DICJ authorises continued operations for three Mocha venues under new management structure; one site closes permanently as Macau finalises satellite casino reforms
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has confirmed the continuation of three Mocha-branded slot machine parlours under Melco Resorts’ concession, marking a significant development as the Special Administrative Region reaches the conclusion of its three-year satellite casino transition period. The decision allows Mocha Golden Dragon, Mocha Inner Harbour and Mocha Hotel Sintra to remain in operation from 1 January 2026, despite the regulatory shift that has forced most satellite venues to either restructure or cease operations.
Under the terms approved by the DICJ, the three parlours will be operated by a management company selected and appointed by Melco Resorts. This transition aligns with the adjusted regulatory framework, which mandates that gaming operations must fall under direct ownership and operational control of licensed concessionaires. The current management arrangements expire at the end of 2025, prompting the restructuring.
In contrast, Mocha Hotel Royal brought its operations to a permanent close at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday 28 December 2025. Authorities were deployed on 29 December to oversee the closure process, including the suspension and removal of gaming equipment. Representatives from multiple government departments supported the procedure: the Labour Affairs Bureau provided on-site assistance and hotline access to impacted employees, while officers from both the Public Security Police Force and Judiciary Police ensured public order and procedural integrity.
This transition occurs as Macau enforces reforms outlined in the updated gaming law, which require satellite casinos to transform their business models or exit the industry entirely. The move reflects the SAR Government’s intent to consolidate regulatory oversight and ensure concessionaire accountability.
In a related development, the government recently authorised SJM Resorts to assume direct management of L’Arc Casino beginning at 2:00 a.m. on 30 December 2025. L’Arc will stand as the sole surviving satellite-linked property still in operation, with Casino Landmark scheduled to shutter on Tuesday 30 December. Of the eleven satellite venues active earlier this year, only L’Arc continues past the transition deadline.
The DICJ acknowledged Melco’s compliance and confirmed that the workforce at the remaining Mocha parlours will retain their employment under the new management framework. The approvals signal one of the final steps in Macau’s satellite casino overhaul, with the industry entering a new regulatory era focused on concessionaire control, operational transparency, and tightened oversight.
