Macau-based casino operator Sanum Investments has won its legal case against the government of Laos for what it claimed was the unjust cancellation of its casino business.

This week, the Straits Times reported that the Appeal Court in Singapore ruled that Macau was subject to a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) signed by China and Laos in 1993, and thus Sanum has the right to seek redress under the BIT for capital investment benefit losses.

If you’re just joining us, Sanum used to operate the Savan Vegas Hotel & Entertainment Complex (pictured) in Savannakhet province along Laos’ border with Cambodia. In 2012, the Laotian government seized the property, claiming that Sanum owed $23m in back taxes and penalties. Sanum lost control of the Thanaleng Slot Machine Club near Laos’ capital Vientiane under similar circumstances.

The Laotian government eventually sold Savan Vegas to Macau Legend Development for $42m earlier this year. But Sanum has continued to pursue its legal fight with the Laotian government, and an independent arbitration panel in Singapore ruled that it had jurisdiction over the matter.