Emperor Palace and Waldo Casino will shutter their doors at the end of October following decisions made by their operators, SJM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG), in collaboration with the local gaming authorities.
SJM Resorts announced that Casino Emperor Palace, situated at the Grand Emperor Hotel in downtown Macau, will officially close at 11:59 p.m. on October 30th. All gaming tables and slot machines will be redistributed to SJM’s other venues.
As of June 30th, 2025, SJM managed nine satellite casinos, including Casa Real and Fortuna, and plans to acquire and operate L’Arc and Ponte 16 directly after the year ends. Notably, Casino Grandview ceased operations on July 31.
In its interim report for the first half of 2025, SJM revealed a 6.8 percent year-on-year increase in revenue from its satellite casinos, totaling HK$5.6 billion ($720 million). The company emphasized that the closure was coordinated with government authorities and adheres to Macau’s gaming regulations.
Customers with unredeemed chips, deposits, or rebates will find these valid at other SJM casinos starting October 31st. Moreover, SJM pledged to retain all local employees, with reassignment to other group casinos for directly employed staff and priority for local workers in new vacancies.
On the other hand, Galaxy Entertainment Group announced that Waldo Casino, its sole satellite casino, will close at 11:59 p.m. on October 31st, citing “business considerations” and receiving government approval for the decision.
GEG said it is coordinating with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) to ensure a smooth transition, with all gaming tables from Waldo being redistributed to other properties.
Local employees will also be reassigned within the group, with unchanged employment terms and vocational training opportunities offered for new roles. Customers with Waldo Casino chips can redeem them starting November 1 at designated counters in Galaxy Macau Casino or StarWorld Casino.
Both SJM and GEG reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Macau government’s goal of fostering a “healthy and sustainable” gaming industry while contributing to the city’s economic diversification.
