The Macau Ponte 16 Casino, which has been in operation for over 17 years, officially ceased operations at 11:59 PM on November 28. The closure of this satellite casino, which is part of the SJM Holdings, marks a crucial step in Macau's gambling industry to comply with revised legal requirements by restructuring before the end of the year.
Seventeen years of operation, ending at midnight
According to reports, many citizens and employees gathered outside the casino on the night of its closure, capturing photos of the final moments as each gambling table was shut down. Under Macau's revised legal framework for gambling, all "satellite casinos" operating within non-licensed company-owned properties must either be directly managed by licensed companies or cease operations by the end of the year. For business considerations, SJM chose to close Ponte 16 rather than converting it into a directly operated casino.
One thousand employees repositioned, orderly regulatory transition
The closure of the casino involved the repositioning of a large number of employees. The Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau stated that the closure process was orderly and had coordinated the internal transfer of over 1000 affected employees within the SJM Group, ensuring their salaries, benefits, and working conditions were protected. Additionally, the Labor Affairs Bureau provided on-site consultations and a dedicated assistance hotline for employees. Regulatory authorities immediately halted all gambling tables and slot machines after the closure and supervised the removal of equipment, with public security forces maintaining order throughout the process.
Industry consolidation underway, strict regulation becomes the norm
The closure of Ponte 16 is not an isolated event; it reflects the integration and upgrading of Macau's gambling industry under a new regulatory cycle. On one hand, the old satellite model is gradually being phased out; on the other, major operators are accelerating the conversion of eligible properties to full direct management to strengthen control. For instance, SJM has recently advanced the acquisition of the Golden Dragon Hotel to convert it into a self-operated venue. This trend of "closure and conversion" reflects a common direction in major global gambling markets towards stricter regulation and emphasizing direct responsibility of operators. Following platforms like PASA's official website and other industry analysis platforms can help in understanding the business logic and compliance requirements behind such regulatory progress.
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