Key Moments:
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Macau’s last satellite casino, Landmark Casino, closed at midnight on 1 January 2026.
This marked the end of all satellite casino operations. -
Eleven satellite casinos shut down in response to Law 7/2022.
Most closed before the 31 December 2025 deadline. -
Gross gaming revenue reached MOP247.40 billion in 2025.
This represented a 9.1 percent year-on-year increase and signaled a strong recovery.
Closure of Satellite Casinos Reshapes Macau’s Gaming Landscape
Macau has officially ended the operation of all satellite casinos after more than two decades.
The closure of the Landmark Casino at midnight on 1 January 2026 marked the end of the city’s
final satellite gaming venue. It also represented a major shift in Macau’s approach to casino
operations.
This change followed the conclusion of a three-year transition period under Law 7/2022.
The law reformed Macau’s gaming regulations and set a clear deadline of 31 December 2025.
Satellite casinos were required to adapt their business models or cease operations.
These venues were typically smaller properties run by third parties under the licenses
of major concessionaires.
Detailed Impact on Casinos and Operators
A total of 11 satellite casinos were affected by the new regulations.
These properties operated under agreements with major concessionaires,
including SJM Resorts, Melco Resorts, and Galaxy Entertainment.
Many operators chose to close early.
They cited higher compliance costs and increased commercial pressure.
Casino Grandview was the first to close permanently on 30 July 2025.
Other satellite venues followed throughout the second half of the year.
The closure of Landmark Casino left Macau without any satellite casinos
for the first time in many years.
| Casino Name | Closure Date |
|---|---|
| Casino Grandview | 30 July 2025 |
| Landmark Casino | 1 January 2026 |
The transition signals a new era for Macau’s gaming industry.
Operations are now fully consolidated under concessionaires.
These companies carry greater responsibility for management,
compliance, and employment practices.
Regulators are also expected to strengthen oversight of the sector.
Workforce and Economic Considerations
Casino operators have assured the Macau SAR Government that affected employees will be supported.
Measures include redeployment or compensation.
The Labour Affairs Bureau has committed to monitoring the process.
Its goal is to protect workers’ rights and assess any wider social or economic impact.
Resurgence in Gaming Revenue and Tourism
The end of satellite casinos has occurred alongside a strong recovery in gaming revenue.
In 2025, gross gaming revenue reached MOP247.40 billion (€26.5–€27.2 billion).
This marked a year-on-year increase of 9.1 percent.
December revenue rose by 14.8 percent and was the strongest December result since the pandemic.
Tourism has also rebounded strongly.
By late December, visitor arrivals exceeded 39.4 million.
This figure surpassed Macau’s 2019 pre-pandemic record.
The data highlights the city’s economic momentum despite regulatory changes.
Strategic Direction and Diversification Efforts
The satellite casino model emerged after market liberalization in the early 2000s.
It allowed smaller operators to enter the industry through partnerships with major concessionaires.
Their exit aligns with Macau’s broader economic strategy.
This strategy includes the “1+4” diversification plan.
The plan aims to reduce reliance on gaming by promoting integrated tourism
and four additional sectors.
These are big health, modern finance, high technology,
and conventions, exhibitions, culture, and sports.
While the closures are not a direct result of the plan,
they support Guangdong’s goal of building a more resilient and diversified economy.
- Author
Daniel Williams
