Satellite casino operators have publicly expressed concern that gaming concessionaires have not yet begun discussions about the future of 11 satellite casinos in Macau, with only eight months remaining in the three-year transition period.
Meanwhile, the government has also not initiated discussions with concessionaires. Satellite casino operators believe that delaying these discussions puts them at a disadvantage as time continues to count down.
According to a report from local newspaper Macao Daily News, unnamed satellite casino operators have voiced concerns about their future, suggesting that the government should not return all gaming tables to concessionaires if satellite casinos shut down. They want the government to use gaming table relocation as a negotiating tool between concessionaires and authorities.
The operators advocate for this because anticipated discussions about the future of satellite casinos are primarily between concessionaires and the government, leaving satellite casino operators in a passive role.
Satellite casino operators hope the government could allow some satellite casinos to continue operating in Macau, based on gaming table relocation policies.
Currently, there are approximately 450 gaming tables across 11 satellite casinos in Macau. The majority operate under SJM’s gaming license, which covers nine of the 11 satellite casinos.
Macau’s government, through the Chief Executive’s directive, set a cap of 6,000 gaming tables and 12,000 gaming machines across Macau.
Of these, SJM was allocated 1,250 tables, Galaxy Entertainment Group 1,000 tables, Melco Resorts 750 tables, Wynn Resorts 570 tables, MGM 750 tables, and Sands China 1,680 tables.
Widespread concerns from supporting industries
In a separate report, satellite casino suppliers and service providers—including software development companies, cleaning companies, transportation services, and engineering companies—have all expressed concerns about losing business if satellite casinos close.
In the same context, Macau lawmaker Lam U Tou also pointed out the concerns over the possible satellite casino closures. He noted in a written inquiry to the government that if nothing is done to smooth the process, ensure the reintegration of workers, and revitalize the areas currently occupied by these businesses, the impacts would be severe.
Lam emphasized that although the deadline is imminent, there is no clear plan for what the satellite casinos intend to do.
He noted that without an explicit agreement by mid-year, most (if not all) of the casinos may be forced to shut down suddenly, which would be devastating to an already weak local economy.
Lam also noted that although the government has claimed that workers will retain their jobs through the current gaming concessionaires, concerns remain. These are fueled by the fact that the majority of remaining satellite casinos operate under a single operator, SJM, making the reassigning of employees to equivalent roles challenging.
If the casinos and their associated hotels close, nearly 10,000 jobs would be at risk, and the impacts would extend to other local businesses and the community in general.
