Macau gambling revenue hits MOP80.14bn in H1
Gambling revenue in Macau reached MOP80.14bn (£7.82bn/€9.13bn/$9.94bn) in the six months to the end of June, up 205.1% year-on-year.
Revenue for the first half was significantly higher than the MOP26.27bn generated in the previous year. However, the 2022 figures were impacted by the temporary closure of casinos in line with Covid-19 measures in Macau.
These restrictions were relaxed following major nationwide protests against the length and severity of the government’s “zero-Covid” policy.
Visitors from outside China no longer have to quarantine, while the number of flights into China are now uncapped.
June revenue down month-on-month
Revenue in June amounted to MOP15.21bn, which was 513.9% ahead of last year, but down 2.3% from MOP15.57bn in May.
June marked since months since Macau announced the start of new concessions for gaming operators in the region.
Seven applicants applied for the new concessions. These included incumbents Galaxy Entertainment Group, Las Vegas Sands, MGM Resorts International, Melco Resorts, SJM Resorts and Wynn Resorts, plus Genting Malaysia.
The six operators already active in Macau were chosen, meaning Genting missed out.
The new concessions began on 1 January and will end on 31 December 2032.