No RFID chip worries for Macau casino regulator

In Macau and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has reportedly announced that it remains committed to protecting the well-being of the city’s many casino employees following the emergence of concerns over the possible safety of technologies often used to track chips.

According to a report from GGRAsia, the state-run regulator responded to a direct inquiry by declaring that it ‘attaches great importance’ to the health of casino employees and is dedicated to guaranteeing ‘safety standards’ within every one of the enclave’s 41 gambling venues.

Worker worries:

GGRAsia reported that the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association trade union had earlier proclaimed that radio-frequency identification (RFID) signals utilized by ‘casino chip attribution system’ technologies may pose ‘health issues’ to gaming table dealers. The labor group purportedly expressed its anxieties in advance of holding a march earlier today as part of an effort to secure better pay and working conditions for the over 50,000 casino employees in Macau.

Continuing commitment:

Without referencing any particular concerns, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reportedly proclaimed that it conducts regular ‘spot checks’ on equipment including RFID-enabled chips, card shuffling machines and metal detectors used by the city’s many casinos in an effort to ensure their integrity and safety.

Reportedly read a statement from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau…

“Apart from assisting the relevant government departments in conducting regular checks on workplace safety compliance, we also require casino operators to submit independent third-party test reports of the gaming facilities when approving such installations.”

Apathetic acceptance:

However, Cloee Chao from the New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association reportedly told GGRAsia that her group remains unimpressed and will now be seeking to meet with representatives of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau so as to discuss the matter further. She moreover purportedly called on the regulator to make the results of the ‘third-party test reports’ public before leading a procession of about 300 casino workers through the streets of central Macau.