Fog surrounding smoking area definition clears

Independent rooms or spaces well-delineated by physical or architectural barriers on the main floors are two of the rules that casino operators must adhere to if they wish to have a VIP room or a restricted access area where smoking is permitted. In a joint note released yesterday, the government and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) listed the conditions a gaming room must meet in order for smoking to be permitted, namely in the VIP area. Smoking is forbidden on all mass market gaming floors, except in restricted access areas, where only gamblers authorised by casinos may enter and play. The VIP definition was one the major sticking points pending the smoking ban law in Macau. According to DICJ, gamblers who want to access these rooms must produce a membership card issued by the casino operator obtained through loyalty programmes or a marketing initiative, while the rolling chips must be distinct from the ones used on the mass gaming floors. Inside these restricted areas, gamblers may smoke at slot machines and gaming tables, with the latter equipped with a ventilation system or an air curtain for the benefit of the croupier.