Macau’s on line casino trade demonstrated important restoration in 2024, with gross gaming income (GGR) reaching MOP226.78 billion (US$28.34 billion), a 23.9% improve from the earlier yr. This progress displays town’s ongoing rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, aided by the reopening of worldwide borders in early 2023. Despite a robust yr general, December posted a 2% year-on-year decline, bringing in MOP18.20 billion (US$2.28 billion), down from November’s MOP18.44 billion (US$2.31 billion).
The 2024 annual GGR outpaced the Macau authorities’s forecast of MOP216.0 billion, as detailed within the yr’s fiscal price range. This determine represents 77.5% of the 2019 pre-pandemic ranges when GGR reached MOP292.45 billion (US$36.7 billion). The restoration is credited to a restructured working setting for on line casino concessionaires, which has minimized dependence on junket commissions whereas emphasizing the mass market and premium segments.
December’s weaker efficiency, rating because the third-lowest month of the yr, coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping‘s go to to Macau. His presence through the inauguration of Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai disrupted border exercise and customer circulation, contributing to the subdued gaming income.
Future Growth and Projections
Looking forward, the Macau authorities has forecasted GGR to succeed in MOP240 billion (US$30.1 billion) in 2025, a rise from 2024’s efficiency. This estimate aligns with the optimistic outlook expressed by former Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, who described the projection as “conservative” and “achievable,” in line with GGRAsia. The new administration underneath Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai continues to help this imaginative and prescient of progress.
In addition to general GGR, Macau anticipates larger tax income from junket commissions in 2025, projecting a 233.3% improve to MOP100 million, in comparison with MOP30 million in 2024.
The continued revival of Macau’s gaming trade additionally highlights the second yr of operation underneath revised gaming licenses for its six concessionaires. These modifications have pushed operators to refine their methods, shifting away from junkets and specializing in diversifying gaming experiences and strengthening the premium mass market.
Visitor Arrivals Boost Revenue Recovery
Macau’s restoration extends past gaming, as customer arrivals for 2024 approached 35 million, exceeding the preliminary forecast of 33 million, in line with Asia Gaming Brief. The resurgence in tourism has performed a crucial function in boosting town’s financial exercise, permitting Macau to emerge from the pandemic-induced stagnation of earlier years.
Investment financial institution Morgan Stanley predicts “slight but steady” progress for Macau’s gaming trade in 2025, fueled by the continuing adaptation to post-pandemic operations and sturdy customer numbers. The authorities and on line casino operators stay optimistic, anticipating one other yr of stable efficiency on the earth’s largest playing hub.
