Macau’s gambling industry ended 2025 on a high note, raking in MOP 247.4 billion ($30.9 billion) in total gambling profits for the year. This figure shows a 9.1% jump from 2024, highlighting the region’s ongoing bounce back from the slump caused by the pandemic.
Macau Casinos Outperform Budget Targets as 2025 GGR Tops Expectations
Based on numbers from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the final count surpassed both the government’s updated budget guess and its first prediction from late 2024. In real terms, the year’s results beat the changed forecast by almost MOP 19.4 billion ($2.4 billion), showing stronger growth than expected for most of the year.
Even with this increase, Macau has not bounced back to its former high point. The 2025 outcome is about 84.6% of the gaming money made in 2019, the last full year before COVID-19 messed up travel and casino activity in the area. Still, it is the highest yearly total since the pandemic hit and strengthens the city’s position as the world’s biggest casino market by revenue.
December wrapped up the year with mixed results. Casinos brought in MOP 20.9 billion ($2.6 billion) that month, growing 14.8% from December 2024. Yet, earnings dipped a bit compared to November, falling by just under 1%. Experts pointed out that people had higher hopes for the last month after November’s strong performance. However, seasonal factors and the lack of major mainland Chinese holidays during Christmas time had an impact on this.
Premium Mass Players Drive Macau’s Recovery as VIP Era Fades
Market watchers have noticed a change in the type of gambling demand in Macau. The VIP segment, which used to rely on junkets, has fallen apart in recent years. Now, growth comes from premium mass and high-end direct players. Studies show that focused marketing, investing in loyal customers, easier money transfers, and steady visa rules have all helped this group grow.
Travel trends also boosted gambling results near the end of the year. Visitor numbers shot up in late December, and total tourist counts beat the city’s pre-COVID record before the year ended. More people walking around not only helped casino floors but also gave a lift to hotels, shops, and entertainment spots in big resort complexes.
As we look to the future, the Macau SAR government has taken a more careful approach for 2026. It predicts gaming revenue will reach MOP 236 billion ($29.4 billion), which is less than the reported 2025 figure. The industry starts the new year with good momentum. However, unknowns linked to China’s wider economic situation and rules are likely to affect how it grows from here.