Macau’s Last Satellite Casino Closure Marks Resort Pivot
Image: Macau at night
SJM Resorts S.A. confirmed Casino Landmark will cease operations at 11:59 p.m. on December 30, making it the final satellite casino to close under the three‑year transition mandated by Macau’s amended Gaming Law according to Inside Asian Gaming.
Key Takeaways:
- Landmark Casino to close on December 30, completing the shutdown of remaining satellite casinos
- Government emphasizes employee settlement and industry impact control amidst casino closures
- Industry strategy pivots toward integrated resorts and diversification into non-gaming sectors
Nine of 11 satellites operating at the start of 2025 have already shut, with L’Arc in the process of being wholly acquired by SJM. The casino confirmed in a press release that all gaming tables and machines at Landmark will be redeployed to its other self‑promoted casinos, and customers with unredeemed chips, deposits or rebates may visit those properties for follow‑up arrangements.
Casino Closure Plans Focus on Worker Transitions
Local staff employed by SJM will remain with the group and be reassigned; non‑SJM staff will be invited to apply for vacancies with hiring priority under equal circumstances.
According to Macau’s Government Information Bureau, the Macao SAR Government has been notified by the three concessionaires, SJM Resorts, Melco Resorts (Macau) and Galaxy Casino, of the planned termination of 11 satellite casinos by the end of the year.
Integrated Resorts Take Center Stage
Officials have stated satellite casino closures will not have an effective impact on gaming revenue, while analysts expect activity to concentrate in licensed integrated resorts, potentially improving margins. Market commentary links the wave of casino closures to policy goals to diversify Macau’s economy toward exhibitions, family entertainment and technology, and to strengthen core integrated resorts by redirecting demand. SJM’s continued redeployment of assets underscores an industry consolidation that regulators designed when they enacted Law 7/2022.
