Macau once offered VIP treatment to attract gamblers into a gambling paradise and continue operating at casinos. Smoking was considered a fundamental right of casinos, not a luxury, until Macau decided to ban smoking in gambling halls. In October 2014, a smoking ban went into effect, angering people who both casinos and gamblers felt that the government was restricting their privileges.

Macau decided to revise and strengthen its smoking legislation as the Macau administration introduced a bill that appears to ban smoking inside game imports altogether. The new bill will not allow casinos to create provisions for any smoking lounge or VIP smoking room. The bill will be submitted to the region's legislative council and, if approved, is expected to be released in early 2016.

Macau's government declared a "war on smoking," and the new legislation caused a lot of controversy as casinos complained that the drop in profits from Beijing's anti-corruption campaign would be more affected by a blanket ban on smoking. Gamblers in mainland China preferred to keep Macau's casinos away because of the new restrictions, and go to neighboring countries where they could find more freedom.

Macau casinos have suffered heavy losses over the past 12 months, with industry analysts expecting those losses to be compounded by a blanket ban on smoking. Analysts expect a 10% to 15% drop in VIP revenue as new smoking bans ban and eliminate VIP smoking lounges. 동행복권파워볼

The new legislation also includes many other provisions aimed at the tobacco industry. Taxes on retail sales of tobacco products will be raised, and businesses that violate the rule will be fined strictly. The legislation also covers individuals who use e-cigarettes and makes it clear that e-cigarettes are not allowed in casinos and public places. The penalty for smoking in prohibited places is currently around $50; however, the new legislation has increased the fine, and individuals found to smoke in prohibited places will now be fined close to $188.

"The forecasts tell us that the economy will be hit by these measures," Health Commissioner Raytheon said in a statement. "But there are other predictions. We are worried about public health, and without health, there is no economy at all."