SJM Holdings Limited today finalized a strategic consolidation move by acquiring approximately 7,504 square meters of floor space at Hotel Lisboa for HKD529 million. This expansion supports the centralization of Casino Lisboa’s gaming operations, following the planned closure of seven satellite casinos by the end of 2025. The assets and gaming tables from these satellites—including Casa Real, Emperor Palace, and Fortuna—will be relocated to the new Lisboa floor, streamlining operations within SJM’s directly owned properties.
Daisy Ho, chairman and executive director of SJM Holdings, hailed the consolidation as a critical step to bolster brand competitiveness and operational efficiency. “This acquisition aligns with our broader strategy to maintain customer loyalty and optimize resource deployment within Macau’s evolving regulatory landscape,” Ho said.
The restructuring is mandated by amendments to Macau’s gaming law that took effect in January 2023, requiring all casinos to operate on premises wholly owned by concessionaires. The three-year transition period ending in 2025 compels licensees like SJM to integrate satellite operations into directly controlled venues, enhancing regulatory compliance and accountability.
Market analysts note this consolidation improves operational focus and capital efficiency for SJM while mitigating risks associated with third-party satellite partners. The move may also stabilize local employment by reassigning staff from closed satellite locations to core properties such as Casino Lisboa and Grand Lisboa Palace. However, it introduces complexity in managing table utilization and market share amid competitive pressures.
Macau’s Casino Landscape Shifts: How Grand Lisboa Palace Could Gain from Satellite Closures
This consolidation signals a seismic shift in Macau’s gaming ecosystem as SJM Holdings centralizes its operations. The industry watches closely as Macau redefines its gaming landscape for the coming decade, navigating regulatory demands and competitive challenges.
