Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) approved the continued operation of three Mocha-branded slot machine parlors under Melco Resorts (Macau) S.A., the regulator said, as the three-year "transition period" granted to satellite casinos concluded at the end of 20251. A fourth venue, Mocha Hotel Royal, ceased operations at 11:59 p.m. on 28 December1.
Effective 1 January 2026, the Mocha Golden Dragon, Mocha Inner Harbour and Mocha Hotel Sintra slot-machine parlors will remain open, to be run by a management company engaged by Melco1. The decision followed an analysis of an application by gaming concessionaire Melco, and the DICJ said the arrangement will not affect the existing labor relationships between the staff of the three parlors and Melco1.
The DICJ coordinated the closure procedures at Mocha Hotel Royal on the morning of 29 December, working with several departments to ensure the process complied with legal requirements1. After the shutdown, the DICJ immediately suspended all gaming machines and oversaw equipment removal and site clearance1. Personnel from the Labour Affairs Bureau were on site to assist affected employees and provide a support hotline, while officers from the Public Security Police Force and the Judiciary Police maintained order1.
"The bureau coordinated the subsequent closure procedures on the morning of 29 December"
Separately, the Macau SAR Government approved gaming concessionaire SJM Resorts to assume direct management and operation of L'Arc Casino, effective from 2:00 a.m. on 30 December 20251. Out of the eleven satellite casinos operating earlier this year, L'Arc is the only one to continue operations through the transition to a concessionaire-wholly-owned arrangement, as stipulated under the SAR's new gaming law1. The last satellite casino still in operation, Casino Landmark, is set to close on Tuesday 30 December1.
| Venue | Status | Effective date |
|---|---|---|
| Mocha Hotel Royal | Ceased operations | 11:59 p.m., 28 December 2025 |
| Mocha Golden Dragon, Mocha Inner Harbour, Mocha Hotel Sintra | Remain open under a management company engaged by Melco | 1 January 2026 |
| L'Arc Casino | Direct management and operation by SJM Resorts | 2:00 a.m., 30 December 2025 |
| Casino Landmark | Set to close | 30 December 2025 |
The DICJ said it would continue to coordinate with gaming concessionaires and relevant government departments to foster the "healthy and orderly development" of Macau's gaming industry1.
What it means for players
The changes affect where slot machine play is available in Macau. The three Mocha slot parlors at Golden Dragon, Inner Harbour and Hotel Sintra remain open into 2026, but under a management company engaged by Melco rather than their previous arrangement1. Mocha Hotel Royal is closed, and its gaming machines were suspended and removed1. Casino Landmark, described as the last satellite casino still in operation, is set to close on 30 December1. L'Arc Casino continues trading, with SJM Resorts taking over its direct management and operation from 2:00 a.m. on 30 December 20251. How the new management arrangements affect opening hours, game mix or floor capacity at the continuing venues has not been reported. For background on how Macau's casinos are licensed and supervised, see Gambling Regulators and Licenses in Asia: Who Licenses What and How to Check and Can I Gamble in Macau?.
What happens next
Casino Landmark is scheduled to close on 30 December 20251. SJM Resorts assumes direct management and operation of L'Arc Casino from 2:00 a.m. on 30 December 20251. The three Mocha slot parlors continue under a management company engaged by Melco from 1 January 20261. No further dates beyond these have been reported.
