Macau’s smart tables face scrutiny as worker injuries intensify

February 14, 2025

Macau’s smart tables face scrutiny as worker injuries intensify

Macau’s gaming industry is facing growing concerns over occupational health and safety as the introduction of smart gaming tables places increased strain on employees. Lawmaker Leong Sun Iok has 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, Leong 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.

Leong Sun Iok is now pushing for the introduction of strict occupational safety and health standards for gaming operators. He has urged the Labour Affairs Bureau to assess the impact of smart gaming tables and ensure they meet appropriate safety regulations.

New proposal: mandatory risk checks

The lawmaker has proposed mandatory risk assessments for all new gaming equipment before implementation, requiring operators to submit safety reports for government review. He is also advocating for greater collaboration between the authorities, gaming companies, and employees to improve working conditions.

Smart tables are next-generation gaming tables designed to improve operational efficiency, requiring dealers to execute rapid, repetitive tasks like dealing cards and managing bets within strict time limits. These advanced tables have quickly replaced traditional ones across Macau’s casino industry.

However, the increased speed of smart tables has led to rising cases of hand abrasions and tendonitis among employees. The combination of repetitive motions and the high pace imposed by these systems has been recognised as a key cause of these injuries.

Rising danger for workers

Official data from the Labour Affairs Bureau shows that in the first nine months of 2024, 1,143 workplace injuries were recorded in the entertainment and gaming sectors. This figure accounts for nearly 30 percent of all reported workplace accidents in Macau, highlighting the scale of the issue.

This is not the first time concerns have been raised about the impact of smart gaming tables on workers. In July 2023, nearly 1,000 gaming table supervisors lodged similar complaints, citing excessive physical strain caused by increased work demands. At the time, lawmaker José Pereira Coutinho also called for urgent government intervention.

Proposed measures include providing ergonomic workstations, offering specialised training, and establishing formal mechanisms for employees to report workplace safety concerns. As Macau’s gaming industry continues to embrace new technology, the focus on worker protection is expected to intensify.