Key Moments:
- Casino Fortuna is set to close operations on 10 December, with all employment contracts terminating the same day.
- Only Casino Landmark and Casino Kam Pek Paradise will remain as satellite casinos under SJM Resorts’ license after the closures.
- Casino Ponte 16 will officially cease operations at 23:59 on Friday, 28 November 2025, following SJM Resorts’ decision not to acquire the property.
Impending Closure of Casino Fortuna
Ultimately, Casino Fortuna, situated within Hotel Fortuna on the Macau peninsula, will halt operations on 10 December. Moreover, the closure reflects broader market changes.Additionally, the closure reflects broader market changes. Additionally, Kou Seng Holdings announced internally that the venue will close in line with broader changes in Macau’s satellite casino market. For years, Casino Fortuna has operated under the SJM Resorts Ltd gaming license, a subsidiary of Hong Kong–listed SJM Holdings Ltd.
Employee Compensation Arrangements
Kou Seng Holdings, in its 20 November announcement, informed the workforce of the official termination of all employment contracts on the casino’s last day of operation. Moreover, the notice stated that affected employees will receive compensation based on Macau’s Labour Relations Law, and all outstanding payments will be made on or before 26 December 2025.
In addition, Macau’s concessionaires committed to integrating workers directly employed at satellite casinos into their main operations.
Decline in SJM Satellite Casinos
Following this, once Casino Fortuna closes, Casino Landmark and Casino Kam Pek Paradise will remain as the only satellite casinos under the SJM Resorts license. Similarly, Casino Casa Real had ended operations on 21 November, and Casino Ponte 16 is scheduled for closure on 28 November after SJM Resorts opted not to acquire the site. Consequently, these closures signal a shift away from the profit-sharing model between concessionaires and property owners, a structure Macau will phase out under the new regulatory framework at the end of 2025.
| Casino | Status | Closure Date |
|---|---|---|
| Casino Fortuna | Closing | 10 December |
| Casino Casa Real | Closed | 21 November |
| Casino Ponte 16 | Closing | 28 November 2025 |
| Casino Legend Palace | Closed | 12 November 2025 |
| Casino Landmark | Operating | – |
| Casino Kam Pek Paradise | Operating | – |
Strategic Moves Following Casino Ponte 16 Decision
On 20 November, SJM Resorts disclosed that it would not be moving forward with the purchase of the property housing Casino Ponte 16. The company’s press release stated, “Following a comprehensive business review, the company will not proceed with the previously stated intention to acquire the property where Casino Ponte 16 is located.” SJM Resorts continued, “We reached this decision after thoroughly assessing long-term planning, commercial considerations, and resource prioritization across our portfolio.” Another statement added, “This outcome reflects the company’s disciplined approach to capital deployment and its focus on strengthening core operations in line with market developments and the group’s long-term development strategy.” A mutual termination agreement was completed with Pier 16 Entertainment Group Corp Ltd, and the official operation end is scheduled for 23:59 on Friday, 28 November 2025. The company has outlined that all gaming tables and machines from Casino Ponte 16 will be relocated to other SJM properties to maintain uninterrupted service for patrons.
Customers holding chips, deposits, or cash rebates from Casino Ponte 16 will have these honored at other SJM Resorts venues starting 29 November 2025, with SJM Resorts stating it will “ensure that all customer entitlements are duly honoured.” Employees directly hired by SJM will continue their employment and will be reassigned internally, while those not directly employed will receive priority in applying for open roles within the group.
Macau Regulatory Changes Drive Industry Realignment
Consequently, Casino Fortuna’s closure adds to a series of shutdowns in response to Macau’s enhanced Gaming Law. Casino Legend Palace ended operations on 12 November 2025 after its early termination agreement, with the company pledging to “implement appropriate measures to facilitate the orderly closure of operations.” Casino Casa Real also closed at 11:59 pm on 21 November after coordination among SJM, local authorities, and service providers. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau noted ongoing communication with the Labour Affairs Bureau regarding worker transitions.
In each instance, SJM has transferred gaming assets to its core properties and honored all outstanding customer entitlements. Staff employed directly by SJM have been retained and relocated as necessary.
SJM Resorts’ Portfolio Adjustments
SJM Resorts, having heavily depended on satellite casino arrangements, is seeing substantial change as regulations shift. As part of efforts to reinforce its position on the Macau Peninsula, the company recently acquired Arc of Triumph Development Co Ltd, the owner of L’Arc Hotel, for HKD1.75 billion, bringing Casino Le Royal Arc within its core portfolio.
Following the 10 December closure of Casino Fortuna, only two SJM satellite casinos will remain. This development highlights Macau’s broader transformation towards a market defined by operator-managed casino venues as intended under updated regulatory objectives.
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- Author
Daniel Williams
