The government is considering amalgamating Macau’s horse and greyhound racetracks. Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On mooted this in response to a suggestion by Assembly member Lam Heong Sang that the government build community facilities on the site now occupied by the dog track, the Yat Yuen Canidrome. Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome Co. Ltd. owns the track. The company’s greyhound racing concession expires on October 31. Managing director and deputy president of the company, Angela Leong, said its historical value shouldn’t be forgotten. “If the government talks with us about the future development (of the Canidrome) I believe there’s a lot of room for discussion”, said Angela Leong. “But we shouldn’t forget about the history. The Canidrome contributed a lot to Macau’s economy back in the day.” Angela Leong added that they have not started discussing renewing the concessions with the government yet, and even if the horse and greyhound racetracks were to be combined many technical issues would need to be resolved. The management of the Canidrome has also pointed out the non-casino gaming sector’s role in diversifying Macau’s tourism offerings. “The historical value of the Canidrome resembles that of the Lisboa Hotel. It’s part of all Macau people’s memory. We would like the government to consider its tourism value before taking any decision,” said director and president of the executive committee of the Canidrome, Ng Chi sing. “Even though its contribution to Macau’s gaming revenues is insignificant it helps to diversify the gaming culture here in Macau. “ Greyhound racing at the Macau Canidrome generated gross revenue of MOP306 million in 2014, 16 per cent less than the year before, according to the latest data from the Gaming Inspection and Co-ordination Bureau (DICJ). The figures also reveal that it takes 0.87 per cent of the total gross revenue from different gaming activities in Macau. J.K.
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