Macau government rules out casino use for former Jockey Club racetrack

Macau's Chief Executive, Ho Iat Seng, has announced plans to repurpose the former racetrack of the Macau Jockey Club (MJC) into a multifunctional venue. However, Ho dismissed the notion of utilizing the land for casino or residential development during a recent Legislative Assembly Q&A session.

Ho informed attendees that the racetrack was officially transferred to the authorities on April 1st, but a definitive decision regarding its future use remains pending, The Macao News reported.

Suggesting the possibility of transforming the site into a sports and entertainment complex featuring amenities such as an ice skating rink, Ho indicated that the project's launch is not imminent. The government intends to solicit development proposals and gather public input before progressing further.

In the interim, Ho disclosed the government's objective to secure a temporary outdoor concert venue capable of accommodating up to 50,000 attendees by the year's end. “We are committed to developing this plan,” Ho was quoted as saying in the report.

Responding to inquiries from lawmaker Chan Chak Mo concerning Macau's aspiration to become a "City of Sports," Ho disclosed plans to host approximately 20 large-scale sporting events this year, an increase from the 17 organized in the previous year. He expressed his hope for the city to achieve an average of two events per month, or 24 annually, although acknowledging the challenges associated with such an endeavor.