Macau Ends Era of Satellite Casinos with Closure of Landmark Casino
Macau’s Shift Away from Satellite Casinos
Macau has quietly concluded a significant chapter in its gaming industry by shutting down the Landmark Casino at midnight on January 1. This event marks the end of the region’s long-standing use of satellite casinos, a business model that had been part of its gambling landscape for decades. As Macau moves forward, it is focusing on adapting to changing industry dynamics and reducing its dependence on casino-generated revenue.
Impact of Regulatory Changes on Satellite Casino Operations
Satellite casinos were once a common feature in Macau, operating under unique arrangements where third-party property owners managed casinos using licenses from major gaming concessionaires. This model played a key role in fueling the rapid growth of Macau’s gambling sector, especially during the early 2000s.
However, the introduction of Law 7/2022 brought stricter regulations and oversight, signaling a shift in the legal framework governing the gaming industry. This law provided satellite casinos with a three-year window to either alter their business structures or close down completely by December 31, 2025. Despite this grace period, restructuring the operations proved to be financially impractical. Landmark Casino was among the last to shut down, following the closure of nine other satellite casinos earlier in the year. Major operators such as Melco Resorts and Galaxy Entertainment opted to phase out their satellite venues gradually, rather than assuming full control or renegotiating management terms.
Macau’s Move Toward a More Centralized Gambling Industry
The final moments of Landmark Casino were marked by a ceremony that attracted crowds filled with nostalgia and curiosity. As the doors closed, employees drew red curtains over the casino’s signage to symbolize the end of an era, with a minor curtain malfunction briefly adding to the moment’s poignancy.
With Landmark’s closure, Macau’s entire casino industry is now exclusively operated and owned by its six licensed concessionaires. This represents a dramatic reduction from the peak of 42 casinos, but reflects a strategic move towards a more consolidated and tightly regulated market following the impacts of the pandemic and regulatory reforms. Currently, 20 casinos remain in operation, emphasizing this more centralized approach.
Support for Workers During the Transition
The transition for employees from the closed satellite casinos has been managed with care. In November 2025, approximately 1,600 workers from these venues were reassigned to properties owned by licensed concessionaires, helping to alleviate job losses. Authorities have also established dedicated support teams and consultation hotlines to assist workers in navigating this period of change, aiming for a smooth and supportive workforce transition.
