Macau ramps up support for local workers as satellite casino transition advances

Macau authorities are stepping up efforts to protect local employment as the city transitions away from the current satellite casino system, requiring casino operators and private satellite owners to support affected workers.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Labour Affairs Bureau said that SJM Holdings, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, and Galaxy Entertainment Group must take care of the workers they sent to satellite operations. The directive comes as part of the government’s broader plan to manage workforce changes amid structural shifts in the casino sector.

Private operators of satellite casinos, which lease casino licenses from major operators, have also been instructed to assist their own employees in finding new jobs.

To ensure a smooth transition, authorities have deployed 62 inspectors and organized 38 sessions explaining labor rights, reportedly reaching nearly 70% of all impacted employees.

Job-matching efforts are already underway. The first recruitment event took place on June 16 in collaboration with SJM, offering roles in customer service, food and beverage, and cleaning. Out of 87 people who booked interviews, 84 showed up, the bureau said.

The government plans to hold more such events and emphasized that all three gaming operators are engaging constructively in the process.