Macau satellite casinos Emperor Palace, Waldo to shut operations this week

Macau’s satellite casino sector will contract further this week as SJM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group prepare to close Casino Emperor Palace and Waldo Casino in coordination with the city’s gaming authorities.

SJM said Casino Emperor Palace, located at the Grand Emperor hotel in downtown Macau, will shut at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30, with gaming tables and slot machines to be redeployed to its other properties.

The company said the move was made “in coordination with the relevant government authorities and the service provider” and that “SJM Resorts will carry out all necessary arrangements in accordance with legal requirements to ensure an orderly transition.”

Waldo Casino, the sole satellite operating under Galaxy’s concession, will close one day later, at 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 31. Galaxy said the decision was made “due to business considerations” and approved by the Macau government.

Gaming tables will be reallocated to other Galaxy properties, and customers holding Waldo chips will be able to redeem them from Nov. 1 at designated counters in Galaxy Macau Casino or StarWorld Casino.

SJM operated nine satellite casinos as of June 30, 2025, including Casa Real, Emperor Palace, Fortuna, Kam Pek Paradise, Landmark, Legend Palace, L’Arc Macau, Grandview, and Ponte 16. Casino Grandview ceased operations on July 31, and SJM intends to acquire the premises of L’Arc and Ponte 16 to directly operate them after the end of the year.

Satellite casino revenue for SJM improved 6.8% year-on-year in the first half of 2025 to HK$5.6 billion ($720 million).

Both operators said they would retain local employees. SJM will reassign staff on its payroll to other casinos and give priority to non-payroll local workers for vacancies within the group. Galaxy said Waldo employees will be reassigned to other casinos or non-gaming roles within the group, with existing employment terms unchanged, and that the company will offer vocational training to assist with new duties.

The closures come as Macau seeks to promote what the government calls a “healthy and sustainable” gaming industry and push economic diversification.

The only satellite casino under Melco closed on Sept. 22.