Nine 'Satellite' Casinos in Macau to Shut Down by Year's End
June 10, 2025 - 03:15hLast updated on: June 10, 2025 - 03:57h
A Gambling Hub's Unfortunate Casualties 😖
Macau's gaming sector is about to say goodbye to nine satellite casinos by December 31, 2025. The move affects nearly 6,000 employees in Macau’s gambling scene. 👋💔
To Close or to Acquire? 🤔
The satellite casinos' fate was sealed with the implementation of Macau's new Gaming Law, which ended the sublicensing model in the city. By December 31, 2025, the remaining 11 satellite casinos will either close or be taken over by concessionaires (main license holders). 👓🔤
Casino Grandview, Casino Legend Palace, Casino Fortuna, Casino Landmark, Casino Emperor Palace, Casino Kam Pek Paradise, Casino Casa Real, Casino Grand Dragon, and Casino Waldo will shut their doors for good. On the bright side, Casino Ponte 16 and Casino Le Royal Arc will be acquired by SJM Holdings, enabling them to continue operating. 🔄🎉
Macau's New Direction 🔄
Macau's satellite casinos are offshoots of Macau's "big six" concessionaires (SJM Sands China, Melco Resorts, MGM China, Galaxy Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts). These smaller, more gaming-focused casinos share profits with the main operators. ✊🤝
However, as part of Macau's aim to diversify its economy, the city is tightening its regulations to ensure that only concessionaires have direct control of casino operations. This is a move in line with Beijing's vision for Macau, which seeks to reduce reliance on gambling and create a "world-class tourism destination." 🌃🌍🌍
Positive Impacts Ahead? 👀
In a press conference, Macau's Secretary for Administration and Justice, André Cheong, emphasized that the closures were a "commercial decision" made by the concessionaires. He assured there would be a "positive impact from the enforcement of regulations on the industry" without affecting Macau's overall gross gaming revenue (GGR). 💪📈
Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin-ip stated that the 11 satellite casinos employ around 5,600 local and 400 foreign workers. The government will set up support systems, including hotlines and labor rights seminars, to assist those affected by the closures. 🦁💼
Macau's Gaming Shift 🔄
- The closure of satellite casinos will result in a more concentrated gaming market, with larger players taking center stage. This could lead to a more stable and reputable gaming industry. 🏆💸
- The increased focus on licensed resorts may spur investment and innovation, potentially providing a more vibrant and diverse gaming environment. 🎉👉🎲
- The new regulations aim to improve the industry's regulatory compliance and safeguard it against potential risks for a sustainable future. 💪📈🔒
- The closing of satellite casinos in Macau is a consequence of the recently reformed gaming law, which extended the cordorogação period, ending the sublicensing model and requiring concessionaires to gain direct control of casino operations.
- With nine satellite casinos set to close by the end of the year, including Casino Grandview, Casino Legend Palace, and Casino Fortuna, Macau's gaming industry is experiencing considerable job losses and casino closures, affecting more than 6,000 employees in the sector.
- Despite the financial challenges, authorities in Macau view the closure of satellite casinos as a crucial step towards achieving their vision of creating a world-class tourism destination with fewer reliance on gambling, ultimately benefiting the city's economy.
