Macau’s satellite casinos face an increasingly uncertain future as the city’s three-year grace period allowing revenue-sharing agreements draws to a close at the end of 2025. Under new rules introduced with the amended gaming law in 2022, satellite casino operators must transition to fee-based management contracts, a shift that could reshape the sector and affect thousands of workers.
The number of satellite casinos has already shrunk from 18 in 2022 to 11 currently, following the regulatory overhaul. Of the remaining establishments, nine are operated under SJM Resorts‘ license, while Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts & Entertainment each operate one.
Melco’s Chairman and CEO Lawrence Ho said the policy shift would have limited impact on his company, which only manages one small satellite property — Grand Dragon in Taipa — with 17 gaming tables.
“I think it’s up to the government to decide. I can’t speak for a lot of people as we only have one satellite casino with only a few tables, so it doesn’t have a big impact,” Ho told local media on the issue of whether satellites would continue beyond this year. “The most important thing is to co-operate with the government and the central government on long-term development.”
He also noted that despite revenue fluctuations in the first quarter of 2025, the company was performing in line with the broader market. “This year’s revenues, there has been a lot of volatility, but we’re not doing too badly in the first quarter. We’re close to the market,” Ho said.
Addressing wider macroeconomic concerns, Ho expressed optimism about the resilience of businesses in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“There will be some pain from the trade war, but it’s only short-term. Businesses in mainland China and Macau are very united and supportive of our country, and I don’t think it’s bad for our country in the long run,” he stated.
While operators await government clarification on whether satellite operations will continue beyond 2025, labor groups are sounding the alarm over potential job losses. The Macau Responsible Gaming Association (MRGA) said it has received rising numbers of inquiries from employees at satellite casinos and nearby businesses over job security concerns.
The association received about 10 assistance requests last year from satellite casino employees, primarily due to economic conditions and work pressure, said MRGA President Leong Chi Pan.
Leong urged authorities to provide clear and timely information to help staff plan for the future, noting that many workers remain in limbo.
The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) said it had not received formal labor disputes related to satellite casinos but confirmed it was closely monitoring the situation. DSAL Director Chan Un Tong said support measures, including job matching services, employment rights seminars, and training programs, were available to help affected staff re-enter the job market.
“We are concerned about the operational changes at the satellite casinos,” Chan said. “Employees with employment and training needs should communicate those to the bureau.”
In 2022, the closure of seven satellite casinos affected 1,886 self-employed dealers, supervisors, and other staff, as well as 22 self-employed locals and 32 non-local staff members.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Chairman Francis Lui said the company is prioritizing local employment and has initiated discussions with partners regarding the future of its satellite, Casino Waldo.
“We must await the government’s decision before proceeding further,” Lui said in February.
SJM Resorts, the operator of the majority of remaining satellite venues, has yet to issue a public statement on the looming transition deadline.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/04/14/101558-macaus-satellite-casinos-face-uncertain-future-as-transition-deadline-nears
