Macau gaming suppliers seek regulatory flexibility to bolster sector

Gaming supplier SMEs (small and medium enterprises) in Macau's gaming industry feel that adopting a more lenient regulatory framework akin to the Philippines could benefit them.

"Compared to Macau, the Philippines offers more freedom for business,” sales manager Felicity Cai from Han Xin Industry (Macau) Limited, a gaming supplier registered locally, was quoted as saying to Macau Business, on the sidelines of the 6th ASEAN Gaming Summit.

At the same event, Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), emphasized the importance of privatization and regulatory reforms, two alternatives being explored by the country's gaming operator/regulator.

Tengco suggested that such measures could position the Philippines favorably in the ASEAN market. According to the Pagcor head, the Philippines could emerge as Asia’s second-largest gambling destination after Macau, potentially surpassing Singapore as early as next year. “If Singapore doesn’t expand, they will plateau. Don’t be surprised if next year we will surpass them,” he said.

Han Xin Industry (Macau) Limited, based in the Macau SAR, primarily sources its gaming electronic components, including casino tables, from Dongguan City in Guangdong Province. Within the SAR, the company supplies products to establishments such as Sands and MGM.

“We have a PAGCCOR accreditation since 2016, and we have been exploring the market ever since. The business has recovered a lot since the pandemic ended but compared to other countries, the Philippines is a promising market for us,” Cai said, as per the report.

“In the Macau SAR gaming operators also usually purchase large bulk orders for gaming equipment suppliers so we are trying to focus our attention on the Philippines,” Cai added.

The sales representative highlighted that following the conclusion of the pandemic, the company's factory in Dongguan has expanded its production lines and ramped up manufacturing.