Macau’s Labor Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has ramped up its assistance to satellite casino employees following the announcement that all 11 satellite casinos in the city will shut down by the end of 2025. This closure, tied to changes in the region’s gaming regulations, directly affects around 5,600 local employees, with 4,800 working under the city’s gaming concessionaires, including SJM Resorts, Sands China, and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), and the remaining 800 employed by the satellite casino operators themselves.

Government’s support to mitigate satellite casino closures:

To ease the impact of this closure, the government has launched a series of proactive measures aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for those affected. Since the announcement on June 9, the Labor Affairs Bureau has organized multiple joint inspections, with 62 inspectors visiting 10 satellite casinos and three slot lounges to monitor and provide guidance on labor rights. More than 38 rights-awareness sessions have been conducted, attended by nearly 70% of the affected workers.

Additionally, job-matching sessions have already begun, with the first event attracting 84 attendees for available positions in sales, food and beverage, and facilities management. The government emphasized that the three major gaming concessionaires in Macau bear the responsibility of absorbing the 4,800 employees directly assigned to them within their core operations. The remaining 800 workers, employed by the satellite casinos, will be reassigned within their parent companies in compliance with local labor laws. For any difficulty in reallocating workers, the gaming companies have committed to providing additional support.

In an industry-wide effort to support the affected workforce, the major gaming concessionaires in Macau have organized job fairs to facilitate the reemployment of workers displaced by the satellite casino closures. Sands China, SJM Resorts, and GEG held joint recruitment events from June 16 to 18, targeting roles in guest services, food and beverage, VIP operations, and facility management. The job fairs aimed to retain skilled staff within the gaming sector and prevent labor shortages, which could hinder operations at the main casinos.

Sands China’s fair on June 17 and 18 focused on hiring business development staff to strengthen its VIP membership program, while SJM Resorts recruited for customer service, food and beverage, public areas, and environmental hygiene roles. GEG’s event targeted sales positions, particularly for roles in promoting its services. The job fairs have been positively received by both job seekers and the companies involved, with hundreds of applicants participating, signaling the gaming industry’s commitment to workforce stability.

The government’s broader strategy to address employment challenges:

In parallel with these efforts, Macau’s government is developing a comprehensive vocational training platform aimed at bridging the skills gap in the local labor market. Lawmakers Zheng Anting and Lei Chan U, during a meeting on June 19, revealed plans for a new training initiative that will offer customized online and offline courses designed to improve job prospects for both local workers and non-resident employees. The platform is expected to undergo testing in the third quarter of 2025, with full implementation slated for the fourth quarter of the same year.

As reported by Macau Daily Times, between January and May 2025, the government helped 4,366 individuals secure employment and organized 235 training courses with more than 4,200 participants. In addition, a task force was formed in May to match over 300 job vacancies and offer short-term employment opportunities, reflecting the government’s proactive approach to ensuring workforce stability in a time of significant change.

While the government has focused on supporting displaced workers, concerns have also emerged over the potential negative impact on businesses in the ZAPE (Outer Harbor Reclamation Zone) area, where many of the satellite casinos are located. With the closure of these venues, local hotels and shops are likely to face a decline in traffic. To address these concerns, the Office of the Secretary for Economy and Finance (GSEF), the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and other stakeholders have met with representatives from about 20 hotels in the region to discuss strategies to alleviate the impact.

MGTO Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes emphasized that the government’s plan to revitalize the ZAPE area will involve attracting more visitors through improved tourism offerings, such as internationally recognized intellectual properties, concerts, and other entertainment events. The government has also encouraged hotel operators to explore new visitor sources and launch promotions to increase occupancy rates.

The proposed initiatives have received positive feedback from local business owners, who hope that these efforts will stimulate the local economy. However, the government’s plan is not without opposition. On June 20, over 70 businesses in the area held a protest, arguing that the closures could have devastating economic consequences and calling for a halt to the shutdowns.