Macau Boosts Support for Workers Affected by Satellite Casino Closures

With the scheduled shutdown of all 11 satellite casinos in Macau by the end of 2025, the Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL) is escalating support for affected workers. These closures stem from revised gaming regulations enacted in 2022 and will impact approximately 5,600 local employees. Among those affected, 4,800 work under major concessionaires Sands China, Galaxy Entertainment Group, and Sands China, while 800 are directly employed by satellite casino operators.

At least nine closures have been confirmed this year, primarily in the Outer Harbor Reclamation Area (ZAPE/NAPE), and government consultations are underway to address economic concerns. The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) is conducting field assessments to evaluate business impacts.

Transition Support

Since June 9, the Labor Affairs Bureau has deployed 62 inspectors across 10 satellite casinos and three slot lounges to enforce labor rights compliance. Over 38 awareness sessions have been held to clarify entitlements during the transition, reaching nearly 70% of affected employees.

Job fair initiatives are now active, with 84 attendees at the first sessions exploring roles in sales, food service, and facilities management. Authorities confirmed that gaming concessionaires must absorb all employees tied to their operations. The remaining 800 satellite casino staff will be reassigned internally by parent companies under Macau’s labor laws. The government has pledged additional support if reallocation proves challenging.

Upskilling Platforms

Macau officials are rolling out a vocational training program to address labor market skill gaps. In a June 19 meeting, lawmakers Zheng Anting and Lei Chan U disclosed plans for customized online and offline courses benefiting local and non-resident workers. The initiative will begin testing in Q3 2025, with full deployment expected by Q4 2025.

Recent employment data highlights the government’s efforts, indicating 4,366 job placements completed between January and May 2025. It has also run 235 training courses, engaging over 4,200 participants. A dedicated task force established in May has matched over 300 employees to vacancies and created short-term roles, reinforcing workforce stabilization during the industry transition.

ZAPE Economic Concerns

Even with ongoing transition efforts, businesses in Macau’s ZAPE face economic uncertainty as satellite casino closures threaten to reduce customer traffic. To mitigate this, the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance (GSEF) and the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) engaged about 20 local hotels to strategize solutions. MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes outlined plans to revitalize the area by attracting tourists through international intellectual properties, concerts, and entertainment events. She also urged hotels to diversify guest sources and run promotions.