Effective 6^th October, smoking will be completely banned on mass market gaming floors in local casinos. Gaming operators have opted to install dedicated smoking lounges in parts of these areas. According to officials, 39 casinos in Macau have already submitted plans for smoking lounges for approval, while the remaining properties will submit their plans as soon as possible. There is no deadline for plan submission; however, if any gaming operator fails to install smoking rooms on their respective mass gaming floors by 6^th October, a full smoking ban will be imposed on the areas as scheduled.

According to the Macau Health Bureau, a complete prohibition of smoking on mass gaming floors and installation of smoking lounges will improve the quality of the air inside casinos, which will benefit dealers and other casino workers whose duties are primarily in the common areas inside the casino, thereby safeguarding workers’ health. It will also help improve the implementation of monitoring of tobacco control by law enforcement officials, reducing conflicts resulting from the law’s implementation.