Strengthening Aid for Employees Facing Shutdown of Offshore Gambling Establishments in Macau
In the heart of Asia, Macau — known as the gambling capital of the world — is set to undergo a significant transformation. By the end of 2025, **11 satellite casinos** will permanently close, marking the end of the city's unique satellite casino model under recent regulatory reforms. This change will impact around **5,600 to 6,000 employees** working at these venues.
The closure follows a three-year transition period after Macau’s revised Gaming Law (No. 7/2022) eliminated the sublicensing model that allowed third-party operators to run gaming venues under the major concessionaires' licenses. The reform aims to consolidate casino operations under the six main concessionaires, including SJM Holdings, Melco Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, Sands China, and Wynn Resorts, and improve regulatory oversight.
To mitigate job losses, the government and casino operators have committed to reassigning these employees across the portfolios of the main license holders. Operators like SJM Holdings have communicated intentions to acquire and continue operations at two satellite properties (Casino L’Arc Macau and Casino Ponte 16), potentially preserving some jobs there.
The Macau Labor Affairs Bureau is actively monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with labor protection measures and support for affected workers. While specific sessions on employee entitlements have not been detailed explicitly, the Bureau’s involvement implies efforts to raise awareness among affected employees about their rights and entitlements, including reassignment opportunities and severance where applicable.
This marks a significant structural change in Macau’s gaming industry with a clear focus on employee transition support and regulatory compliance during the phase-out of the satellite casino model. The reform underscores Macau's commitment to creating a more streamlined and responsible gaming environment.
Meanwhile, outside the world of gaming, Lucas Dunn — a New Jersey-born and raised copywriter with over six years of professional writing experience — continues to make waves. Lucas, who also pursued a bachelor's degree in psychology at Rutgers University, writes full-time and occasionally paints. His content encompasses casino, software provider, and game reviews, news, and blogs, with reviews covering topics such as casino, software provider, and games. Lucas works globally with clients from various countries including the US, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Canada.
In the transition of Macau's gaming industry, operators like SJM Holdings are focusing on acquiring and continuing operations at satellite properties, potentially preserving jobs at Casino L’Arc Macau and Casino Ponte 16. Meanwhile, outside the city, a New Jersey-born copywriter, Lucas Dunn, continues his work in the online casino sector, writing reviews on casino, software provider, and games for clients from various international countries.
