Macau: Melco to close 2 casinos ahead of satellite deadline
Gaming regulator to oversee closure of Casino Grand Dragon and Mocha Kuong Fat.
Key points:
– Casino Grand Dragon to stop operating on 22 September
– Mocha Kuong Fat slot parlour to close on 24 September
– Gaming Bureau to monitor all procedures and staff arrangements
Casino Grand Dragon and Mocha Kuong Fat, both operated under Melco Resorts’ gaming licence, will officially cease operations this month as part of Macao’s broader transition away from so-called satellite casinos.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau announced that Casino Grand Dragon will shut down at 11:59pm on 22 September, while the Mocha Kuong Fat slot machine parlour will follow suit at the same time on 24 September. The closures are in line with Article 7 of Law No. 7/2022, which introduced a three-year transitional period for satellite venues that ends on 31 December 2025.
The regulator stated it will deploy personnel on-site to oversee the entire closure process, ensuring all legal procedures are carried out smoothly and in accordance with Melco’s approved exit plan. That includes handling of cash and chips in gaming cages, unredeemed vouchers, slot machine jackpots and outstanding tokens.
Good to know: Satellite casinos are venues not located in properties owned by concessionaires, the law requires them to either comply with ownership rules or exit the market by the end of next year
The Bureau also confirmed that all 176 employees of Casino Grand Dragon and 36 staff from Mocha Kuong Fat are directly employed by Melco. It will continue to work closely with the Labour Affairs Bureau to guarantee that all affected workers are properly redeployed or compensated in line with previously submitted commitments.
Officials reaffirmed their intention to coordinate with licensed operators and relevant departments to support the stable, healthy development of the gaming sector during the ongoing transition.
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