Macau casinos reopen following 33-hour closure due to Super Typhoon Ragasa
Summary
Macau’s casinos reopened after a 33 hour suspension imposed as Super Typhoon Ragasa reached Signal No. 10 on 24 September. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) coordinated the reopening once conditions eased. This was the first casino suspension in Macau this year and the longest since pandemic-related closures in 2020 (15 days) and 2022 (7 days).
Operators reported limited structural damage but noted operational disruptions: Melco said most properties had minimal external damage though Altira experienced power shortages and guests were moved to Cotai properties; Sands China said backup generators worked but customer service was affected. Analysts and brokers warned of material revenue impacts — Citigroup estimated a $2.3bn hit to the sector, Union Gaming expects a hit of a few hundred basis points to GGR growth, and Nomura suggested a 600–700bp downside to monthly GGR growth (revising year-on-year growth to ~19% from ~25%).
The typhoon caused fatalities and injuries across Macau: at least eight people died and around 150 were injured.
Key Points
- Casinos closed for 33 hours after Ragasa intensified to Signal No. 10; the DICJ managed the reopening.
- First suspension this year and the longest since the COVID closures in 2020 and 2022.
- Operators (Melco, Sands China) reported limited damage but power and service disruptions — guest relocations occurred.
- Analysts predict significant revenue impact: Citigroup estimated $2.3bn; Union Gaming and Nomura expect substantial negative GGR revisions.
- The storm led to at least eight deaths and roughly 150 reported injuries in Macau.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: if you care about gaming markets, investors or ops in Macau — this is big. The typhoon shut the market, knocked out power in places and analysts are already slashing revenue forecasts. It affects earnings, tourist confidence and recovery timelines — worth a quick read if you track the sector, and a proper dive if you hold stock or run a property.
