Key Moments:
- Emperor Palace and Waldo Casino have been approved for closure by Macau’s gaming authorities.
- SJM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment Group will relocate gaming assets and retain employees following the shutdowns.
- The closures coincide with Macau’s push to restructure casino operations under revised gaming laws.
Two Long-Standing Satellite Casinos Prepare to Exit the Scene
This week, Macau’s gaming sector enters a new era as two iconic satellite casinos, Emperor Palace and Waldo Casino, shut their doors. The closures signal another major move in the city’s evolving approach to its decades-old casino industry.
Two Macau satellite casinos Emperor Palace and Waldo are set to cease operations this week following operator decisions and regulatory approval. ⚠️#Macau #CasinoNews #GamingIndustry #SJMResorts #EmperorPalace #WaldoCasino #iGaming #Regulation #AsiaGaming #CasinoUpdates pic.twitter.com/bFVUTHEFKP
— Times Of Casino (@Times_of_Casino) October 27, 2025
SJM Resorts Implements Changes at Emperor Palace
SJM Resorts has announced that Casino Emperor Palace, situated within the Grand Emperor Hotel, will end operations at 11:59 p.m. on 30 October. The company will transfer all gaming tables and slot machines from the property to alternative venues under the SJM umbrella.
According to SJM, as of 30 June 2025, it managed nine satellite casinos in Macau and posted a 6.1% increase in revenue compared to the previous year’s first half. The company emphasized collaboration with both regulatory bodies and service partners to ensure a seamless closure process. SJM also clarified that unredeemed chips and deposits will stay valid and may be redeemed at any SJM casino starting 31 October.
SJM clarified that no local jobs will be lost as a result of the closure. Employees directly hired by the company will transition to new roles within SJM, and remaining staff will be given priority for future job openings.
Galaxy Entertainment Group Winds Down Waldo Casino
Galaxy Entertainment Group (GEG) has confirmed the closure of Waldo Casino, operated by Galaxy Casino Company Limited, scheduled for 11:59 p.m. on 31 October. The company explained that the decision was made for business reasons, with the backing of relevant gaming regulators. GEG is actively coordinating with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) as it prepares for the shutdown.
As part of the process, GEG is relocating the gaming tables to other properties managed by the group. Impacted employees will also be transitioned, with options to join either gaming or non-gaming departments under existing terms.
Regulatory Reforms Spur Consolidation and Closures
The departure of these casinos forms part of Macau’s broad restructuring plan following recently revised gaming statutes. The new legislative framework now mandates that all satellite casinos must be run under direct ownership arrangements or non-profit-sharing models with their concession partners. Consequently, several operators are opting to consolidate or close properties that no longer meet these requirements.
SJM Resorts views these changes as key milestones on the path toward fully realigning its network, a goal it aims to reach by the end of 2025.
A Shifting Market Landscape
The exit of both Emperor Palace and Waldo Casino is more than a compliance measure – it represents a pivotal moment in Macau’s rich casino legacy. As established brands adapt to stricter oversight, the city’s reimagined gambling industry faces new questions about its future direction and identity.
| Casino | Operator | Closure Time | Asset Relocation | Employee Arrangements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Palace | SJM Resorts | 11:59 p.m., 30 October | Tables and slots moved to other SJM venues | Staff reassigned; priority for vacancies |
| Waldo Casino | Galaxy Entertainment Group | 11:59 p.m., 31 October | Tables moved to other GEG venues | Employees shifted to new or non-gaming roles |
- Author
Daniel Williams
