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Satellite shutdowns reshape Macau’s casino industry
Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels
Macau’s once-popular collection of satellite casinos is going through a major change, as 11 of them are set to shut down by the end of 2025. Recent changes to Macau’s gaming law (Law 7/2022) now require that all gambling happens only in casinos run through the licensed operators’ own properties. The new changes break apart the satellite casino model that has played a big role in Macau’s gambling scene for many years.
Operators and players reevaluate options
As a result, concessionaires have been forced to either shut down satellite venues or take direct ownership and management. This sweeping change has left both operators and players reevaluating their options, especially as the local gaming landscape grows increasingly centralized. As the dust settles, many players are turning their attention to online casinos accepting Philippine players as alternative destinations amid uncertainty in the local market. These sites offer a wide range of games, from slots to live dealer titles.
SJM Holdings to close seven properties
Among the hardest hit is SJM Holdings, a dominant player in Macau’s gaming sector. SJM will close seven of its nine satellite casinos, including long-standing names like Casa Real, Emperor Palace, Fortuna, Grandview, Kam Pek Paradise, Landmark and Legend Palace. The company intends to acquire and manage its two remaining satellites, Ponte 16 and L’Arc Macau, turning them into fully integrated parts of its portfolio. Gaming tables and slot machines from the closing venues will be relocated to SJM’s primary properties, and the company has pledged to reassign all impacted staff internally.
Melco and Galaxy also scaling back
Melco Resorts & Entertainment is also streamlining its operations. The company will shut down Grand Dragon Casino along with three Mocha Club slot lounges. Melco’s move is seen as part of its broader strategy to consolidate operations and improve profitability by focusing on properties with stronger performance metrics and higher yields.
Galaxy Entertainment Group has confirmed the closure of Waldo Casino, its sole satellite operation. The decision was made on commercial grounds, and Galaxy has reassured employees that they will be transitioned to other company-run properties across the city.
Thousands of jobs affected by closures
With roughly 5,600 local jobs directly affected by the closures, the Macau government has stepped in to ensure continuity of employment. Around 4,800 of these workers are employed by the concessionaires, while the remaining 800 work for satellite operators. All concessionaires are required to absorb their respective staff into other parts of their operations, softening the blow to the city’s labor market.
Real estate and tourism sectors brace for impact
Still, some people are concerned about how the closures will affect the economy. The shutdown of casino operations will likely make properties less valuable, mainly for hotels that depended on the casino business to operate and attract visitors. Real estate experts are concerned that affected properties may experience a loss of as much as 60%, which raises worries about difficulties owing to their mortgages and stability. Approximately 13,500 jobs are created by satellite casinos and their businesses, which is almost half of 1 percent of the city’s total workforce.
Macau pivots toward economic diversification
This occurs as the Macau government is making efforts to diversify its economy. The closing of satellite casinos symbolizes a wider attempt to make the city attractive for reasons besides gambling. The government and tourism departments are focusing on developing exhibitions, cultural tourism and technology to give the economy more stability and diversity.
Smaller gamblers may lose access
Even though this transition might attract people to integrated resorts, it could also push away those who like to gamble but watch their budget. For people who want to try gambling and do not bet high, small satellite casinos have often offered an accessible solution. When venues convert into luxury resorts, some customers might not continue to visit, and this could affect the income received from local and regional visitors.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Online gambling is subject to local laws and regulations. Please ensure that you are accessing licensed and legally authorized operators in your jurisdiction. Gambling involves financial risk and can be addictive. Play responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling-related harm, support is available at BeGambleAware.org or through your local helpline. This content is not intended for individuals under the age of 18.
