In Macau and the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau regulator has reportedly poured cold water on speculation that it may be about to launch a lottery similar to the Mark Six service already offered to punters in nearby Hong Kong.

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, rumors began early last week that the former Portuguese enclave was investigating the possibility of debuting its own lottery as a means of boosting public revenues in the wake of the local casino industry’s ongoing coronavirus-related downturn. The source detailed that Hong Kong’s Mark Six lottery is run by Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) Lotteries Limited and generated turnover of around $658 million for the twelve months to the end of June, which represented a drop of 39% year-on-year owing to the ongoing pandemic-induced suspension of its draws.

Robust repudiation:

However, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reportedly used an official Friday statement to refute any suggestion that it may be looking into the possibility of debuting a Macau-facing lottery and also detailed that the matter has now been referred to the local police for further investigation.

Consumer caution:

The regulator moreover used the occasion to emphasize that domains currently offering information or tickets for a ‘Macau Mark Six’ lottery are fake as online gambling remains illegal with the sole exception of the soccer and basketball-themed sportsbetting games operated by Macau Slot Company Limited.

Reportedly read a statement from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau…

“The government would listen to any suggestions that would help the development of the industry. However, due to the risks of gambling through the Internet or telephone, the government must carefully study the judgment.”