By Ben Blaschke
The Macau gaming operator hit hardest by Typhoon Hato, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM), says it has re-opened all but one of its affected casinos following last week’s storm, while work on its HK$36 billion Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai has also resumed.
In response to questions from Inside Asian Gaming this week, SJM confirmed that it was now running close to full capacity with just one satellite casino yet to resume operations. The company currently operates 15 satellite casinos comprising a total of 769 mass market gaming tables, 130 VIP gaming tables and 1,127 slot machines.
Among those to have resumed operations is Ponte 16, which suffered extensive damage during Typhoon Hato when its main gaming floor was flooded. SJM’s self-promoted casinos Jai Alai and Oceanus, located nearby Macau Ferry Terminal, have also re-opened after government officials cut access to the surrounding area in the days that followed the storm.
Property Vice President Marco Ieong told IAG last Thursday that both Jai Alai and Oceanus had lost water and power supply.
SJM’s flagship property Grand Lisboa and neighboring Lisboa casino were also forced to shut their doors last weeks due to lost power and extensive damage to their exteriors.
“Our dedicated teams have been working closely with the government and utility suppliers to restore full operations,” SJM told IAG on Monday. “With the gradual restoration of water and electricity supply, all of our casinos (except one satellite casino) have resumed operations, including Casino Grand Lisboa, Casino Lisboa, Casino Oceanus at Jai Alai and Casino Ponte 16.
“For Grand Lisboa hotel, all hotel rooms are in operation and food and beverage facilities have largely resumed operations.”
The company also confirmed that the under-construction Grand Lisboa Palace had escaped undamaged by Typhoon Hato with the structure remaining “safe and intact.”
“Works on the site have been resumed after the typhoon with a focus on ensuring a safe environment for our workers,” SJM added.
In a separate press release, SJM said it was helping affected staff members by providing a series of welfare and support services, including providing free medical treatment to residents of the Praia do Manduco area.
Treatment will be available from 10:00 to 16:00 every Monday to Friday for one month starting 30 August via Dr Pun Chai Hou at Chun Ton Medical Center.
SJM will also extend the availability of its staff supermarket “SJM Excellence Staff Center” to the public until 14 September in order to ease the burden on local residents. Products sold at the center will be at staff discount prices.
Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of SJM, Ms Angela Leong, said, “We are deeply impressed by our staff members in volunteering their efforts in relief work. With love for and confidence in our city, all of us at SJM pledge our ongoing support to the local community, and together, we are going to rebuild our home.”
