The Macau administration has inked deals with six chosen casino operators, officially granting them the right to offer gambling services in Macau for the next decade.

These six operators were given temporary permits by the Macau administration last month.

Seven businesses applied for new permits, including Galaxy Entertainment Group, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, SJM Holdings, Wynn Resorts and Sands China, as well as Genting Malaysia. However, only the six operators already active in Macau were ultimately authorized, meaning Genting was not chosen.

The new permits will become effective on January 1, 2023, and will expire on December 31, 2032.

SJM Holdings Chairman and CEO, Lawrence Ho, conveyed his “appreciation” to the Macau administration for granting them the permit.

Ho stated: “On behalf of SJM Holdings, we are honored and thankful to the Macau Special Administrative Region Government for granting the company a ten-year gaming permit. We value the government for conducting a smooth and transparent process.”

MGM Resorts has vowed to keep backing the prosperous and eco-friendly growth of Macau’s travel and entertainment sector. They will persist in collaborating with the authorities over the next ten years to aid Macau in becoming a top global travel destination.

Wynn Resorts has also voiced confidence in the future of Macau’s gambling industry.

Wynn Resorts declared that they have inked a ten-year gaming license renewal pact with the Macau government, encompassing Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace Cotai. Through extensive and positive talks with the Macau government, they are assured about the future of the Macau market.

They are thankful for the government’s cooperation and anticipate continuing to back Macau’s evolution as a world-class travel and leisure hub.

Robert Goldstein, Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, stated that the operator is hopeful about continuing to contribute to Macau’s “growth, variety, and triumph.”

“On behalf of Las Vegas Sands and Sands China, the entire company is honored and eager to keep investing in Macau’s growth, variety, and triumph,” he stated.

We are grateful for the ongoing confidence of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government, for the tireless efforts and commitment of our team, and for the opportunity to be a part of the triumph of one of the globe’s most distinctive travel destinations.

**Additional Investments**

Both Wynn Macau and MGM have declared intentions to inject more capital into Macau. They unveiled these plans during the bidding procedure.

On December 17, Wynn Macau declared an investment of MOP 14.03 billion in Macau. They stated that MOP 12 billion would be allocated to enhance non-gambling and tourism activities.

On December 18, MGM announced that they are now authorized to operate the Altira Casino, City of Dreams Casino, Studio City Casino, Golden Dragon Casino, and Mocha Clubs. MGM also pledged to invest MOP 11.82 billion in Macau.

**Gaming Legislation**

The new licenses are part of a significant transformation for the Macau gaming sector. In 2021, a new gaming law was enacted. This law eliminated sub-licenses and introduced regulations regarding the maximum number of gaming tables or machines that casinos can possess.

Initially, they contemplated granting more licenses, but they ultimately decided to maintain the number at six.

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