This week we have G2E Asia, one of the biggest events of the gaming industry together with Macau Gaming Show. People understand that the industry players are eager to understand what the future holds. Would there be extensions of a maximum of 5 years for all operators until 2027? Will we have a new bid? Well, whatever the decision may be, the current law undoubtedly needs to be changed. Macau needs a new gaming law to prepare for the future, which is 4 years from now. I am sure that the Secretary for Economy and Finance is already preparing such changes and preparing for the future. If he is not, then he must do it, as we say in business cicles, ASAP. I do, however, hope that such changes are not based on the mid-term review report, which as far as I could read does not touch upon the important points of the gaming industry. With all due respect to the academics that prepared it, it seems that they’re a little bit removed from reality. Maybe the fresh air of the University of Macau Hengqin Campus caused them to take a view of the accessories instead of focusing on the real problems and what we want for Macau. Do we want a licensing system? Do we want a sustainable gaming industry well supported by the sister MICE industry, which represents a side of the diversification speech we have heard since the early opening stages of liberalized gaming back in 2002? In my view, we need competent people advising the decision makers. The Secretary for Economy and Finance already has a few and therefore we should not be worried. But what about the Chief Executive? Is he going to make decisions or just let things go until the end of his term? Macau cannot wait for tomorrow. Decisions need to be taken and the sooner the better. Bureaucracy won’t prevent the politicians from executing their ideas. The status quo of not acting cannot be the norm. There are problems outside greater than a couple of millions sent to a far-off University. Well, I’m not saying that this is not a problem, but it should not be the priority. Priority should be given to young people’s needs. Young people who must think about Macau as the place to work and have a good life!
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