Melco to close Macau’s Grand Dragon satellite casino, Mocha Kuong Fat slots hall this week

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd is closing its Grand Dragon satellite casino on September 22 and slot machine hall Mocha Kuong Fat on September 24, as part of a strategic review and in line with the planned phase-out of third-party gaming venues in Macau.

The closures, approved by the Macau SAR government, will also extend to Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel and Mocha Royal Hotel at a later date, the company said. All 11 of Macau’s satellite casinos are set to cease operations by year-end under new rules, though operator SJM Resorts has said it intends to fully acquire two of its satellites, Ponte 16 and L’Arc.

Melco said gaming tables from Grand Dragon will be transferred to its City of Dreams property, while electronic gaming machines from the Mocha venues will be redistributed across Altira, City of Dreams, and Studio City, subject to approval from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).

“Local employees currently at the Grand Dragon Casino and the Mocha Clubs that are closing will be reassigned to continue performing their duties at other casinos and gaming areas operated by MRM in the Macao SAR according to MRM’s operational needs, ensuring the continuity of their employment and a smooth transition,” Melco said.

The company said 176 employees at Grand Dragon and 36 at Mocha Kuong Fat will be transferred.

The DICJ said it “will strictly supervise the closure procedures of the said casino and gaming machine hall, in order to ensure that they proceed in a stable and orderly manner and that all legal procedures are duly observed.”

Customers holding Grand Dragon casino chips may redeem them at Altira Casino from Sept. 23, while slips from the closed Mocha venues will remain valid at Mocha Inner Harbour, Mocha Golden Dragon, and Mocha Sintra Hotel.

Melco added that customers’ rights would be safeguarded and reaffirmed its commitment to responsible operations and the sustainable development of Macau’s gaming industry.