Macau's Satellite Casino Era Winds Down: Fortuna Set to Shutter in December Amid Staff Reassignments

Macau's decades-old satellite casino framework is entering its twilight, with multiple established outlets facing imminent shutdowns. Among them, the bustling Casino Fortuna—positioned adjacent to Hotel Lisboa on the peninsula—has received confirmation of its December 10, 2025, closure via a November 20 internal memo. The announcement, from operator Kou Seng, details the termination of employment agreements and provisions for severance labeled as "dismissal without just cause," with final payouts due by December 26.

Kou Seng Holdings, Fortuna's backer, echoed the timeline in a follow-up directive, committing to simultaneous contract endings and prompt wage settlements.

Wave of SJM-Affiliated Venue Closures Accelerates

Running on SJM Holdings' gaming concession, Fortuna's exit aligns with a cascade of similar fates for affiliated satellites. Insiders report Kam Pek Casino will lock its doors on November 30, while Landmark Casino vows to operate "to the very end" without a fixed end date. Casino Casa Real halted at 11:59 p.m. on November 21, and Ponte 16 follows suit on November 28, after SJM abandoned plans to convert it into a direct holding.

This shift clouds prospects for Success Universe Group's Ponte 16 upgrades and a collaborative Inner Harbor renewal with SJM, per Asia Gaming Brief. The project envisions a revamped floating venue, with Success Universe pegging phase-two costs above HK$100 million (US$12.8 million).

Defying the trend, L’Arc Hotel—near Galaxy's StarWorld in NAPE—stands apart. SJM's HK$1.75 billion (US$224 million) purchase of Arc of Triumph Development Co Ltd will integrate Casino Le Royal Arc (aka Casino L’Arc Macau) into its primary portfolio, preserving it as the lone satellite survivor.

Official tallies show just five satellites persisting: Landmark, Fortuna, Kam Pek Paradise, L’Arc, and Ponte 16—the last pair in flux. Post-Fortuna, the model that once propped up dozens of third-party sites will effectively dissolve.

Officials Assure Seamless Workforce Transitions

Macau's Economy and Finance Secretary Tai Kin Ip updated on employment fallout during a policy debate, revealing 1,600 workers from six shuttered satellites—SJM's Grandview, Legend Palace, Casino Casa Real, and Emperor Palace, plus Galaxy's Waldo and Melco's Grand Dragon—have seamlessly reintegrated into parent concessionaires.

Tai affirmed: "These 1,600 staff deployed to the six closed satellites have returned smoothly to their operators." He flagged another 3,200 roles at four impending closures—one late November, three in December—while noting dedicated support units and helplines. Of 29 inquiries received, none escalated. "Authorities will continue coordinating with satellite operators and teams to facilitate orderly shifts to concessionaires," he pledged.