The Labor Affairs Bureau of Macau (DSAL) has increased support for satellite casino employees after announcing that all 11 such casinos will close by the end of 2025. This move, linked to new gaming regulations, impacts around 5,600 local workers—4,800 under the city’s gaming operators like SJM Resorts, Sands China, and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), and 800 by satellite casino operators.
To mitigate the closure’s effects, the government has implemented measures for a smooth transition. Since June 9, the Labor Affairs Bureau conducted joint inspections, with 62 inspectors visiting 10 satellite casinos and three slot lounges to monitor labor rights, conducting 38 rights-awareness sessions for nearly 70% of affected workers.
Job-matching sessions have started, with 84 attendees for roles in sales, food and beverage, and facilities management. The three major gaming operators in Macau are responsible for integrating the 4,800 employees directly assigned to them into core operations. The remaining 800 satellite casino workers will be reassigned within their parent companies, following local labor laws. Gaming companies have pledged additional support if reallocating workers proves challenging.
To aid the workforce, major gaming operators have hosted job fairs for those affected by the satellite casino closures. Sands China, SJM Resorts, and GEG held joint recruitment events from June 16 to 18, targeting guest services, food and beverage, VIP operations, and facility management roles. The job fairs aim to retain skilled staff and prevent labor shortages that could hinder main casino operations.
Sands China’s fair on June 17 and 18 focused on hiring for its VIP membership program, while SJM Resorts recruited for customer service, food and beverage, public areas, and hygiene roles. GEG’s event targeted sales positions, particularly for services promotion. The job fairs received positive responses, with many applicants attending, highlighting the gaming industry’s dedication to workforce stability.
In addition, Macau’s government is developing a vocational training platform to address labor market skill gaps. Lawmakers Zheng Anting and Lei Chan U announced plans for a new training initiative during a June 19 meeting, offering online and offline courses to improve job prospects for local and non-resident workers. This platform is set to be tested in the third quarter of 2025 and fully implemented in the fourth quarter.
Between January and May 2025, the government facilitated employment for 4,366 individuals and organized 235 training courses with over 4,200 participants. In May, a task force was established to match over 300 job vacancies and offer short-term employment, underscoring the government’s proactive approach to employment stability amid significant changes.
While focusing on displaced workers, concerns arise over the potential negative impact on businesses in the Outer Harbor Reclamation Zone (ZAPE), where many satellite casinos are located. With closures, local hotels and shops may see reduced traffic. The Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance (GSEF), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and stakeholders have met with representatives from 20 hotels to discuss strategies to alleviate the impact.
MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes emphasized revitalizing the ZAPE area by attracting more visitors through enhanced tourism offerings, such as international intellectual properties, concerts, and events. The government encourages hotels to explore new visitor sources and launch promotions to boost occupancy rates.
Local business owners have given positive feedback on the initiatives, hoping they will stimulate the local economy. However, the government’s plan faces opposition, with over 70 businesses protesting on June 20, fearing economic consequences and calling for a halt to the closures.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com