Key Moments:
- Macau casinos reopened on 25 September after a closure that lasted nearly half a day due to Super Typhoon Ragasa.
- Citigroup adjusted its September 2025 gross gaming revenue forecast for Macau to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion) following the typhoon and subpar activity.
- Transport connections, including ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong, recommenced the morning of 25 September after earlier suspension.
Operations Resume Following Typhoon Lockdown
Gaming venues in Macau restarted business in the early hours of 25 September after being shut since the afternoon of 24 September when the No. 8 tropical cyclone signal was announced. Regulations required all casinos to shut down and ensure evacuation of patrons and employees within a two-hour window once the warning was issued. The policy, introduced earlier in the week, was implemented for the first time during this event. Games resumed once authorities withdrew the cyclone alerts and lifted precautionary measures at 6:00 a.m.
Destruction Across the Region
Super Typhoon Ragasa’s passage left widespread damage as it traveled through the Philippines and Taiwan before making landfall in mainland China. In Taiwan’s Hualien County, at least 17 fatalities occurred, with significant flooding and landslides reported. Hong Kong faced the highest-level storm signal, forcing more than 900 people into shelters as severe winds and waves damaged infrastructure and disrupted transportation.
The storm reached Guangdong Province in China, leading to the evacuation of more than a million residents. Large cities, including Guangzhou and Shenzhen, suspended flights and high-speed rail operations as Ragasa stalled regional connectivity with severe winds and rain.
Macau Faces Flooding and Power Interruptions
(Source: Macau Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau)
Macau’s lower-lying districts were especially impacted, with the Inner Harbour—an important commercial and residential area—experiencing water levels exceeding one meter. Streets in the district were flooded, leading to business interruptions. The storm also caused outages that left about 16,000 households without electricity at its peak. Restoration of power services commenced as flood levels dropped.
Authorities downgraded storm warnings from No. 10 to No. 8 and later to No. 3; however, some flooding persisted. Citywide cleanup began quickly to address the damage, including removing debris, fallen trees, and repairing infrastructure.
Restoration of Regional Transport Links
Ferry routes between Macau and Hong Kong were back in service on 25 September, as local sources noted. The first Hong Kong departures left the Sheung Wan pier at 7:30 a.m., with Macau-bound trips commencing at 9:00 a.m. These services had been halted for safety ahead of Ragasa’s arrival.
Historical Context and Policy Changes
Instances of casino closures in Macau are uncommon but not without precedent. Typhoon Mangkhut in 2018 led to a 33-hour hiatus, while Typhoon Saola in 2023 resulted in a nine-hour closure. Epidemic-related restrictions shut down casino operations for 15 days in February 2020 and for an additional week in July 2022. Lessons learned from Typhoon Hato in 2017, which left 10 fatalities and over 240 injuries, led to enhanced emergency preparedness and reforms in disaster coordination.
Fallout for Gaming Revenue
Citigroup revised its gross gaming revenue projection for Macau in September 2025 to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion), marking its second downward adjustment within the month. This forecast accounts for the revenue impact from the casino suspension during Ragasa and lackluster performance earlier in the month.
With gaming venues and transit once again operational, Macau is turning its attention to recovery. Officials have reiterated the need for robust civil protection, while the gaming industry must balance the aim of seamless operation with a commitment to safety.
| Date | Event | Duration of Closure |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Super Typhoon Mangkhut | 33 hours |
| 2023 | Typhoon Saola | 9 hours |
| February 2020 | Pandemic Shutdown | 15 days |
| July 2022 | Pandemic Shutdown | 1 week |
| 24-25 September | Super Typhoon Ragasa | ~half a day |
- Author
Daniel Williams
