New L’Arc Hotel property is “highly strategic asset” for SJM – Managing Director
Summary
SJM Resorts completed integration of L’Arc Hotel and Casino into its self-operated portfolio at 2 a.m. on 30 December after Macau authorities authorised the change. Managing Director Daisy Ho described the property as a “highly strategic asset” because of its prime Macau peninsula location. The handover was completed smoothly with no disruption to guests or casino operations.
The acquisition — approved by independent shareholders on 15 December — cost HK$1.75 billion and includes repayment of most of the target company’s HK$1.93 billion debt. The transfer covers more than 86,000 square metres previously owned by Arc Of Triumph Development Company Limited. L’Arc is the only satellite casino to transition successfully to a self-operated model as Macau’s three-year satellite casino transition period ends.
Key Points
- SJM assumed direct management of Casino L’Arc Macau on 30 December after DICJ approval.
- Managing Director Daisy Ho labelled L’Arc a “highly strategic asset” due to its peninsula location.
- The acquisition was completed for HK$1.75 billion; most of the target’s HK$1.93 billion debt will be repaid.
- Handover was seamless — no noticeable service or operational disruption to guests or players.
- Gaming tables at L’Arc have been increased from just over 40 to 100 as part of the transition.
- L’Arc is the only satellite casino that moved to self-operation; other satellite casinos have closed.
- The closure of Casino Landmark on 30 December marks the end of Macau’s satellite casino model.
- Gaming tables released from closed satellite casinos are being reallocated to SJM’s self-operated properties (Grand Lisboa, Hotel Lisboa, Crystal Palace, Jai Alai Oceanus and Grand Lisboa Palace).
- SJM said near-term operations and customer flow are expected to remain largely unchanged.
- Daisy Ho declined to detail the immediate financial impact related to staff transfers; further details to come in company results.
Context and relevance
This move signals a notable shift in Macau’s gaming landscape: the formal end of the satellite-casino model and consolidation of capacity under concession-holders. For SJM, L’Arc strengthens its footprint on the Macau peninsula and boosts table capacity at a time when table licences and allocation are tightly managed.
Investors and competitors should watch: the transaction reallocates physical gaming supply and customer flows, which could reshape short-term revenue distribution across Cotai and the peninsula. Regulators’ approvals and the smooth operational handover also underscore how Macau’s post-reform market is settling into a new structure where concessionaires directly operate more venues.
Author style
Punchy — this is a strategic, operational and symbolic win for SJM. The detail on table reallocation and the repayment structure is especially relevant for sector watchers and investors.
Why should I read this?
Because this is the end of an era for Macau’s satellite casinos and a clear sign of how operators are reshuffling assets. If you follow Macau gaming, tables, licences or sector M&A, this update explains who just gained capacity, where players are likely to go next, and what it means for SJM going into 2026.