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Macao gaming concession is about to expire in June 2022, and such issues as the number of concessions and contract period have attracted much attention. This article introduces the evolution of Macao gaming system with emphasis on its concession duration, legal limit on the number of concessions, asset disposal and tax rate. As a result of its gaming liberalization, Macao has developed into the world’s casino capital. The gaming situation in Macao and in the gaming jurisdictions nearby is different from what it was twenty years ago. Although the current law requires a new public tender for awarding concessions, the increased number of gaming jurisdictions to target Macao would entail adjustment in its public policies to keep its gaming industry competitive. Additionally, the evolution of the relevant public policies and their interactions with touristic, infrastructural, environmental and urban planning policies would likely lead to some changes in the core of the current Macao gaming legislation. The authors indicated that the emergence of subconcessions and satellite casinos, the fractioning of spaces and utilities by different entities regarding asset reversion to the government, and the relationship between concessionaires and junket operators are some major issues, which require an improved legal framework designed to react expeditiously and effectively to the fast-moving industry for a sustained and consistent upward regulatory trajectory. Following this, revising and improving the current concession model would be crucial, even though it implies changes to the core of the current Macao gaming legislation.

Macao, located on the southeast coast of China, is perfectly situated to receive patrons from China about thirty years after its open-door policy in 1978 when they have accumulated significant amounts of wealth. With its gaming liberalization and the supply of such mainland Chinese patrons, Macao has become the world’s gambling capital since 2007. This article aims to analyze the major factors leading to this dominant economic performance. The experience of the mainland Chinese in the Cultural Revolution and the Era of the Gang of Four has motivated them to get rich quick to enjoy the material comforts that they have been deprived. Given that baccarat has a low house edge and is easy to play, many mainland Chinese like to play baccarat in Macao. Moreover, the interaction with the card afforded by baccarat, makes patrons feel that that they can control over the gambling outcome, and this fits the mainland Chinese psychology in their attempt to win much and quick with their high stakes.   On the other hand, casinos have trained croupiers to make their patrons stay longer, including being polite, identifying the emotional status of patrons, managing patrons’ emotions and regulating the croupiers’ own emotions. In this way, casinos in Macao not only can make patrons experience sovereignty while in control of the staff-client interactions, but also help Macao attract the world-record gaming revenue.

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