The conclusion of gaming operations at Casino Landmark, located in the heart of downtown Macau, has brought an era to a definitive close. This satellite casino, part of a tradition inherited from the time of Stanley Ho Hung Sun’s license-monopoly era that commenced in the 1960s, ceased its operations at precisely 11:59 PM on Tuesday, December 30.
The ending of services at this venue, which had previously operated under the gaming license of SJM Resorts SA, represents the final chapter in a broader shutdown sequence affecting similar establishments across the city.
Closure Details: Transition to New Control
The closure process for Casino Landmark was conducted smoothly, as confirmed by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau in their statement on Wednesday. This venue was notable among the eight satellite casinos shutting down since July for having the largest workforce, with 1,169 employees as of government records.
Spread over three floors, the casino was known for its live-dealer baccarat offerings, continuing to feature decor reminiscent of its previous brand identity as Pharaoh’s Palace Casino, despite ownership changes in 2018. Out of the two satellite venues anticipated for integration into the core properties of SJM Holdings Ltd – namely, Casino Ponte 16 and Casino L’Arc Macau – only L’Arc Macau has successfully transitioned, opening recently as a managed facility by the company.
Analysis: Implications for Macau's Gaming Landscape
According to Luiz Lam Kai Kuong, a former operator in Macau's junket scene, the closure of Macau’s satellite systems aligns with the central Chinese government's preference for a highly regulated gaming industry framework. This trend correlates with the significant decline in major junkets participating in the sector since 2021.
Detailed insights were offered about the broader strategy when Mr. Lam reflected on a statement from Macau’s Chief Executive, dating back to 2024, asserting that unchecked expansion in Macau's gambling sector would not proceed. As Mr. Lam aptly summarized, this encapsulates the governmental stance and the resulting shifts within the gaming environment.
Overall, the orderly shutdown of Casino Landmark and other satellite establishments underscores a pivotal transformation within Macau’s gaming industry, pointing towards a future emphasizing stringent regulation and control, resonating with broader regional strategic objectives.
Source: Shutting of Casino Landmark is last act in Macau's satellite-casino era, GGRAsia, December 31, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Dec 31 2025
Dec 31 2025
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