Macau Luxury Hotel Removes Gold-Tiled Lobby Floor, Sells 79 kg Gold Bars for $412 Million

On February 6, 2026, a luxury hotel caused a sensation by deciding to remove its lobby floor inlaid with approximately 79 kg of gold bars and sell them, generating nearly $13 million or around 412 million baht amid soaring gold prices. According to Emperor Entertainment Hotel's documentation, although the gold bars embedded in the lobby have created a luxurious, sparkling atmosphere since the hotel's opening in 2006, current market conditions present a 'suitable opportunity' to sell the gold. The company sold 79 kilograms of gold bars to a smelting plant in Hong Kong for $12.8 million, which will help strengthen its financial position and open up new investment opportunities. Under pressure from Beijing to diversify Macau's economic structure, many casinos are reducing their gambling operations, including Grand Emperor Hotel, which closed its casino in October. The hotel is now planning to develop new entertainment businesses and facilities, with the gold-decorated lobby area set for complete renovation.