Macau’s casinos reopened in the early hours of 25 September following a temporary suspension caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa. The closure was enforced after the No. 8 tropical cyclone signal was raised on 24 September, marking the first operational test of updated casino safety rules. Operators were required to ensure all patrons and staff vacated within two hours, prioritizing safety over operations.
Ragasa’s path through Asia caused widespread damage, with fatalities reported in Taiwan and Hong Kong and over a million residents evacuated in Guangdong Province. Macau itself faced torrential rains, storm surges, and flooding, particularly in low-lying districts such as the Inner Harbour. Streets were submerged, power outages affected roughly 16,000 households, and businesses were temporarily disrupted.
Cleanup and recovery efforts began immediately after the storm, with authorities working to restore electricity, clear debris, and reopen transport links. Ferry services connecting Macau and Hong Kong resumed on 25 September, restoring crucial transport and trade routes.
The financial impact on Macau’s gaming industry was notable. Citigroup revised its September gross gaming revenue forecast to MOP18.5 billion ($2.3 billion), citing both the typhoon-induced suspension and weaker gaming activity during the period. While the casinos are now fully operational, the incident underscores the vulnerability of the gaming sector to extreme weather events and highlights the importance of strengthened civil protection measures implemented since Typhoon Hato in 2017.
As Macau enters recovery mode, the gaming industry faces the challenge of balancing operational continuity with safety, ensuring patrons can return to the tables while mitigating the risks associated with future typhoons. Macau’s experience with Ragasa demonstrates the resilience of both the sector and local authorities in responding to natural disasters, maintaining business continuity, and safeguarding residents.
Follow us on: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram
