Macau Gaming Industry Adjusts at the End of the Year: Three Companies to End Operation of 11 Satellite Casinos and 3 Mocha Clubs.

The Chief Prosecutor of the Macau SAR, Zhang Yongchun, stated that the Macau SAR government has received formal notices from three gaming concessionaires, SJM Holdings (00880) under Alibi Entertainment, Melco Int'l Dev (00200) under Nuo Bo Asia, and Galaxy Ent (00027) to end the operation of 11 satellite casinos and 3 floating casinos by the end of this year. The government of Macau has requested the proper placement of employees affected by the closure of the satellite casinos. Zhang Yongchun pointed out that the Macau SAR government respects the decisions of the relevant companies and will closely monitor the various impacts that the closure of satellite casinos may have, and take appropriate measures in a timely manner. The three companies have all committed to properly place the employees affected by the closure of satellite and floating casinos, and the Labor Affairs Bureau will closely monitor to ensure the full protection of employee rights. As for the plans of Alibi Entertainment to acquire the property rights of two satellite casinos located in hotels, and Nuo Bo Asia to operate three floating casinos through the hiring of a management company, the government will approve the relevant applications in accordance with the Gambling Law. The Secretary for Economy and Finance of Macau, Dai Jianye, stated that currently there are approximately 5,600 local employees in the satellite casinos, with about 4,800 employed and dispatched by gaming concessionaires, and the remaining 800 hired directly by the satellite casino owners. The government requires the three companies to absorb all dispatched employees to ensure their sustainable employment, and the satellite casino owners also have a responsibility to properly arrange for their employees. Dai Jianye mentioned that the government will do its best to assist the affected local employees and ensure that their legal rights are not violated, and will provide support such as job matching and vocational training for those in need. The Labor Affairs Bureau has already dispatched personnel to the satellite casinos to participate in meetings between gaming concessionaires, satellite casino human resources departments, and employees, providing assistance with labor law consultations, and has set up multiple telephone hotlines and service counters to provide one-stop services for employees. As for the operation of surrounding businesses of the satellite casinos, Dai Jianye stated that the Macau Economic and Technological Development Bureau has conducted on-site inspections several times and is actively preparing to carry out work in the relevant areas, including improving the overall appearance of the community and exploring activities and projects that will help develop the local businesses in the area.