Macau's gaming landscape is undergoing significant changes, and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd is at the forefront with its recent strategic move. The government of Macau has granted authorization to Melco Resorts to maintain operations at three of its Mocha-branded slot parlours. The gaming venues—Mocha Golden Dragon, Mocha Porto Interior, and Mocha Hotel Sintra—will remain open past the critical date of December 31, facilitated through a newly established management company.
This decision was detailed in a recent press release by the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. According to the bureau, "Following a comprehensive analysis and evaluation, the Macau SAR government has granted authorisation to Melco’s application to operate three existing slot machine parlours… through the contracting of a management company," pinpointing the exact venues that will continue operations under this new structure.
This development aligns with new regulations requiring non-core gaming venues to transition to management company models or integrate fully with their respective licensees.
New Regulatory Landscape in Macau Gaming
The landscape of Macau's gaming industry has seen substantial regulatory shifts with the introduction of new 10-year gaming concessions which took effect in January 2023. Under these regulations, satellite gaming venues like Mocha Clubs must either transition to a management company model or become essential operations of their licensees to stay in business. This requirement highlights the government's intention to consolidate and streamline casino operations within the territory.
While this change presents a challenge for many, Melco Resorts has taken decisive action by opting for the management company model for its Mocha venues. Unlike full-casino satellites like Casino L'Arc Macau, which is being fully integrated into its parent licensee SJM Resorts Ltd, Melco appears to prefer maintaining operational flexibility through external management.
The recent closure of Melco’s own Casino Grand Dragon in Taipa and several Mocha slot parlours further exemplifies its commitment to adjusting its business to align with legal requirements and its broader strategic objectives, marking a significant pivot in its operational strategies.
Operational Implications and Strategic Moves
In recent months, Melco Resorts has made impactful decisions impacting its operations and workforce. Notably, Melco announced the closure of Casino Grand Dragon and several Mocha Clubs earlier this year. This decision, driven by the company’s "overall development strategy" and compliance with Macau's revised gaming laws, highlights its adaptability and forward-looking business approach. The restructuring resulted in the closure of Mocha Kuong Fat, Mocha Hotel Grand Dragon, and Mocha Hotel Royal, culminating in the cessation of operations in September, November, and December respectively.
The combined workforce affected by these closures involved 320 staff members. These employees are being offered new opportunities either within the parent company, given preference for openings, or other support measures as determined by eligibility criteria negotiated between the gaming licensees and Macau authorities. In terms of asset reallocation, following the closure of these venues, Melco redeployed 15 gaming tables to its City of Dreams Macau property and relocated 90 gaming machines to Studio City in Cotai.
These strategic deployments exemplify the company's proactive measures to enhance its core operations in a rapidly transforming industry landscape.
Source: Melco Resorts gets Macau govt nod to preserve 3 Mocha slot hall-s via 'management company' setup, GGRAsia, December 29, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Dec 29 2025
Dec 29 2025
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