Macau CE candidate Sam Hou Fa calls for "healthy, orderly and sustainable" growth of gaming industry

Macau Chief Executive (CE) candidate Sam Hou Fai called for the "healthy, orderly and sustainable" growth of the local gaming industry in a meeting with representatives of the city’s six gambling concessionaires on Thursday.

Sam said casino concessionaires had to maintain orderly development in order to help the "appropriate diversification" of the local economy. The remarks came just two weeks after he said that gambling had had a "very large negative impact" on the city.

Casino representatives present at Thursday's meeting included Pansy Ho and Kenneth Feng of MGM, Wilfred Wong and Grant Chum of Sands China, Lawrence Ho of Melco Resorts, Francis Lui of Galaxy Entertainment Group, Linda Chen of Wynn Resorts, and Daisy Ho of SJM Holdings. 

The CE hopeful acknowledged the contributions that the operators had made to Macao’s economic development in a statement released by his campaign office, as reported by local media.

However, he said he hoped that “the gaming industry will maintain a healthy, orderly, and sustainable development in accordance with the law, so as to promote the appropriate diversification of Macao’s economy.” 

The 62-year-old former judge's latest remarks were seen by local stakeholders as striking a more conciliatory tone when compared to a speech that he gave last month. At that time, the CE candidate highlighted the “large, negative impact” that the gaming industry had on society and youths at various points in the SAR’s history. 

During last week's reunion, representatives stressed the contributions their casinos had made in terms of expanding non-gambling offerings, reports Macao News. Other efforts touted include promoting performing arts, securing jobs, and providing training for locals, as well as supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. 

Sam Hou Fai, formerly a judge on Macao’s highest court, is widely touted as Macao’s next chief executive. He is expected to be the sole candidate in the upcoming CE election, which is due to take place on 13 October.

Sam made public his intention to run for office only days after incumbent CE Ho Iat Seng declared last month that he would not seek reelection due to health issues.