Macau lawmaker proposes extending casino membership points to support SMEs

Macau legislator Leong Sun Iok has proposed expanding the use of casino membership points to benefit small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the gambling hub.

During a recent legislative session, Leong, known for advocating on behalf of grassroots workers, urged the government to encourage casino operators to allow the redemption of coupons, vouchers, and complimentary points in local neighborhoods, Macau Business reported.

The proposal received backing from legislator Angela Leong On Kei, co-chair and executive director of SJM Holdings, who suggested the possibility of linking the initiative to non-gaming funds.

However, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong responded with caution, indicating that the idea requires careful evaluation. He expressed concerns that implementing such a plan might lead to increased promotion of gaming activities within local communities, potentially conflicting with responsible gaming policies.

Instead, Lei recommended that the government focus on fostering closer collaboration between casino operators and SMEs through procurement and discount initiatives, the report said.

This is not the first instance that government intervention has been sought to develop further cooperation between SMEs and casino operators. Recently, rumors circulated that the government had intervened after casino operators were criticized for overly generous distribution of food freebies to attract visitors.