Macau's Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) said it has reached out to 3,878 employees of satellite casinos scheduled to close by the end of the year, representing nearly 70 percent of those affected1. The bureau gave the figure on 17 June 2025, with its inspector deployment counted as of 16 June1.
At least nine of the city's eleven satellite casinos are expected to cease operations by 31 December, marking the end of the three-year grace period granted under agreements between gaming venue operators and concessionaires1. Under Macau's revised gaming regulatory framework and the new 10-year concessions that took effect in 2023, satellite casino operators must transition to a "management company" model by 20251.
Some 5,600 local workers are employed by gaming operations owned by third-party investors but operating under official gaming concessions1. Of these, around 4,800 are hired by Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and SJM Holdings, the three gaming companies involved with satellite operations, while the remaining 800 are employed directly by the satellite operators themselves1. The three concessionaires involved in the satellite casino arrangements have pledged to reassign all affected workers to positions within their own properties1.
As of 16 June, the bureau deployed 62 inspectors across 10 satellite casinos and three slot machine parlors, offering legal consultations, employment referrals, and information on vocational training1. Officials have overseen 38 briefing sessions on employee rights organized by gaming operators1.
DSAL is currently conducting seven job-matching sessions over three days with all three gaming concessionaires1. In the first session with SJM Resorts, 84 out of 87 registered workers attended interviews for roles in customer service, food and beverage, and facility management at eight venues1.
"The bureau stated it will arrange further matching sessions as necessary and continue to provide employment counseling to safeguard workers' rights throughout the transition period."
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Local workers in satellite gaming operations | About 5,6001 |
| Hired by Galaxy, Melco and SJM | About 4,8001 |
| Employed directly by satellite operators | About 8001 |
| Inspectors deployed as of 16 June | 62, across 10 satellite casinos and three slot machine parlors1 |
| Briefing sessions overseen | 381 |
| Satellite casinos expected to close by 31 December | At least nine of eleven1 |
What it means for players
The closures affect where gambling is available in Macau, not the rules for customers. At least nine of the city's eleven satellite casinos are expected to shut by 31 December, leaving the venues that remain under the three concessionaires and any operations that move to the "management company" model1. Satellite casinos are third-party owned venues operating under official gaming concessions, so their floor space, tables and slot parlors can change or disappear as each transition is completed1.
For locals, expats and visitors, the practical effect is fewer venues to choose from in the areas those satellite casinos serve, and possible changes to opening hours or facilities at sites that close or convert. The reporting does not say which nine venues will close, what happens to their tables and machines, or whether any will continue under a management company arrangement; those details have not been reported1. Nothing in the announcement changes entry rules, age limits or the games offered at Macau's concessionaire-owned casinos.
What happens next
Inspections at the affected venues will continue throughout the closure process, with daily monitoring of workforce transitions1. DSAL said it will arrange further job-matching sessions as necessary and continue employment counseling through the transition period1. The closures are expected by 31 December, the end of the grace period under the agreements between venue operators and concessionaires1.
