Macau authorities announced that the territory’s remaining 11 “satellite casinos” will cease operations by December 31, 2024, affecting 5,600 local employees. The closures result from government regulatory tightening and other contributing factors. A Macau “satellite casino” is a casino that operates under the license of one of the six main Macau casino concessionaires (license holders), but is owned and managed by a separate entity.
Three major licensed gaming companies have notified authorities of their decision to end satellite casino operations: SJM Holdings, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and Galaxy Entertainment Group.
Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong revealed that among the 5,600 affected employees, 4,800 are directly employed by the major gaming companies, while the remainder work for satellite casino operators. The government has called on operators to properly handle employee-related issues and will monitor transition arrangements.
Authorities pledged to protect workers’ legal rights and provide support including job matching services and vocational training for those in need. The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring affected employees receive appropriate assistance during the transition period.
The satellite casino model originated in the 1990s when Macau had only one government-licensed gaming operator under the late “casino king” Stanley Ho. After Macau’s sovereignty transfer to China, gaming rights were liberalized, leading to multiple licensed operators and a corresponding expansion of satellite casinos to over 20 venues.
However, concerns about the proliferation of gambling culture led to increased regulatory scrutiny. Combined with COVID-19’s impact, satellite casinos began closing in 2022, with only 11 remaining until now. New gaming regulations have further restricted satellite casino operations, ultimately prompting parent companies to abandon their authorization arrangements.
Source: Central News Agency (Taiwan), June 10, 2025
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/acn/202506100179.aspx