Macau has now closed every satellite casino, and people feel shocked as a long period in the city’s gaming sector has come to a full stop. The last action took place when Landmark Casino ended work at midnight on 1 January 2026, which created a strong reaction among many local workers.

With this moment, the final satellite casino in Macau shut down, and a chapter that had stayed open for over 20 years finally came to an end. Authorities confirmed the shutdown came after a three-year transition period that Law 7/2022 clearly defined for the gaming sector. This law adjusted Macau gambling rules and explained in clear words the future steps for satellite casinos without confusion. Based on the new law, each satellite casino had to change its business structure or fully stop operations by 31 December 2025.

Once the deadline passed, every remaining satellite casino closed its doors without delay or exception. Satellite casinos operated as smaller gambling venues across the city. They did not belong directly to the main casino licence holders, which often caused mixed business responsibility. Third-party companies operated these venues by using licences from one of Macau’s six main gaming concessionaires. For many years, these casinos appeared often, especially in older city areas located far from large Cotai resort complexes.

11 Casinos Closed, Restructuring

A total of 11 satellite casinos faced the new rules, and this situation caused concern among people connected to gaming work and long business links. These casinos operated through agreements with major gaming companies like SJM Resorts, Melco Resorts, and Galaxy Entertainment under licence arrangements. Although the law provided time for adjustment, the operators decided to close the casinos before the final deadline due to pressure and worry. They stated that the new rules raised costs and reduced workable conditions for continuing casino operations. Casino Grandview became the first satellite casino to shut down, and it stopped operations on 30 July 2025, with a strong reaction.

Following this event, other satellite casinos closed step by step during the second half of the year. The sequence finished when the Landmark Casino closed, which brought a feeling of shock across the gaming sector. For the first time in many decades, Macau now has zero satellite casinos operating in the city. This development signals a shift in how the Macau gaming industry’s structure functions, and people express mixed emotions about the future direction. The government is moving toward a system where gambling runs through large resort groups owned by concessionaires. Under the new framework, these companies hold responsibility for daily operations, legal compliance, and staff management.

At the same time, regulators increase supervision across the gaming industry with strong attention. Macau authorities confirmed they are watching workers affected by the closures, and this creates some relief among employees. Gaming operators promised the Macau SAR Government that employees would receive fair treatment during the transition. This support includes moving workers to other jobs or offering compensation under labour rules. The Labour Affairs Bureau stated it would watch employment arrangements to protect worker rights and review social or economic effects.

Emphasis on Diversification

Satellite casinos began operations after Macau opened its gaming market in the early 2000s, and this moment created expectations among new investors. This development followed the conclusion of the long monopoly controlled by Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau. Around 2002 and 2003, new gaming licences allowed satellite casinos to help smaller businesses enter the market through cooperation with major concessionaires. The closures occur while the Macau gaming sector returns to strong results, which creates a complex public response. In 2025, gross gaming revenue was reported at MOP247.40 billion, which is a 9.1 per cent increase from the previous year.

In December, we saw a 14.8 per cent on-year growth which was the best performance that we have had since the pandemic. Tourism reports also show improvement which in turn brings peace to service sectors. By December end, Macau had over 39.4 million visitors which broke the 2019 pre-pandemic record. This figure confirms recovery in travel and tourism and supports broader economic confidence. Regulatory adjustments support Macau’s long-term economic planning, including the government’s “1+4” diversification strategy. While the strategy does not focus on satellite casinos, its purpose is to reduce dependence on gambling revenue. The plan seeks to grow tourism and leisure and develop four sectors: big health, modern finance, high technology, and conventions, exhibitions, culture, and sports.