Macau’s Gold-Bricked Casino Hotel Sells Floor for Nearly $13M Amid Market Surge

_{Economic uncertainty forces casino to rip up gold bars from floor. (Image: Barillo Images/Alamy)}

In a move fit for a Bond villain, Macau’s Grand Emperor Hotel has liquidated its iconic gold lobby floor, cashing in on global gold demand and shifting its business model in the post-casino era.

The Grand Emperor Hotel in Macau, once known for its opulent gold-bricked lobby and casino glitz, has removed and sold the gold bars embedded in its entranceway floor. The haul: 79kg of solid gold, sold for HK$100 million (US$12.8 million).

The sale, disclosed in a stock exchange filing by parent company Emperor Entertainment Hotel Ltd, comes amid soaring gold prices driven by global economic uncertainty and political turbulence.

While the bricks helped craft a “sumptuous and resplendent atmosphere,” the company said current market conditions made it a “good opportunity” to sell the precious metal. The buyer, a Hong Kong-based refiner, wasn’t named.

“Given that the relevant area is planned to undergo renovation and redevelopment, the precious metal that were originally part of the hotel’s interior design and outfits are no longer relevant,” the company said in the filing.

From Casino Royalty to Hospitality Rethink

Opened in 2006, the Grand Emperor Hotel quickly earned a reputation for luxury, thanks in no small part to its unusual lobby: a transparent floor panel showcasing dozens of glinting gold bars. Staff dressed as British Royal Guards added a splash of theatrical flair.

But Macau’s gambling industry has undergone a dramatic shift. Once the global capital for gaming revenue, the Chinese territory has been under pressure from Beijing to pivot away from casino reliance. That directive has intensified since 2022, leading to tighter regulations and the closure of several casino floors, including at the Grand Emperor, which ceased gaming operations in October 2023.

Emperor Entertainment said it is now “actively planning for other entertainment and amusement facilities” at the site. Redeveloping the gold-lined lobby is part of that transformation.

Why Sell Now? Follow the (Gold) Brick Road

Gold prices have surged over the past 12 months, fuelled by a combination of factors: geopolitical instability, inflation fears, and trade uncertainty under U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term.

In times of financial turbulence, investors often rush to precious metals as a safer store of value. Gold hit record highs in late 2025, and the price remains historically elevated.

For Emperor Entertainment, cashing in on what had become decorative bullion made business sense. The company said proceeds from the sale would help strengthen its financial position and fund future investment opportunities.

Gold brick Floors not Unique to Macau

Macau isn’t the only place where gold bricks have been used to dazzle shoppers and guests. In Yichang city, central China’s Hubei province, a shopping mall constructed a pathway built from 600 gold bricks as a promotional attraction. Visitors have been seen posing for photos atop the glittering walkway, highlighting how gold continues to capture the public imagination far beyond the casino floor.

Notable Casinos with Luxurious or Gold‑Accented Interiors

One of the UK’s most iconic casinos, the Hippodrome is known for its opulent interior with gold‑toned detailing and lavish décor that gives a sumptuous feel when you enter. It’s described as shining with elegance throughout its design.

Located in Leicester Square, the Empire Casino has a stylish interior with rich finishes. Its décor isn’t gold‑brick‑lined like in Macau, but the venue emphasises modern glam and theatrical flair, reflecting its historic entertainment heritage.

Wynn Mayfair is a luxury casino and lounge in Mayfair with an elegant design aesthetic. It’s known more for upscale, stylish décor than explicit gold structural features, catering to a high‑end crowd.

What Would Bond Think?

The Grand Emperor’s glitzy, gold-bricked entrance could easily have served as a set piece in a James Bond flick, perhaps a nod to Goldfinger, the villain who famously planned to irradiate the U.S. gold reserve.

No radioactive plots here, just sharp business. And while Macau’s casino era may be transitioning, the flair remains.