Speculation has surfaced recently that the existing gaming companies will slash pay for their staff and lay off a large chunk of their workforce after securing an additional term to operate their casinos in the territory.

In a written inquiry to the city’s watchdog, legislator Leong Sun Iok indicated that the possible prospect of being sacked had weighed on many casino workers, and asked whether the government had put in place a mechanism to prevent it from turning into a reality.

In reply, DICJ said that they had been monitoring the gaming sector closely to make sure that they act on their commitments on employment. It also reiterated that local employees are always given priority in the domestic job market.

The mounting speculation has also led the gaming regulator to issue a public statement where it described the rumours as “groundless”. “The SAR Government is always committed to the safeguarding of gaming employees’ legal employment rights,” it said.

Cloee Chao, President of the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association, told MNA previously that the group suspected that the existing casino operators are delaying the downsizing of their manpower until they receive an extension to their gaming concessions.

She estimated that half of the industry’s workforce could face the prospect of sacking. “The reason why we haven’t seen any significant layoffs is that gaming companies are tendering for casino licenses. I hope that the government will add additional regulations and conditions to future gaming contracts so that gaming companies will not dismiss its employees,” she said.

A total of seven companies put in their bids for a maximum of six 10-year gaming licenses last month, and have since started presenting their development blueprints to government officials. However, the hopefuls reportedly did not see eye to eye with the government on their proposed budgets on non-gaming investments.