Prof. Davis Ka Chio FONG, Director of the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming and Professor in the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management at the University of Macau, was recently interviewed by Global Gaming Business News on the government’s role in advancing responsible gambling in Macau. In the interview, Prof. Fong underscored the importance of policy development, regulatory oversight, and public education working in tandem, and called for sustained collaboration between the government and the industry to ensure a sustainable gaming environment.
- Government leadership and inter-agency cooperation: Prof. Fong emphasized that the Macau government plays a central role in shaping and implementing responsible gambling initiatives. He highlighted the collaboration between the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) in driving education and intervention programs.
- Public awareness and workforce training: He noted that responsible gambling is not only a matter of regulation but also of social education. The government should continue to raise public awareness while strengthening professional training for frontline staff to identify problem gambling behaviors and provide appropriate support.
- Data-driven evaluation and policy refinement: Prof. Fong recommended enhancing data collection and analysis to measure the effectiveness of current policies. Such evidence-based evaluation would allow timely adjustments, ensuring that strategies remain forward-looking and impactful.
- Balancing international best practices with local context: He pointed out that Macau can draw lessons from international regulatory experience, but policies must be adapted to local cultural and social realities to build a framework that is both effective and relevant.
As a leading scholar in gaming studies, Prof. Fong has long been committed to advancing research and practice in responsible gambling. He urged government, industry, and academia to work together to create a more inclusive and forward-looking policy environment that supports the healthy development of the gaming sector and promotes social well-being.
This interview not only highlights Prof. Fong’s academic expertise in gaming policy but also reflects the University of Macau’s active role in promoting social responsibility and policy research. The Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management will continue to engage with these issues and foster public dialogue through academic platforms.
For the full interview, please visit GGB News:
