Higher Age Limit Possibly in the Future for Macau

In a recent announcement made by Macau's chief executive, Edmund Ho Hau-wah, revealed his plans of changing the legal minimum age for gamers to enter casinos from the current 18 years old, to 21.

An open question session was held last week with legislators, and they were very surprised at the possibility of a change that Hau-wah brought up during the session, since he had not mentioned it up just the day prior.

The gaming up-rise in Macau would not be able to continue like it is without eventually looking into the social costs, Hau-wah told legislators.

Topping Las Vegas by nearly $1 billion, last year Macau became the most profitable area for gamers world-wide, bringing in $7 billion in gaming revenue.

This years opening of the Venetian Macao Resort on the island was a welcomed event, employing approximately 15,000 people. This $2.4 billion gaming center is known as the world's biggest casino, featuring 850 gaming tables and 4,100 slot machines.

Unfortunately students that are choosing to work in the casino jobs, instead of choosing a college career, is becoming a worrisome problem.

Stating that even though an age limit change could result in losing business, Legislator Leong On-kei, believes that such a change would better the image for Macau, with the International community, as well as the Industry benefitting from the change.