The SAR Government is to start receiving tender for the concessions to operate casino games in early November, the Secretary for Economy and Finance announced today (31 October).

The "Tender Committee for the Concession of Gaming Operation" held its first meeting after its establishment today.

Mr. Tam, chairman of the committee, said that the committee had decided to start receiving tenders for casino concessions from 2 November, and would meet individually with all bidders after the tender process closed on 7 December.

According to Mr. Tam, a report would be submitted to the Chief Executive for his approval on granting temporary licenses that would be valid until contracts were signed between the SAR Government and licensed operators.

He also said that the SAR Government would consider extending the concession of the current gaming operator as a viable option to legitimize casino gaming in the SAR before the signing of new gaming concession.

The "Tender Committee for the Concession of Gaming Operation" which was established under a dispatch of the Chief Executive, is comprised of eight members including government officials in the areas of economy, gaming supervision, tourism and trade promotions, legal affairs and monetary affairs.

Besides the establishment of this committee, the Chief Executive also instituted a dispatch that regulates the premium of the gaming contracts at MOP 30 million annually.