Part V: Regional & Cultural · Asia-Pacific Regional Terms

Gaming Promoter (Junket Promoter)

Macau — VIP Gaming/OperationsVERIFIED

(1) The formal regulatory term in Macau for what is commonly known internationally as a “junket operator” or “junket promoter.” Gaming promoters are licensed by the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and operate under the Gaming Promoter Regulation. They are authorized to promote gaming to VIP players, facilitate their participation in casino gaming, and receive commissions from casino concessionaires. The 2022 amendments to Macau’s gaming law significantly restricted gaming promoter operations, prohibiting revenue-sharing arrangements, limiting them to working with a single concessionaire, and eliminating dedicated VIP rooms managed by third parties. (2) A gaming promoter, commonly referred to as a junket operator or junket promoter, is an intermediary who facilitates VIP gambling by recruiting high-roller players, arranging travel and accommodation, and providing credit. Under Macau’s 2022 gaming law amendments, gaming promoters are strictly regulated: they may no longer issue credit, manage VIP rooms independently, or share casino revenue. They are limited to contracting with a single concessionaire and earning a fixed commission of 1.25% on rolling-chip turnover. The number of licensed gaming promoters is capped at 50.

In practice

The formal title shift from “junket” to “gaming promoter” in Macau regulatory language reflects the government’s effort to professionalize and constrain the industry. The term “gaming promoter” is the formal legal term used in Macau law, while “junket” is the common industry term. The sector collapsed from 235 operators in 2014 to fewer than 20 operational promoters by 2024 following the convictions of Alvin Chau (Suncity) and Levo Chan (Tak Chun).

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary, 1,090 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.