Typhoon Hato delays MGM Cotai opening until January 29

Casino operator MGM China says it’s pushing back the opening of its new integrated resort in Macau due to damage caused by Typhoon Hato.

In a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Friday, MGM China said its previously stated Q4 2017 timeline for the opening of its in-development MGM Cotai resort casino was no longer attainable, and thus the company was delaying the property’s launch date until January 29, 2018.

Many of Macau’s casinos were forced to completely shut down in mid-August due to Typhoon Hato, the most powerful storm to hit the special administrative region of China in 53 years. Ten Macau residents lost their lives as the storm raged, bringing widespread power outages and flooding.

MGM Cotai didn’t escape Hato’s wrath, and the company says repairing the damage will “slightly” delay the inspections by local government officials that are necessary for MGM Cotai to obtain its various operating licenses.