Macau casinos shut as Super Typhoon Ragasa forces highest storm alert

All casinos in Macau suspended operations from 5 p.m. on Tuesday after authorities raised a tropical cyclone Signal No. 8, as Super Typhoon Ragasa closed in on the world’s biggest gambling hub.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) requires casinos to halt gaming when Signal No. 8 or higher is issued “to protect the safety of residents and visitors.”

At 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, authorities raised the warning to Signal No. 10, the highest on the local scale, as meteorological services forecast the storm’s center would pass very close to the territory. Sustained winds of at least 118 km/h with strong gusts were expected, with officials warning of severe weather risks to the population and infrastructure.

The temporary shutdown comes as investment bank Citigroup cut its forecast for Macau’s September gross gaming revenue to $2.3 billion, citing the typhoon’s impact.

Separately, SJM Holdings was considering issuing offshore renminbi bonds as early as next month, which would mark its first public bond offering in four years.

Earlier this week, authorities announced that precautionary measures would include suspending buses and light rail if a Signal No. 8 or higher was issued. Ferry services to the mainland have already been halted. Macau International Airport expects around 250 flights to be affected, with virtually no operations on Sept. 24.

Authorities have warned of severe storm surges, widespread flooding, and destructive winds. In September 2028, officials shut all casinos for 33 hours during Super Typhoon Mangkhut, back then marking the first full shutdown in the gambling hub's history. More recently, Typhoon Saola in September 2023 led to a nine-hour full closure.