Macau’s long-running satellite casino model has officially come to an end following the closure of the Landmark, the city’s final operating satellite casino, marking a defining moment in the evolution of the world’s largest gaming hub. The shutdown, effective at the turn of the year, reflects the culmination of regulatory reforms introduced under Macau’s new gaming concession regime, which prioritises clearer accountability and direct operational control by licensed concessionaires. For decades, satellite casinos played a key role in expanding gaming capacity beyond major integrated resorts, particularly during Macau’s rapid growth phase in the early 2000s.
SJM Resorts is set to begin direct casino operations at L’Arc Macau from 2:00am on 30 December, marking a significant operational transition for the satellite casino. The move follows SJM’s earlier announcement confirming the acquisition and integration of L’Arc into its own operating structure, aligning the property more closely with Macau’s updated gaming concession framework. The timing ensures continuity of gaming activity during the traditionally busy year-end period for the city’s casinos.
MGM China Holdings has announced a senior leadership transition with Hubert Wang stepping down from his role, paving the way for Kenneth Feng to be promoted to Chief Executive Officer. The change comes as the Macau concessionaire continues to navigate a post-pandemic recovery phase while aligning its strategy with evolving market conditions and regulatory expectations. Wang has been closely associated with MGM China’s expansion and operational stabilisation in recent years, making his departure a notable shift for the company.
Renewed military tensions between Thailand and Cambodia’s border regions this December have seen combat actions escalate near Poipet — a Cambodian border town famed for its cluster of casinos that attract Thai gamblers and cross-border visitors. According to Cambodian authorities, Thai air strikes and bombings have damaged at least four casinos along the border and hit a logistics centre near the Poipet casino hub in Banteay Meanchey province, intensifying a long-running territorial dispute between the two neighbours.
Japan is moving forward with a renewed effort to expand its integrated resort (IR) programme that includes large-scale tourism complexes with casino gaming, signalling fresh opportunities for local governments and gaming operators alike. In late 2025 the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA), under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, published a draft Cabinet order outlining the next official window for IR licence applications, slated to open from 6 May to 5 November 2027. During this six-month period, eligible municipalities and prefectures can submit their bids to host new IR developments; private operators must partner with these local authorities instead of applying independently.
Author: Janice Chew • Saturday, 03/01/2026
