ZAPE merchants call on gov’t intervention ahead of satellite casino closures

More than 70 business owners in the ZAPE district have submitted a petition calling on the government to intervene amid concerns over the upcoming closure of several satellite casinos, which they say will trigger the most serious economic downturn the area has faced in over 20 years.

The ZAPE district, known for its cluster of satellite casinos, relies heavily on the foot traffic these venues generate.

The planned shutdown of at least nine casinos – including Casa Real, Fortuna, Kam Pek, Landmark, Legend Palace, and Waldo – by December 31 is expected to severely impact local merchants.

Representatives from over 20 affected businesses met on Sunday to appeal to casino operators to delay the closures and fulfill their corporate social responsibilities.

One veteran merchant criticized government officials for underestimating the potential economic damage caused by the casino shutdowns.

Chris Wong Sai Fat, a merchant and vice-president of the Macau General Association of Real Estate, urged government authorities to negotiate with SJM Holdings, the license holder for several satellite casinos in the district.

Wong emphasized that social responsibility, including support for the local economy, is a key requirement for gaming concession renewals scheduled for this year.

“If SJM is unwilling to maintain these operations, the government should consider approaching other concessionaires to see if they are willing to take over,” he said.

The Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT) has increased outreach efforts, inspecting over 300 businesses in the area since early June.
DSEDT announced plans to launch an intellectual property-themed community project and distribute tourism consumption vouchers to help merchants in ZAPE and the nearby NAPE district.