Grandview Casino in Macau’s Taipa district has officially closed, marking a significant step in the city’s transition away from its longstanding satellite casino model. The shutdown occurred just before midnight on July 31, and according to a statement from Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), cited by Macau Daily Times, the entire process was executed in accordance with legal procedures and established coordination protocols.

This closure represents the first in a series of satellite casino shutdowns anticipated before the year’s end, as part of a broader restructuring strategy spearheaded by Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A. (SJM).

Coordinated Effort Ensures Orderly Closure

The DICJ emphasized that the Grandview closure was conducted in an orderly fashion, involving collaboration with various government departments, including law enforcement and labor authorities. As the casino’s doors were officially sealed at 11:59 p.m., DICJ officials oversaw the deactivation of gaming tables and the full evacuation of patrons and staff.

Law enforcement personnel from the Public Security Police Force and the Judiciary Police maintained a presence on-site throughout the process to ensure public order and compliance.

Meanwhile, the Labour Affairs Bureau deployed staff to provide immediate assistance and information to affected employees. A dedicated hotline was also activated to support those navigating employment changes resulting from the shutdown.

Customer and Employee Support Measures in Place

SJM confirmed that customers in possession of unredeemed gaming chips, cash rebates, or deposit balances from Grandview can visit Casino Casa Real starting July 31 to process redemptions. In a statement, the company added that “Local employees working at Casino Grandview who are not employed by SJM will be invited to apply for related vacancies within the Group with priority in hiring in equal circumstances, and will be provided with the necessary support, depending on the actual situation, to facilitate a smooth transition.”

This proactive approach is intended to ensure minimal disruption to affected workers and maintain confidence in the sector as it undergoes transformation.

SJM’s Strategic Realignment Ahead of 2026 Regulatory Change

The closure of Grandview is part of a broader shift away from Macau’s historic satellite casino structure, under which third-party operators could run gaming businesses using licenses from established concessionaires like SJM. This system will be phased out entirely by 2026, prompting license holders to either acquire satellite operations or allow them to cease business.

In June, SJM announced it would be winding down operations at seven of its nine satellite casinos, retaining only Casino Ponte 16 and L’Arc Macau. These two properties are expected to continue beyond the current regulatory deadline and will be brought under SJM’s direct control, although specific details of those acquisitions have not yet been disclosed.

While Grandview was the first of these casinos to close, others are scheduled to follow suit by December 31, 2025. Two additional satellite venues operated under licenses from Melco Resorts & Entertainment and Galaxy Entertainment Group are also slated to shut down before year’s end. Unlike Ponte 16 and L’Arc, those properties will not be incorporated into their parent companies’ core operations.

Regulators Commit to Sustainable Gaming Sector

Following the closure, the DICJ reiterated its commitment to reinforcing oversight capabilities and fostering a healthier, more stable gaming sector. The regulator stated it aims to support the “normalization and healthy, orderly development” of the gaming industry while aiding in Macau’s economic diversification.

A DICJ spokesperson noted that the agency will continue to monitor the transition of satellite casinos and strengthen regulatory mechanisms as the industry adapts to a post-2025 landscape.

Grandview’s closure not only underscores the end of an era in Macau’s gaming history but also signals the beginning of a new regulatory environment—one in which streamlined, centralized operations are set to replace fragmented satellite systems that once defined the region’s casino ecosystem.