Venetian Macao Has Allegedly Launched Exclusive Gaming Zone for Foreigners

Summary

• Sources say Venetian Macao has already opened a special gaming zone for foreigners
• The exclusive zone is situated in an area previously occupied by VIP gaming
• The introduction of special foreigner zones is part of Macau’s new gaming tax system

The Venetian Macao is reported to be operating an exclusive gaming zone for foreigners, just a month after Macau’s new gaming tax system took effect.

According to reports, the foreigner-only gaming space opened at the property about a week ago. It is located in an area where VIP gaming was previously offered.

Foreigner Gaming Zone Now Operational

Sources said the special gaming zone is currently running live-dealer tables for baccarat, with Venetian Macao also assigning English-speaking staff to the zone to assist customers.

The casino conducts checks on anyone who wants to play in the zone. They are required to provide documents, such as a passport, to prove they come from outside mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan. This is in accordance with an administrative regulation relating to Macau’s foreign-player incentive policy.

The regulation states that for a customer to be considered a “foreigner”, they must enter Macau for tourism and commercial purposes and must be holders of a travel document issued by a jurisdiction outside the People’s Republic of China.

Venetian Macao and its parent company Sands China Ltd have yet to release further details regarding the operations of the exclusive gaming zone.

Macau’s casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, also did not confirm whether it has already given permission to Venetian Macao to open the special zone.

When asked for comments, the agency issued a general response, saying casino concessionaires are required to identify sources of foreign patrons and establish a database on them according to measures approved by the regulator. This is to ensure the casino operator has all the documentation and information required for applying for tax reduction.

Under the current system, casino concessionaires will have to pay a 40% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), 1% higher than the previous rate.

Macau’s New Gaming Tax System Now in Effect

The city’s new gaming tax system came into effect on January 1, 2023, under which casino concessionaires may enjoy up to a 5% tax reduction on GGR coming from “foreigners”. The new policy was introduced to attract more foreign customers to Macau, so that the industry will no longer heavily depend on patrons from mainland China.