The Macau government has approve the continued operation of currency exchange counters at Macau casinos operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment and SJM Holdings.Â
According to notices in the Official Gazette, the authorizations take effect on Tuesday, February 24th.
The approvals authorize the three concessionaires to conduct foreign exchange services at designated gaming venues at their own risk.
Under the revised authorizations, Galaxy Casino, S.A. is permitted to continue operating currency exchange services at Casino StarWorld, Casino Galaxy Macau, and Casino Broadway. Melco Resorts (Macau) S.A. is authorized to provide similar services at Casino Altira, City of Dreams, Studio City, and several Mocha-branded venues. SJM Resorts, S.A. is approved to maintain exchange counters at Casino Lisboa, Grand Lisboa, Grand Lisboa Palace, Oceanus, and L’Arc Macau.
The latest approvals amend earlier authorizations granted in 2024 and reaffirm the operators’ ability to offer currency exchange services within casino premises.
The authorizations were issued in accordance with Decree-Law No. 39/97/M, which regulates currency exchange activities in Macau, and form part of the government’s ongoing oversight of financial services linked to the gaming sector.
By renewing these permissions, the administration ensures the continued provision of on-site exchange services for visitors while maintaining regulatory supervision over casino-linked financial activities.
Before implementing new legislation, unregulated currency exchange operations were common around Macau’s casinos, with authorities cracking down heavily on the illicit activity after the new law changes came into effect.
The currency in use in Macau’s casinos is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), while the SAR’s currency is the Macau Pataca (MOP) and the currency of mainland China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). While both the HKD and MOP have a 1,000-denomination note, the largest CNY denomination is 100.
