Macau Self-Exclusion Requests Grew 34% in First Quarter

Punters who had visited Macau and requested self-exclusion from the area's casinos grew by 34% in the first half of 2018.

During the first half ending June 30th, 2018, 233 people requested to be excluded from Macau's land casinos. That number is up from the 179 requests filed during the same period last year. 33 of those applications from the first half were filed by third parties, which can include family members.

Macau implemented a self-exclusion system in 2012 after lawmakers overhauled the jurisdiction's betting laws. Under the law, those who self-exclude from a casino can do so for a maximum length of two years. Outside of the gambler themselves, a family member such as a spouse, parent, or child can submit an application.

If a punter that is self-excluded attempts to enter, play at, or stay at a casino in Macau, they can be arrested for disobedience. If found guilty, the player can face a fine of between MOP 1,000 to MOP 10,000. Casinos can face fines of between MOP 10,000 and MOP 500,000 for failing to prevent self-excluded punters from entering their sites.