Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 25/09/2025 - 16:44:37 - PM
Macau has ordered the temporary closure of all casinos from 5pm on Tuesday as Super Typhoon Ragasa approaches, with the city expected to raise tropical cyclone Signal No. 8 in the evening. Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said the move is necessary to protect lives and property, marking one of the few times Macau has mandated a gaming shutdown since Typhoon Hato in 2017, which caused severe damage and fatalities.
Casino operators were instructed to begin evacuating staff and guests two hours ahead of the storm warning. Reports indicate that several integrated resorts had already started moving patrons out by midday, while gaming employees scheduled for late shifts were told to remain at home. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau emphasized the importance of an orderly shutdown to avoid chaos as the storm intensifies.
Authorities also prepared broader civil protection measures, with police deployed in flood-prone neighborhoods such as the Inner Harbour to advise businesses on shuttering operations. Security Secretary Wong Sio Chak confirmed discussions with Zhuhai officials on temporarily closing border checkpoints, with Macau Customs later announcing suspension of crossings at Gongbei, Hengqin, and Qingmao ports from 7pm until further notice.
The closure comes at a sensitive time for Macau, just days before the Golden Week holiday period, when tourism and gaming revenues traditionally peak. While analysts expect a short-term disruption, they note that the government’s swift action underscores improved disaster readiness compared to past crises. Once conditions stabilize, visitor demand is expected to rebound quickly, but the incident highlights how vulnerable Macau’s casino industry remains to extreme weather events.