The Grand Emperor hotel in Macau recently removed and sold 79 kilograms of gold bars from its main lobby floor, generating nearly 13 million USD (over 332 billion VND). This move comes as gold prices have surged due to global geopolitical instability and the hotel's strategic shift away from its gambling-centric past. When the hotel launched in 2006, the "golden path" at its entrance was a prominent feature, symbolizing its luxury.

Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, the Hong Kong-based parent company, stated that while "the gold created a sense of luxury for the hotel", it was now "the opportune time to sell it". The gold was sold to a refiner in Hong Kong. The group anticipates that this sale will bolster its financial position, enabling future investments when appropriate opportunities arise.

The hotel lobby was gilded before being dismantled. Photo: Guardian

Macau, the only region in China where legal gambling is permitted, was a global leader in gambling revenue in 2025. However, under pressure from Beijing to diversify its economy, many Macau casinos, including the Grand Emperor, have transitioned away from gambling operations. The Grand Emperor specifically closed its casino in october, adapting to stricter local regulations.

Following the cessation of gaming activities, the group is "actively planning for other entertainment and leisure amenities" for the facility. The hotel lobby, once adorned with gold, is slated for renovation, as "the gold decoration is no longer suitable for the hotel's future theme", the group announced.

The surge in gold prices over the past 12 months has been influenced by trade policies and tariff fluctuations enacted by US President Donald Trump since his return to the White House in 1/2025. Investors typically flock to precious metals like gold during periods of macroeconomic instability, as they tend to retain value better than fiat currency and stocks.

By Hoai Anh

*Source: Guardian*