THE MACAU METRO MONITOR, JANUARY 6, 2014
RUMOR HAS IT THAT 3 SUB-CONCESSIONS BE APPROVED AS CONCESSIONS Apple Daily News
Rumor has it that Macau government may issue a 7th gaming license. Secretary for Economy and Finance Tam earlier said the authority had no such plan at the current stage. However, sources close to the Macau government said the authority is considering clarifying the roles of the concessions and the sub-concessions, indicating the existing three concessions and three sub-concessions may all be approved as concessions. SJM Chief Executive Officer Ambrose So said the potential move of the government will make it hard for SJM to get a high spin-off fee.
BALLY TO KEEP FIGHTING SHFL'S PATENT BATTLE Macau Business
BYI says it will to “vigorously defend” its right to sell electronic table games in Macau. It was the first statement by BYI on SHFL Asia's patent claims here. SHFL and LT Game are in dispute over the Macau patent for a multi-game electronic table game with a live dealer. BYI alleged that Oriental Patron, a Hong Kong financial services firm, had issued last week factually incorrect statements about SHFL's live multi-game product in the Macau and the mainland. Oriental Patron said Paradise Entertainment, the owner of LT Game, held the patent to sell the electronic games.
CASINO PAY INCREASE OF 5% SETS WAGE BENCHMARK Macau Business
Wages could increase by between 5-10% in 2014. Recruitment agencies told the newspaper that low unemployment and demand for staff would make it harder for small and medium enterprises to keep their employees.
GONGBEI-HENGQIN RAILWAY TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION END OF THIS MONTH Hou Kong Daily
The extension line of the Guangzhou-Zhuhai rail section, Gongbei to Hengqin section, is scheduled to commence construction this month, and due to finish in 2017. Meanwhile, Macau LRT line extension project to Hengqin has also started inviting interested tenders for the project. This means that the Guangzhou-Zhuhai intercity rail extension line will seamlessly be connecting with Macau from Hengqin.