HONG KONG, Dec 6 (Reuters) - The National Basketball Association (NBA) has actually signed a multi-year arrangement with Macau gambling establishment operator Sands China, to play pre-season video games in Macau, a relocation that comes as authorities prompt the casino market to diversify far from gaming.


The arrangement, which was reported by local media outlets on Friday and verified to Reuters by a source with understanding of the offer, sets the scene for an NBA legends celebrity game on Dec. 7 that Sands is because of host at its Venetian residential or commercial property.


The NBA plans to host two pre-season video games each year for the next 5 years at Sands' Venetian arena. It will start in October next year, NBA's deputy commissioner Mark Tatum told regional media at an interview in Macau on Friday.


Macau, an unique administrative area of China, is the only location in the country where people have the ability to lawfully gamble in gambling establishments.


It's government and Beijing have been prompting the six licensed gambling establishments - Wynn Macau, Sands China, SJM Holdings, Galaxy Entertainment, Melco and MGM China - to increase their proportion of income from non-gaming.


Macau's economy is heavily based on the gambling establishment market which contributes to around 80% of local tax profits.


Last year Macau's federal government rolled out its very first blueprint fixated a method where tourism and leisure are the primary pillars, supported by emerging markets consisting of standard Chinese medication, health, monetary services, technology along with conventions, exhibits, trade, culture and sports.


(Reporting by Farah Master Editing by Shri Navaratnam)