Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd. has confirmed the upcoming closure of two of its Macau-based venues: Grand Dragon Casino in Taipa and Mocha Kuong Fat in downtown Macau. The company announced that Grand Dragon Casino will officially cease operations at 23:59 on September 22, 2025, followed by Mocha Kuong Fat, which will close on September 24, 2025, at 23:59. This decision is part of a strategic review of Melco Resorts’ overall development in Macau, which also involves other properties under the Mocha brand.
The closures were first discussed in June and have since received approval from the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) government. In addition to Grand Dragon Casino and Mocha Kuong Fat, Melco Resorts has also hinted at future closures for Mocha Grand Dragon Hotel and Mocha Royal Hotel, though the exact dates for these closures have yet to be confirmed.
Reallocation of Gaming Operations
Melco Resorts has made arrangements to ensure a smooth transition for its gaming operations in Macau. As reported by AASTOCKS.com, all gaming tables currently in use at Grand Dragon Casino will be relocated to Melco’s City of Dreams Casino, situated in the Cotai district. Similarly, the electronic gaming machines from the Mocha Clubs, which are set to close, will be reassigned to other Melco-operated casinos, including Altira Macau in Taipa, and City of Dreams and Studio City, both located in Cotai.
This move is in line with the strategic goals outlined by Melco Resorts, focusing on consolidating operations and strengthening the company’s presence in Macau’s highly competitive casino market. The company has also confirmed that these changes will be conducted under the supervision of the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), which will oversee the closure procedures to ensure they are carried out smoothly and in compliance with all regulations.
Melco Resorts is committed to protecting the rights of its customers during the closure of these venues. Customers holding gaming chips from Grand Dragon Casino will be able to exchange them at the Melco Club/Signature Club counter at Altira Macau from September 23, 2025. Meanwhile, patrons with tickets or TITO (ticket-in-ticket-out) vouchers from the Mocha Clubs will still be able to use them at other Mocha venues, including Mocha Inner Harbor, Mocha Golden Dragon, and Mocha Sintra Hotel, all of which will remain operational.
In terms of staffing, Melco Resorts is working to ensure that employees affected by the closure will not face job instability. Local staff currently employed at the Grand Dragon Casino and the closing Mocha Clubs will be reassigned to other Melco-operated gaming areas, ensuring a smooth transition and continued employment. This reassignment plan is in line with Melco’s commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of its workers, with the Macau Labour Affairs Bureau being kept informed to ensure compliance with all labor regulations.
Coordination with the DICJ and Future of Satellite Casinos
The closure of Grand Dragon Casino and Mocha Kuong Fat is part of a broader trend in Macau, where several satellite casinos are either closing or being integrated into larger casino operations. In addition to Melco Resorts’ closures, other operators in the region, including SJM Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment, are also undergoing restructuring. This trend is seen as a response to the evolving dynamics in the Macau casino market, with larger resorts and integrated operations becoming more dominant.
The DICJ has emphasized its role in ensuring that the closure processes are handled legally and efficiently. This includes overseeing the handling of cash, gaming chips, and unexchanged gaming tickets, ensuring compliance with all procedural requirements. The DICJ’s involvement guarantees that these closures will occur smoothly and that all legal obligations are met.
