Macau operators to shut satellite casinos, govt pledges support
Macau gaming operators, including Melco Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment and SJM Holdings, have announced the closures of several satellite casinos by the end of 2025. The restructuring follows revisions to Macau’s gaming laws enacted in 2022, under which all satellite casinos must either be owned directly by the licenced operator or operate under non-profit-sharing agreements. The deadline for compliance is 31 December 2025.
Melco, Galaxy and SJM announce closures
In separate announcements, Melco, Galaxy and SJM have confirmed they will close several satellite casinos operating under them. Melco Resorts & Entertainment has confirmed it will cease operations at its only satellite casino, Grand Dragon Casino, and three of its Mocha Clubs slot machine venues by the end of 2025. The affected properties include the Grand Dragon Casino, along with Mocha Hotel Royal, Mocha Kuong Fat, and Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel. In a press release issued on 9 June (Monday), Melco stated the closures were made “after considering the company’s overall development strategy and in accordance with Macau law.“
While some venues are closing, Melco plans to continue operating three Mocha Clubs venues beyond 2025: Mocha Inner Harbour, Mocha Hotel Sintra, and Mocha Golden Dragon. The company will apply for the necessary authorisations and approvals from the Macao SAR Government to ensure its ongoing operation.
Galaxy Entertainment Group said it will be closing the Waldo Casino, citing “commercial considerations.” The group said it will shift employees working in the casino to other properties in Macau. Meanwhile, SJM Resorts has also announced plans to restructure its satellite casino operations in Macau by the end of 2025. The move involves acquiring two casino properties and exiting seven others, with a focus on compliance, operational efficiency, and employee support. SJM currently operates nine satellite casinos in partnership with third-party property owners. These casinos function under profit-sharing models, which will soon be disallowed.
In response to the regulatory changes, SJM has confirmed its intention to acquire the physical properties housing Casino L’Arc Macau and Casino Ponte 16. These two properties will continue operations under the SJM brand following direct ownership.
All three concessionaries, Melco, Galaxy and SJM have reiterated commitments to protecting local employment throughout the transition. They have assured that employees currently working at these venues will be reassigned to other properties operated by the companies within Macau.
Assurance regarding employment of affected
The looming significant shift in Macau’s gaming landscape is accompanied by strong assurances from the government and concessionaires regarding the employment of local staff. At a press conference held on 9 June, Macau officials confirmed they had urged the three gaming concessionaires to guarantee the continued employment of all local staff currently working at the 11 satellite casinos and the three Mocha Clubs slated for closure. In response, the concessionaires have pledged to reallocate all affected satellite casino employees to their own properties.
Tai Kin Ip, secretary for economy and finance, revealed that approximately 5,600 local employees are currently on the payrolls of gaming operations owned by third-party investors but reliant on an official gaming concession. Of these, around 4,800 were hired by Galaxy, Melco and SJM. The remaining 800 were brought on board by the satellite operators themselves. An additional 400 non-local employees are also affected. To facilitate a smooth transition, authorities have established a comprehensive training platform, which is expected to be functional as early as the third quarter of the year. The platform is being set up to equip employees with new vocational skills.
