The Macau Government has authorized SJM Resorts, S.A. to operate Casino L’Arc Macau under direct management from 2am on December 30th, 2025.
The decision marks the end of the venue’s status as a satellite casino, coinciding with the conclusion of Macau’s three-year transition period which finishes at the end of this year. Casino L’Arc Macau will be the only satellite casino to successfully transition to a self-operated model, as all other satellite casinos have ceased operations.
According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), SJM had submitted a formal request to terminate Casino L’Arc Macau’s operation as a satellite casino, with effect from 1:59am on December 30th. Citing commercial reasons, the concessionaire simultaneously applied to manage and operate the casino directly. After reviewing the relevant legal documentation and supporting materials, the government concluded that the application met all legislative requirements and granted the authorization.
The transition follows government approval granted on December 12th — signed by Secretary for Transport and Public Works Raymond Tam — for the transfer of the hotel and casino units of L’Arc Hotel to SJM and its subsidiary. The transfer covers more than 86,000 square meters of space from developer Arc Of Triumph Development Company Limited, which is owned by SJM Executive Director Angela Leong.
The acquisition was finalized on December 15th, when independent shareholders of SJM Holdings voted overwhelmingly in favor of a HK$1.75 billion ($224 million) deal. The transaction also includes the repayment of most of the target company’s HK$1.93 billion ($247 million) debt.
The move at L’Arc comes as SJM continues to streamline its portfolio on the Macau peninsula. While the operator has successfully integrated L’Arc, it recently abandoned plans to acquire Casino Ponte 16, which officially ceased operations on November 28th.
