Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, said Monday that approximately 1,600 employees from six closed satellite casinos have been reassigned to other properties of their respective concessionaires.
To date, six of Macau’s 11 satellite casinos have ceased operations: SJM’s Grandview, Legend Palace, Casino Casa Real and Emperor Palace; plus Galaxy’s Waldo and Melco’s Grand Dragon.
Responding to inquiries about satellite casino staff during a Policy Address debate session for the Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai noted that the government is progressing step-by-step with the closure process.
“The 1,600 employees assigned by concessionaires to the six currently closed satellite casinos have smoothly returned to their respective concessionaires,” he stated.
Tai added that the four remaining satellite casinos which are set to close – one closing at the end of November and three in December – involve approximately 3,200 employees.
“Relevant government departments have established dedicated teams and hotlines to assist satellite casino employees with their transition [to concessionaires],” he said, adding that the government has received 29 consultation cases so far, with no instances requiring further government assistance.
“Moving forward, the government will actively engage with the operators of satellite casinos and their hired staff to ensure the transition arrangements proceed smoothly and systematically, with the employees transitioning to the concessionaires.”
There are currently five satellite casinos still operational in Macau, although SJM revealed last week that it would acquire peninsula property L’Arc for HK$1.75 billion (US$225 million) while abandoning plans to also acquire Ponte 16 in the Inner Harbour. The Ponte 16 casino will close on 28 November.
The other three satellite casinos are Landmark, Fortuna and Kam Pek Paradise. It is reported that Fortuna Casino will cease operations on 10 December.
