Keeping in line with gaming policies, the Macau government decided to deny the Galaxy Phase II gaming property the opportunity to install 400 table games as requested. The operator will be able to add 150 new casino tables at the facility in Cotai, which keeps in line with the annual increase of 3% allow for table games at local casinos. The Galaxy Macau is set to open on May 27th and will now be able to add the games before opening day.
Galaxy Entertainment Group requested to install 444 slot machines but was denied as the government wanted to slow the expansion of the gaming industry of Macau. The policy for a 3% increase in gaming tables for operators was put in place by the former Secretary for Economy and Finance, Francis Tam, and the policy will be in effect for a ten year time frame from 2013.
The Galaxy Entertainment Group can have the option of placing 400 tables at the two developments currently underway in Macau but will need to take tables from existing properties to do so, such as from the Galaxy Macau Phase I and the StarWorld Hotel. Galaxy officials were not happy with the decision and are still hoping their interests such as profitability will be considered.