Key points:
- Eleven satellite casino contracts due to expire by end of 2025
- Labour authorities to assist affected employees through training and job matching
- Closure outcomes described as commercial decisions between involved parties
The Macau Government has confirmed it has developed contingency plans in anticipation of the potential closure of eleven satellite casinos due to contract expiry later this year, as reported by Macao Daily.
In response to questions raised in the Legislative Assembly by Leong Sun Iok and José Maria Pereira Coutinho, Secretary for Economy and Finance Tai Kin Ip stated that officials have conducted a full assessment of the situation, including the status of surrounding businesses and the workforce attached to the satellite operations.
Should employees be affected, the Labour Affairs Bureau will follow legal procedures to safeguard workers’ rights. The bureau will also engage with affected residents to understand their employment preferences and offer appropriate vocational training and support.
Tai noted that any final decision regarding satellite venue operations would fall to the casino concessionaires and satellite casino operators. He emphasised that these arrangements are commercial in nature and subject to mutual agreement between the parties involved. The Government, he added, will provide assistance where appropriate but will avoid interfering in the negotiations.
Concerns were raised over the wider economic impact, including possible disruption to local commerce in areas surrounding the satellite venues. Tai responded that the Government has experience in workforce transitions and will act within its remit to mitigate potential consequences. He added that training resources are in place and ready to be deployed, should they be required.
While avoiding speculation on specific outcomes, Tai confirmed that the authorities are preparing for a range of scenarios to ensure that both limited and more significant impacts are addressed as comprehensively as possible.
