Lawmakers call for action over Grandview Casino closure

The closure of the Grandview casino has prompted commentary among lawmakers regarding the future of local gaming workers and the broader stability of the gaming industry.

Under an early shutdown announced by SJM Resorts SA, the Taipa casino is set to cease operations at 11:59 p.m. today (July 30).

Leong Sun Iok and Ella Lei, vice chairs of the Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM), expressed concerns about the impact on employees, emphasizing that the Federation’s affiliated gaming union is closely monitoring the situation.

FAOM said it is actively evaluating the impact on employees and providing the support needed to safeguard their employment rights, ensuring they retain their jobs and continue to receive their salaries and benefits without disruption.

FAOM also noted that additional satellite casinos are expected to shut down by year’s end, potentially affecting around 5,600 local gaming workers. Of these, more than 800 are employed by satellite casinos like Grandview, and around 300 are employed by Mocha casinos, it added.

SJM Resorts has pledged to absorb displaced Grandview employees where possible by redeploying them within other casino operations. SJM also assured that employees hired by the group will be reassigned internally, while those employed outside the group would be given priority for vacancies under fair terms.

Lei and Leong urged the government to intervene and coordinate protective measures tailored to the varied roles and contracts of affected workers. They stressed the importance of gaming companies prioritizing re-employment opportunities and maintaining employees’ conditions, including allowances and vacation entitlements.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) announced on Monday that it will designate staff to oversee the closure process today on-site to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Updated at 10:59 p.m., July 30, 2025