Macau approves SJM acquisition of L’Arc Hotel casino
Macau’s government has approved SJM Resorts’ acquisition of the L’Arc Hotel and its casino operations, authorising the transfer of the property into the operator’s core portfolio as the city advances the restructuring of its satellite casino system.
The approval was granted through an executive order signed by Macau’s Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam Vai Man, authorising the transfer of the hotel and casino unit from Arc Of Triumph Development Company Limited to SJM Resorts, S.A. and its subsidiary.
Official announcements published in Macau’s gazette show that authorities reviewed the L’Arc Hotel transfer and raised no concerns. Gaming and tourism authorities confirmed that the concession transfer met regulatory requirements, citing the absence of any outstanding debts or speculative intent associated with the deal.
The deal allows SJM Holdings to acquire 100 percent of the hotel property and its gaming facilities for HK$1.75 billion (US$224 million). The transaction was approved by independent shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held on 15 December, following the company’s announcement in late November.
As part of the agreement, the purchase price includes repayment of most of the target company’s HK$1.93 billion (US$247 million) in debt, alongside a nominal transfer of shares. Arc Of Triumph Development Company Limited, the vendor, is owned by Angela Leong, an Executive Director of SJM Holdings.
Strategic location on the Macau Peninsula
L’Arc Hotel is a five-star, 22-storey property located along one of Macau’s busiest thoroughfares on the peninsula, close to Wynn Macau and MGM. The transferred portion of the development spans nearly 86,098 square metres, covering areas from the basement to the 22nd floor and encompassing both hotel and casino space.
The site forms part of a broader 62-floor tower development that includes residential, hospitality and commercial components. Under the approved transaction, SJM will assume control of the hotel and gaming areas, converting Casino L’Arc Macau from a satellite venue into a fully self-owned and self-operated casino.
In the past, Casino L’Arc Macau used SJM Resorts’ gaming licence to operate as a satellite casino under a service agreement. That agreement will terminate after the transfer, and the venue will be completely included in SJM’s main business operations.
Regulatory backdrop and end of the satellite model
The acquisition comes as Macau moves ahead with reforms under its amended Gaming Law. Introduced alongside the city’s new 10-year gaming concessions in January 2023, the rules require all casinos to be directly run by concessionaires by the end of 2025.
The long-standing satellite casino model, which enables third-party investors to run gambling establishments under a concessionaire’s licence, will no longer be allowed starting in 2026. Since the majority of satellite casinos were previously licensed by SJM, the company was at the core of the reorganisation.
Authorities confirmed that the L’Arc transaction received clearance from both the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau and the Macao Government Tourism Office, confirming that the transfer complies with the updated regulatory requirements.
Portfolio consolidation and recent closures
SJM’s move to acquire L’Arc Hotel follows a larger rethink of its Macau Peninsula strategy. The group has also dropped plans to acquire Casino Ponte 16, which closed permanently on 28 November, signalling a more selective approach to consolidation.
At the same time, SJM Resorts has confirmed that Casino Landmark, another long-running satellite venue located within the New Orient Landmark Hotel, will cease operations at 23:59 on 30 December 2025. The closure will mark the end of satellite casinos in Macau.
In an earlier announcement, the operator said, “Casino Landmark will officially cease operations at 23:59 on Tuesday, 30 December 2025.” It added that, once the venue stops operating, “All gaming tables and gaming machines currently operating at the location will be redeployed to other self-promoted casinos of the Company to continue serving our valued customers.”
Customer and employee transition measures
SJM Resorts has repeatedly emphasised that customer rights and employee protection remain central to the wind-down process. The company stated that “Customers holding chips, deposits, or cash rebates accumulated at Casino Landmark that remain unredeemed after its closure may visit other self-promoted casinos operated by SJM Resorts from 31 December 2025 onwards for follow-up arrangements. The Company will ensure that all customer entitlements are duly honoured.”
On employment, SJM said it places strong emphasis on safeguarding local jobs. The operator confirmed that all local employees directly hired by the company “will remain employed and be reassigned to other casinos of the Company to undertake gaming-related roles according to operational needs.” Workers not directly employed by SJM would be invited to apply for roles across the group and receive support to ensure a smooth transition.
Strengthening SJM’s core cluster
With the L’Arc acquisition approved, SJM Holdings is reinforcing its core cluster on the Macau Peninsula, centred around Casino Lisboa and the Grand Lisboa resort. The integration of L’Arc Hotel as a self-operated casino aligns with the government’s push for a more transparent, concessionaire-led gaming sector.
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