Macau satellite casinos close early amid staff shortages

Several satellite casinos in Macau have begun closing operations ahead of the official December 31, 2025, deadline, driven by mass resignations of marketing and public relations staff poached by larger operators offering higher salaries and better benefits.

The early shutdowns, which include Grand Dragon, Grandview, and portions of the Emperor Entertainment Hotel casino, underscore the growing challenges facing smaller venues as Macau’s gaming industry consolidates. Security personnel confirmed that gaming areas above the second floor at Emperor Entertainment Hotel closed on Sept. 21 and “won’t reopen," local outlet Allin Media reported.

“Why are some satellite casinos closing early? Because other companies are poaching the mass gaming floor public relations staff,” said Billy Song, President of the Macau Responsible Gaming Association, in an Asian Gaming Brief report. “When they hire, they may take 60 people, while a satellite casino may only have 10 in its marketing department. This results in a complete staff exodus.”

Song added that “if operators lose the public relations staff who bring in the clients, the casino effectively has no business once the department is empty.”

Operators like Landmark Casino have tried to retain staff by offering higher commission schemes, but many satellites say it is impossible to continue operations without functioning marketing teams.

SJM Holdings, which operates several satellite properties, is consolidating gaming tables into main properties such as Hotel Lisboa, while other former satellite venues are expected to be converted into budget hotels to meet demand for lower-tier accommodations. 

“Macau has always lacked some 2-star or budget hotels…There’s actual demand from budget travelers for these properties,” Song said.

Macau’s three-year satellite casino transition ends in 2025, with Landmark, Fortuna Hotel, Kam Pek, and Legend Palace Casino set to operate until then. Ponte 16 and L’Arc Macau will remain under SJM ownership beyond the deadline, while closures have been staggered to limit community impact.

The first official closure was that of Casino Grandview in Taipa, which took place on 30 July 2025 under the supervision of Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). Authorities said the shutdown proceeded smoothly, in full compliance with the law, and maintained public order.

The satellite casino closures are expected to reduce Macau’s gaming revenue by roughly five percent, equivalent to MOP 11 billion ($1.37 billion), with larger integrated resorts likely to absorb part of the shortfall.