Paradise Entertainment Group (PE) has indicated that it will more than likely look to pick up a casino license in Macau when the city begins to issue new licenses in the next couple of years. The company, which operates two satellite casinos in the city, has been exploring expansion opportunities and the timing could be right for it to extend its reach in the gambling hub.

According to Bob Shen, PE’s Investor Relations Manager, the final decision on whether or not it seeks a license won’t be taken until after the Macau government publishes guidelines on the licensing process. That is expected later this year, and Shen indicated that the operator would possibly apply if a seventh gaming license is offered.

Shen explained, “We welcome the Macau government to grant a new gaming license to a local company like us to create greater competition and benefit the Macau gaming industry. At the moment it is too early to comment on whether Paradise is qualified to apply because we need to see what the re-tendering process from the government requires, but we welcome whatever is best for us and best for Macau.”

There are currently six operators in Macau whose 20-year licenses are set to expire within four years. MGM and SJM will see their licenses expire first, in 2020, and the others will be up for renewal in 2022.