The Macau Game Inspection Coordinating Bureau (DICJ) completed its analysis and responded to a report they commissioned about the city's greyhound race, giving the Macau Canidrome two years to move or shut down altogether. The undisclosed study was conducted by the Commercial Gaming Laboratory at the University of Macau at the request of the DICJ during increased pressure on the facility in several quarters.
Today, local media repeat some of the government press releases that mention the Canidrome's historic ability or inability to contribute to the diversification of the urban gaming industry and its contribution to establishing Macau as a world center for tourism and leisure. This has been central to government initiatives since 2007, when Edmund Ho, CEO of Macau SAR, spoke in similar terms in his "Quality of Life Report in Macau 1."
The press release also mentioned social expectations, which could refer to the public's evolved way of thinking about animal sports as a whole and dog racing in particular, but that aspect was not expanded.
Moving tracks is not a new idea. In March last year, he proposed integrating the city's dogs and racetracks. At the time, at least one member proposed building a community facility on the site of the current yatwien kanidrome in Macau. The race track is located in a densely populated area less than 700 meters from the mainland border crossing station.
Angela Long, executive director and vice president of the Canidrome at the time, commented on the historical significance of the site. Comparing the heritage to other magnificent SJM landmarks, Executive Chairman Ng Chi Singh said, "The historical value of the cannidrome is similar to that of the Lisboa Hotel. This is part of all the memories of Macau people. I want the government to consider the value of tourism before making any decisions," the director said, as Macao Business Daily reported. "Macao's contribution to gaming revenue is minimal, but it helps to diversify the gaming culture of Macau here."
The existing concession extension is due to expire at the end of the year. It is currently unclear whether the company will seek to renew its license. The track's racing revenue has declined annually over the past five years, reaching MOP 103.3 million (US$12.9 million) and MOP 4.8 million (US$600,600).