Over 400 satellite casino staff attend gaming job fairs in Macau
As Macau moves to phase out its satellite casino model by year-end, over 4,800 local workers have begun transitioning to new roles within the city’s core gaming operations. The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) confirmed on Monday that job-matching sessions and support measures are underway to assist affected employees.
Over 400 attend job-matching events
A total of 423 employees from satellite casinos have already taken part in seven job-matching sessions organised by Sands China Ltd, SJM Holdings Ltd, and Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, according to GGR Asia. These events, held after the June 9 announcement of the upcoming closures, offered positions in areas such as sales, customer service, food and beverage, facilities management, and public area maintenance.
These sessions are part of the government’s strategy to ensure a smooth transition for local workers impacted by the end of the satellite casino system.
Satellite casino closures to affect thousands
Macau currently hosts 11 satellite casinos operating under the 10-year gaming concessions that began in January 2023. Of these, nine operate under SJM Holdings’ licence, while one each falls under Galaxy Entertainment and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd.
The revised gaming law – introduced with the current concession period – restricts third-party satellite casino investors to earning only a management fee through licensed management companies. In response to these changes, SJM Holdings, Galaxy Entertainment, and Melco Resorts have announced that they will stop supporting satellite operations after 2025.
According to government data, approximately 5,600 workers are expected to be affected. This includes 4,800 staff employed by the three main concessionaires involved in the satellite system, 800 by the satellite operators themselves, and around 400 non-resident workers.
Two casinos set to continue operations
Among the existing satellite venues, only Ponte 16 and L’Arc Macau are expected to remain operational beyond this year. SJM Holdings has announced plans to purchase the properties housing these two casinos and convert them into self-promoted operations. These plans remain subject to government approval.
Labour bureau leads transition support
The Labour Affairs Bureau has confirmed that it is actively monitoring the transition process. As of June 20, it had held 52 briefing sessions for 4,812 workers. These included 4,457 employees placed by the concessionaires and 355 directly employed by satellite promoters.
The bureau has also urged gaming concessionaires to reassign local workers from satellite operations to their main casino properties. While some staff may seek other job opportunities, operators including SJM, Galaxy, and Melco have committed to offering internal transfers to affected employees.
The Labour Affairs Bureau pledged to continue overseeing the employment transition process, with a focus on protecting workers’ rights and ensuring stable job placement.
