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Macau’s gaming sector showcased resilience and civic responsibility this past weekend as Macau casinos responded to Typhoon Wipha — initially feared to be a severe hurricane — which made landfall near the region. While the storm eventually downgraded to a severe tropical storm, Macau casinos Typhoon Wipha response remained notable as integrated resorts stayed operational to provide safe shelter for staff and visitors.
According to a statement issued Sunday by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the decision to keep Macau casinos open during Typhoon Wipha was made “in order to protect the safety of the staff and guests in the casino and to prevent the risk of staff and guests gathering in the surrounding outdoor areas or attempting to travel.” The regulator emphasized maintaining gaming venues in proper condition and allowing staff and guests to rest safely indoors during the storm.
Originally classified with Hong Kong’s highest No. 10 warning signal, Typhoon Wipha made landfall just southwest of Macau, in Taishan, Guangdong Province. Despite early fears, the storm's sustained winds of 108 km/h (67 mph) — equivalent to a tropical storm — brought less impact than anticipated.
Though downgraded, precautionary measures had already been put in place by Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). The agency ordered all casinos to remain open during the typhoon to discourage movement, offer secure accommodation, and protect both workers and guests.
The DICJ further noted, “The gaming premises and venues will be maintained in proper condition during the typhoon period, and the casino will make arrangements for the staff and guests to take a rest in the event of a typhoon.”
Macau’s casino resorts, known for their robust infrastructure, became makeshift sanctuaries for thousands of individuals who might otherwise have risked exposure outside.
The DICJ instructed operators to ensure their premises were “properly protected against typhoons” and reminded them of their responsibility to staff well-being, though specifics on rest arrangements were not disclosed in detail.
This approach not only minimized public risk but also highlighted the industry’s role beyond entertainment, stepping up as a community support pillar in times of natural crisis.
Many of Macau’s tens of thousands of casino workers commute daily from outside the city’s border gates. With border closures in effect and transport disrupted, casinos arranged on-site rest areas and coordinated compensation per labor laws.
The DICJ emphasized continued cooperation with operators to uphold employee rights, safety, and well-being throughout the typhoon period. In its official statement, DICJ reaffirmed that “the rights of employees are protected in accordance with the law, in particular, the right to take rest and to be compensated accordingly.”
In a coordinated effort to minimize risk, Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai ordered the closure of three key border checkpoints — Gongbei, Qingmao, and the Zhuhai-Macao Cross-Border Industrial Zone — starting at 6am on Sunday. These checkpoints usually account for nearly half of Macau’s daily visitor arrivals.
Flights and ferry services in and out of Macau were also suspended, along with local transportation including integrated resorts’ shuttle bus systems — all part of a citywide strategy to reduce travel-related danger.
While no casualties or major infrastructure damage were reported across Macau or Hong Kong, the storm disrupted nearly 200 flights at Macau International Airport and caused a noticeable dip in casino visitation — potentially affecting July’s gaming revenue.
As of June 2025, Macau’s GGR reached $14.7 billion, about 79.4% of 2019 levels — showing steady post-COVID recovery but still facing sensitivity to external shocks like weather events.
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