Where there’s smoke there’s fire

Pedro Cortés [email protected] I don’t want to be called a fundamentalist for defending smoking in casinos. Nevertheless, what should be highlighted is not the smoking but the fact that according to recent news it was the first time – there have been attempts in the past for a true union that did not transpire – that the six operators seem to have put aside their natural disagreements and differing views to speak with one voice. This is remarkable and a challenge to the Macau Government vis-à-vis the 2020-22 terms of the concessions in force. The operators seem to now understand that together they are stronger and that what Macau is today is a consequence of the huge investments they have made in this tiny but amazing Special Administrative Region. Some years ago, one of the greatest Portuguese lawyers I have ever met was asked in an interview regarding a criminal case: “Dr., as you know, where there’s smoke, there’s always fire?” He responded: “Well, when you open the freezer door, there’s smoke but no fire”. We all know that it’s not really smoke but at least something quite similar. What we have with this move of the operators is a true fire. A fire of figures. A fire of different approach to a blind policy that appears to not hear the evidence. Despite the highest Macau officials stating that the ban on smoking in casino areas does not impact gross gaming revenue, recent studies suggest the contrary. And these are real studies, not public consultations where only a few respond to the enquiries that only require a response that will be favourable to those who propose the consultation. The name of the consultancy company that conducted the report – probably the first scientific survey made on these matters – was not disclosed. Nonetheless, interesting figures were put on the table: 1. 66% of gaming workers are in favour of smoking rooms; 2. 33% of VIP room patrons said that if a universal smoking ban is implemented in Macau they would travel to other gaming destinations that allow smoking. This should not be seen as a counterattack by the operators but rather a real situation Macau may face if the measure is taken and is in line with what was said this week in the Legislative Assembly by some legislators, as well as by other entities, such as associations linked to the gaming industry. Those who hold the reins of Macau should not dismiss these attempts to maintain the status quo, especially when we are facing such a decrease in gaming revenue. Closing one’s eyes to what may be a financial problem seems not to be the best attitude. Hopefully, the public interest will be the ultimate criterion.