Jointly organized by the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) and the Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming at University of Macau, the Responsible Gambling (RG) Promotions 2023 Closing Ceremony was held officially on 12 December at the Macao Science Center.

This year’s campaign was launched on 7 September and lasted for more than four months. Online games, street activities, storytelling competitions, adventure and sports competitions and other activities were held during the period, aiming to promote the importance of responsible gambling.

According to the organizer, the aim is to raise local society’s awareness about responsible gambling as well as to encourage those with problems, or their families, to proactively seek assistance and address issues as early as possible.

This year, a total of 146 trainees completed the “Macau Gambling Counsellor Professional Certificate Course” and the “Macau Responsible Gambling Instructor Certificate Course.” The trainees were awarded certificates at the RG closing ceremony. Another 34 gaming industry employees received certificates for completing a program for responsible gaming advisors. Meanwhile, a total of 13 social service associations and casinos achieved government-endorsed certification in Responsible Gaming during the year.

2024 marks the 15th anniversary of the introduction of the responsible gambling policy. The organizers pointed out that the theme of “Seeking Help for Winning the Future” will be kept as next year’s theme, while tourists’ awareness of gambling disorders and responsible gambling will be stressed.