No new live dealer game
October 5th, 2023
Asian casino operator Melco Resorts and Entertainment
Limited has reportedly not received permission to bring a new market's live dealer gaming table to its $1.1 billion Macau property.
The regulator said it plans to review the matter next year, but the Gaming Inspection Coordination Agency has only authorized the Hong Kong-listed company to move some 40 tables from other local properties to Morpheus.
"[The Macau government] in 2018 approved the transfer of 40 gaming tables not including slot machines to Morpheus from other casino properties," a statement from the gaming inspection and coordination bureau said. "Next year, the [Macao government] will study whether to allow game operators to add new gaming tables to Morpheus."
City of Dreams Macao expansion was driven by the desire of the former Portuguese enclave to diversify the economy away from the game and encourage the debut of more family-friendly attractions. However, most other casino resorts in the city, including MGM China Holdings Limited's $3.4 billion MGM Kotai, explained that such additional allocations have been approved.
"The [Macao government] has consistently implemented other measures to prevent game operators from over-emphasizing game development and at the same time encourage them to increase investment in non-game," the regulator said in a statement.
Designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid, Morpheus offers more than 770 luxury rooms, villas, and suites, along with 12,900 square feet of retail space and spa. Guests can enjoy a variety of restaurants, art galleries, and 'Sky Pool' located about 426 feet above the ground.
Morpheus will feature a custom game club on the second floor as well as eight private casino salons attached to the villa. Guests can only access the area if they are members of Melco Resorts and Entertainment Limited's Li Ying Club loyalty program or have made special arrangements through an external junket operator.
