Macau’s Gaming Scene Shaken as Melco Resorts Announces Grand Dragon Casino Exit and Multiple Venue Closures
Melco Resorts to shutter Grand Dragon Casino and three Mocha Clubs by end of 2025, reshaping Macau’s satellite gaming landscape.
- 4 major facilities set for closure by end of 2025
- 11 satellite casinos still operating in Macau
- New laws for satellites start January 1, 2026
- 3 Mocha Clubs to stay open pending approval
Macau’s gambling sector faces a seismic shift as Melco Resorts & Entertainment confirms the impending closure of Grand Dragon Casino and three key Mocha Clubs venues. This move marks the first public retreat from satellite casinos by any of Macau’s top gaming concessionaires and signals a dramatic adjustment in the territory’s casino ecosystem, as strict new regulations loom in 2026.
Melco’s plans will see Grand Dragon Casino, along with Mocha Hotel Royal, Mocha Kuong Fat, and Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel, all cease operations before the end of 2025. The company attributes the closures to its “overall development strategy” and compliance with fresh legal requirements enforced by Macau authorities.
Why Is Melco Shutting Down Its Satellite Casino and Mocha Clubs?
A perfect storm of regulatory pressure and strategic refocusing drives Melco’s decision. Macau’s government, preparing for a massive gaming industry overhaul, will require all casinos to operate only in properties owned by their concessionaire starting January 2026. Gone are revenue-sharing agreements — in their place, a flat management fee structure.
With the grace period for compliance expiring this year, Melco moves proactively — beating rivals Galaxy Entertainment Group and SJM Resorts & Entertainment to the punch.
What Happens to Employees and Gaming Equipment?
Melco insists all staff will be reassigned to other properties within the company’s Macau network, minimizing disruption to its workforce. Gaming tables and electronic machines won’t be mothballed — instead, they’ll get relocated to Melco’s other, more permanent casinos.
Interested in what else is shifting in the world of gaming? See developments at MGM Resorts and the latest at Las Vegas Sands.
Which Mocha Clubs Will Survive — and How?
Not all Mocha Clubs are shuttering. Melco plans to keep Mocha Inner Harbour, Mocha Hotel Sintra, and Mocha Golden Dragon running into 2026 — provided authorities approve. Applications for operation are already underway, ensuring at least some continuity for local players and the market.
How Do These Closures Affect Macau’s Gambling Future?
With satellite casinos under the microscope, observers predict more closures and consolidations. Currently, of Macau’s 11 satellites, nine remain with SJM Resorts, one each with Melco and Galaxy.
This major downsizing aligns with the government’s long-term vision of a more tightly regulated, property-focused casino industry — a philosophy designed to drive stability and accountability.
For an in-depth look at this ongoing shift, review industry insights at GGRAsia.
What Should Stakeholders Do Next?
The countdown is on. All eyes are on SJM and Galaxy to see if similar announcements follow as 2026 draws near. Operators and stakeholders must revisit strategies, audit compliance, and prepare for a transformed landscape come January next year.
Stay ahead of the Macau gaming shakeup — review your plans, track regulatory updates, and adapt before the 2026 deadline!
- Monitor further satellite casino announcements
- Realign staffing and resource allocation
- Engage with Macau SAR Government for approvals
- Evaluate strategic partnerships outside satellites
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