos competing to deploy smart gaming tables across their operations. Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), MGM China and Sands China, for example, have fully implemented RFID technology in its mass baccarat games. According to analysts at Citigroup, Galaxy Entertainment Group has become the second operator in Macau after MGM China to complete the full deployment of smart gaming tables across its entire mass baccarat inventory. Other companies, including Wynn Macau, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment are working to catch up.
