Casino employees in Macau are hoping for a summer bonus

Workers in Macau's gaming establishments are hopeful that the tradition of cash bonuses—known as the "summer bonus"—which existed before the pandemic, will make a comeback. This move is seen as justified, as workloads have gradually returned to pre-COVID levels following a market resurgence in January.
These payments, commonly referred to as "discretionary bonuses," were typically issued twice a year before the crisis triggered by COVID-19, coinciding with the Chinese New Year and the summer period.
Lei Iok Po, director of Power of Macau Gaming, stated, "As workers, we certainly want to receive the 'summer' bonus. However, we also understand that all gaming operators have gone through a very difficult period over the past three years and are still in debt. If any bonuses are to be reinstated, they may only be issued at the end of this year or next year."
According to Lei, staff in mass-market gaming areas are once again feeling the pressure at work, noting an increase in visitor numbers that has led to a return of overtime shifts.
Chao Sao Fong, head of the local gaming industry activist group New Macau Gaming Staff Rights Association, also spoke on the issue of fair wages. She expressed that group members are hoping for a "full restoration" of salary increases and bonuses in line with pre-pandemic practices.
Chao acknowledged that casino employees' salaries have not been cut since the new 10-year gaming concessions took effect in January. However, she reported that several companies have reduced their workforce, asking older employees to retire early.
Chao remarked, "Not many new people have replaced the senior gaming staff, so in some cases, the existing team is shouldering a heavier workload. But this is understandable. Gaming operators incurred significant losses during the pandemic, and they may want to work on reducing employee costs."
It is worth noting that Macau's casinos are facing strong competition from Japan.