Macau gaming regulator activates typhoon emergency protocol with casino operators
All casinos have now since Signal No. 8 has been hoisted.
Key points:
– Casinos have now closed as Signal No. 8 is in effect
– Coordination with Labour Affairs Bureau to ensure worker safety
– Six gaming concessionaires present emergency plans at joint meeting
Update as of 10am BST: Tropical Cyclone Signal No.8 has been sounded by the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau and all gambling operations are now temporarily closed. “The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau has fulfilled its supervisory powers and coordinated with various gaming companies to temporarily close places and venues where lucky gaming operations are carried out, and to make proper rest arrangements for employees and tourists.”
As Macau braces for the expected impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has held an emergency response meeting with six licensed gaming operators and the Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) to prepare for contingency measures during severe weather conditions.
In the meeting held on Monday 22 September, authorities confirmed that all casinos across the city will be closed once the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau issues Typhoon Signal No. 8. To ensure safety and prevent disorder, all gaming operators must arrange for employees and guests to exit casino premises within two hours of the signal’s activation.
Discussions covered a wide range of operational safeguards, including staff scheduling and protection during the storm, labour rights, guest evacuation procedures, facility reinforcement, emergency supply logistics and communication mechanisms for unexpected incidents. Each concessionaire reported on their preparedness and ongoing measures to strengthen storm resilience.
Good to know: DICJ first began coordinating typhoon response planning with gaming operators on 18 September, marking a new level of structured disaster preparedness in the industry
The Government emphasised the need for strict implementation of anti-typhoon protocols and refinement of emergency workflows. The DICJ will continue to monitor developments closely and maintain regular communication with gaming operators to ensure uninterrupted safety measures are in place.
Economy and Finance Secretary Tai Kin Ip reiterated that the Government will inform the public early when closures are triggered to allow adequate preparation for tourists, workers and businesses. Employers are advised to make safety arrangements for employees scheduled to work during the storm and to show flexibility in post-typhoon scheduling based on street conditions.
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