Macau’s casino Ponte 16 officially ceased operations at 11:59pm on Friday, November 28th, ending more than 17 years of activity.
The closure marks a key step in Macau’s restructuring of satellite casinos ahead of the year-end deadline requiring all properties operating inside hotels not owned by concessionaires to comply fully with amended gaming laws.
Under the revised framework, satellite casino venues must transition to direct management by license holders or cease operations. SJM opted to shutter Ponte 16 for commercial reasons rather than convert it into a self-operated casino.
Macau’s gaming watchdog, the DICJ, said the shutdown proceeded in an orderly manner with interdepartmental coordination. Immediately after closure, the regulator suspended all gaming tables and machines and supervised the removal of the equipment within the venue.
The Labor Affairs Bureau deployed staff on-site to brief affected workers and provide information via a dedicated assistance hotline, while the Public Security Police and the Judiciary Police maintained order around the premises.
As reported by AGB, regulators are overseeing the redeployment of more than 1,000 employees from the long-running satellite property operated under SJM Resorts.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Department (DICJ) said the 1,025 affected staff will be guaranteed relocation opportunities within SJM, with protections for salaries, benefits, and working conditions.
Local media reported that sizeable crowds gathered outside the casino on Friday to witness the final moments of Ponte 16, with visitors and employees taking photos as gaming tables closed one by one before midnight.
The closure coincides with SJM’s move to advance its acquisition of L’Arc Hotel, with the operator undergoing the conversion of the property into a fully self-managed gaming venue, according to a company announcement issued on November 21st.
