Just last week we reported on Melco adhering to new regulations, closing satellite casinos, potentially making thousands of jobs at risk.
However now, Macau’s Chief Executive, Sam Hou Fai, has committed to ensuring gaming concessionaires follow through on their promise to reassign roughly 5,600 local workers impacted by the shutdown of 11 satellite casinos in the city.
Earlier this month, casino operators SJM, Galaxy, and the aforementioned Melco confirmed plans to close these third-party-run gaming venues before the year is out. The companies did suggest that they will be assisting affected employees with job placements in response to government requests.
Speaking at an event yesterday, Sam emphasized that gaming concessionaires have committed to “fully receive and allocate their 4,800 [casino] employees.” Concerning the remaining 800 staff members, who are directly employed by the satellite operators, Sam highlighted that Macau’s labour law places responsibility squarely with their employers. He added that the Labour Affairs Bureau will closely monitor these cases, while the concessionaires would assist the operators if necessary.
In terms of economic impact, Sam reassured the public that the closures wouldn’t significantly dent Macau’s overall GDP, pointing out that the gross gaming revenue from these satellite casinos was relatively minimal.
However, sadly nearby businesses in the ZAPE district anticipate a significant downturn. Local store owners expressed serious concerns to TDM, suggesting their sales could sharply decline.
A dried seafood retailer surnamed Wu noted, “I think our business will drop by at least 50 percent, as [gamblers] are our main source of customers,” referencing the loss of foot traffic from neighbouring casinos.
To counter these issues, Sam said that the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, has already begun engaging with local business representatives to explore solutions.
Sam also suggested that the government is fully dedicated to bolstering ZAPE’s commercial environment, urging business owners to provide input on enhancing transportation, neighbourhood economic health, and connectivity with the Macau district.
