MACAO--The Chinese government is tightening regulations on the construction of new casinos in Macao, as well as restricting the movement of Chinese nationals to that area, fearing the booming casino industry may undermine Macao’s economy and social infrastructure.

A 48-year-old man who runs a restaurant in downtown Macao complained about the negative impact on his business caused by the buoyant casino industry.

"Even if I advertise a job opening, young people in Macao would rather work at casinos. The starting salary there is usually about 14,000 patacas [about 196 yen,000], double the amount we pay. I can’t do anything about it," he said. The "help wanted" sign hanging in his restaurant reads, "No need to present your ID." The restaurateur has no option but to hire Chinese who entered Macao as tourists and remained illegally.

Since 2002--when the casino business in Macao opened up to foreign competitors--a succession of large-scale U.S. casinos, such as The Sands, Wynn and The Venetian, have set up shop in the area.

There are 29 casinos operating in Macao, and the tax revenue generated by the establishments accounts for 70 percent of the Macao government’s entire earnings.

Chinese nationals are a key factor in Macao’s annual economic growth of more than 20 percent.

Source:http://www.casinonews.org/