Macau moves to ban under-21s

2007-11-15 16:16:06

The world's busiest gambling destination, Macau, is set to ban people from under the age of 21 from gambling, it has been reported.

It will bring the Chinese city more in line with many gambling cities in the US, such as Las Vegas.

Currently, people over the age of 18 are allowed to gamble in Macau, which is the same as in Portugal - its former colonial master.

The move came as a surprise to most casino owners, the Standard reported.

Leong On-kei, who is married to Stanley Ho Hung-sun, the biggest casino owner in the city, said that she felt the move would be good to improve Macau's reputation in the global gambling industry.

The age is also being raised for dealers, however, there will be a three-year grace period, so that 18-year-olds currently working in casinos can continue to do so.