The fresh public tender for Macau gaming rights is accepting bids from Friday (July 29) until September 14, 2022. Seven companies have bid for new casino licenses in the world's biggest gaming hub Macau, with new contracts set to start at the beginning of 2023.

Sands China (1928.HK), Wynn Macau (1128.HK), Galaxy Entertainment (0027.HK), MGM China (2282.HK), SJM Holdings (0880.HK), Melco Resorts (MLCO) and GMM Limited (GENM) -- submitted bids for the tender, the government statement said.

GMM is linked to Malaysian tourism and gambling conglomerate Genting Group, which currently does not have a license in Macau. Not like the other six companies are incumbent operators.

Once all the biddings are collected by mid-September, the government will review the proposals, negotiate with the bidders on detailed terms and conditions, then announce six 'provisional' winners before the end of the year.

New concessions will have a 10-year term instead of the previous 20-year term. The chairman of the Macau committee tasked with vetting bidding firms said on Sept.15 that he hoped the process could be completed this year , in time for the new concessions to start on January 1, 2023.

Macau for the first time imposed a formal table cap and minimum income requirements for the new operators, set to begin their contracts at the start of 2023. Seven gaming operators to bid for a cap of six concessions. There will be winners and losers in this historically war of renewing of casino licenses in Macau. The problem is WHO?

1. Nomura: Genting Bid Could Suit Macau’s Diversification Strategy But Investors Likely Cool on Concession Prospects

2. Reuters: Gambling giant Macau opens bids from seven casinos, Genting a wildcard