Melco Resorts & Entertainment has embarked on a novel campaign to lighten its wage bill.

Asian media sources are reporting that the Macau gambling giant has offered casino staff a number of incentives to quit their posts.

Pit bosses can pocket up to MOP 500,000 (US $62,045) in exchange for a letter of resignation, while other gaming employees may choose between free training for new jobs and up to a year off in unpaid leave.

Melco insists these “100 per cent voluntary” departure packages – which could save the firm millions in termination payouts – are designed to help people start up their own businesses.

“Since the the announcement, numerous pit manager colleagues have expressed their excitement about the openings and possibilities on offer,” said a spokesperson for the company.

The news comes as the Macau casino industry braces for further declines in VIP gambling business.

While the region’s gaming venues recorded 4 per cent year-on-year growth in total revenue for the first quarter of 2019, operating income and net income both fell.

Millions of visitors continue to flood the main gambling floors, but the VIP trade – where the big money is – has never quite recovered from China’s corruption crackdown in 2017.

Melco operates three of Macau’s best-known casinos: Altira Macau, City of Dreams and Studio City.