Typhoon Mangkhut likely to impact September gambling stats for Macau

Macau’s gaming revenues for September will likely be impacted by the government’s decision late Saturday that the island’s 42 land casinos would be temporarily shuttered as a precaution against Typhoon Mangkhut, a massive storm system approaching after wreaking havoc in the Philippines.

Citing the likelihood of heavy flooding and high winds, the authorities took the historic decision to close the casinos until the storm has passed, obviating criticisms levelled at the authorities that insufficient preparations were made last year for Typhoon Hato, which killed 12 island residents and was reportedly the worst weather event in 50 years.

“The suspension of gaming operations is for the safety of casino employees, visitors to the city and residents,” the government statement said.

Macau’s weather bureau said the storm warning would be raised to the highest T10 level later Sunday with the worst rain and winds expected around midday local time (0400 GMT).

The city was deserted, with shops boarded up, late Saturday night local time.