Macau Legislator Raises Concerns Over Casino Industry’s Dependence on Foreign Supply Chains

A Macau legislator has raised concerns about the resilience and security of the city’s casino industry, questioning whether adequate safeguards are in place to address supply-chain vulnerabilities stemming from the sector’s heavy reliance on imported gaming equipment. The lawmaker warned that the dependence on overseas suppliers leaves one of Macau’s most important economic sectors exposed to significant risks and urged authorities to accelerate efforts to increase local participation in gaming-related supply chains.

In a written interpellation submitted on June 8, Legislative Assembly member José Pereira Coutinho called on the government to clarify how it identifies, assesses, and responds to national security threats within the gaming sector. He also requested detailed information regarding the administration’s plans to promote greater localization of the industry’s supply chain and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.

Coutinho argued that the core equipment used throughout Macau’s major casino resorts—including playing cards, gaming chips, electronic gaming machines, card-shuffling devices, software platforms, and data center infrastructure—is sourced almost entirely from foreign markets. According to the legislator, this overwhelming reliance on external procurement creates a substantial supply-chain vulnerability. He noted that Macau’s capacity for conducting research, designing, manufacturing, and maintaining critical gaming equipment remains limited, leaving the sector heavily dependent on outside providers for its essential operational needs.

The legislator cautioned that such dependence could expose the industry to a wide range of operational, security, and reputational risks. “If suppliers suffer supply interruptions, if security vulnerabilities arise, or if information is deliberately exploited, this could lead to data breaches, damage to the gaming industry’s reputation and Macau’s image, and even a loss of control over social safety,” the interpellation stated.

To demonstrate the scale of the gaming sector’s consumption requirements, Coutinho cited figures showing that casinos in Macau collectively use nearly 500,000 decks of playing cards every day. He pointed out that the production of these cards has historically relied on imported supplies and that only recently has Macau established its first factory dedicated to manufacturing casino-grade playing cards on a large scale.

The legislator situated his concerns within the broader context of national policy priorities. He observed that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan emphasizes the establishment and enhancement of supply-chain security mechanisms while strengthening domestic control over critical industrial chains. In addition, he referenced supply-chain security regulations issued by the State Council in March 2026, which identify secure and controllable supply chains as essential tools for protecting economic stability, social stability, and national security interests.

Coutinho emphasized that the gaming industry has served as the foundation of Macau’s economy for decades and continues to generate a substantial portion of government revenue. He noted that proceeds from the special gaming tax support a significant share of the government’s recurring expenditures and public investment initiatives. Revenue generated by the sector helps finance major infrastructure and public service projects, including the Light Rapid Transit system, bridge construction, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and urban renewal programs. As a result, he argued that the continued stability and security of the gaming industry are directly linked to Macau’s broader economic and social development.

Against this backdrop, Coutinho contended that developing a more self-sufficient and controllable gaming supply chain would enhance the sector’s resilience while contributing to broader national security objectives. He suggested that fostering local production capabilities could also stimulate the growth of gaming-related enterprises within Macau, support economic diversification efforts, and create new employment opportunities for recent university graduates and young professionals.

As part of his interpellation, the legislator formally posed three questions to the government. He asked what mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and assessment guidelines currently exist to evaluate national security risks within the gaming industry, particularly concerning supply-chain security under the Gaming Law. He also sought clarification regarding the government’s strategy for localizing gaming supply chains and integrating existing Macau-based companies into the sector. Finally, he requested information on any studies or evaluations conducted by authorities concerning supply-chain security and industrial self-sufficiency within the gaming industry.

The interpellation comes shortly after the launch of Bee Macau, which has been described as the city’s first factory dedicated to producing casino-grade playing cards. The facility is a joint venture involving Belgium’s Cartamundi Group and Hong Kong-listed Asia Pioneer Entertainment Holdings. Following an investment of approximately HK$500 million, equivalent to around $64 million, the factory entered full-scale production in May. Its stated objective is to supply Macau’s six licensed gaming operators with locally manufactured playing cards while reducing the industry’s dependence on imported products.

Although a small number of other companies in Macau also produce gaming-related equipment, such manufacturing activity remains relatively limited in scale. Much of the existing production is primarily geared toward export markets rather than serving the domestic gaming industry. Coutinho’s intervention has therefore reignited debate over whether Macau should pursue a broader strategy aimed at developing local manufacturing capabilities and strengthening supply-chain security within one of the world’s largest casino markets.

By fLEXI tEAM