After years of the challenges brought by stringent Covid-19 controls and a Beijing-led crackdown, Macau, the world’s largest gambling hub, is witnessing a significant recovery in its casino industry. This resurgence is largely driven by the return of millions of tourists who are flocking back to the city. The return of visitors not only symbolizes the city’s recovery but also signifies a shift in Macau’s clientele. The city, once dominated by high rollers, is now attracting mass-market gamblers. This shift is showing that Macau can be adaptable and resilient in the face of adversity.

“Macau is doing amazingly well – we’re in the game for real for the long haul.”

Bill Hornbuckle, co-chair of MGM China

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Macau’s economy is set to grow 13.9 percent in real terms this year. This follows an impressive growth of 80.5 percent last year, positioning Macau as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The government anticipates its gross gaming revenue to escalate to 216 billion patacas ($27 billion) in 2024, up from 183.1 billion patacas last year. This projected growth is likely to surpass the entire state of Nevada.

Macau, the only Chinese territory where casino gambling is legal, has been successful in capitalizing on its unique position. The city’s gambling industry, seven times larger than that of Las Vegas, is a major contributor to its economy. The recent influx of tourists has further bolstered this sector, with the city’s average daily visitor arrivals showing a significant increase. The city’s recovery journey was largely propelled by the success of proactive policies introduced by the Macau government. These policies, coupled with the backlog in demand for tourism from China — especially from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area — have played a crucial role in reviving Macau’s tourism and casino industries.

Macau’s casino industry shifts to mass market

The casino industry in the former Portuguese colony has been under scrutiny, with investors expressing concerns about the impact of regulatory crackdowns. This anxiety was heightened by the arrests of the leaders of the city’s two largest junkets and the introduction of new industry regulations. The fear was that these changes would lead to a significant reduction in casinos’ income from high rollers, potentially ending a nearly two-decade trend of increasing casino profits. These concerns were further fueled by the enactment of a 2022 law that provided authorities with more control over the sector. In addition, Beijing has been urging the territory to broaden its revenue sources beyond gambling. In response, Macau’s six concessionaires committed to investing $15 billion over the next decade, with over 90% allocated to non-gaming projects. Analysts have suggested that the reduction in junkets, which have decreased from nearly 100 in early 2020 to just 18 now, could keep the city’s gambling revenues below pre-pandemic levels in the foreseeable future. These junkets are now restricted to collaborating with only one operator at a time. However, the shift towards the mass market could potentially enhance casino margins. This is because operators will no longer need to pay hefty commissions to junkets for VIP tables, which could offset some of the revenue loss from high rollers. In the profit margins of a junket, a casino typically earns a 10 percent margin, meaning for every $100 bet, $10 goes directly into the casino’s pocket. However, the mass market proves to be significantly more profitable for casinos, with margins ranging from 35 percent to 40 percent. This means that even if a casino loses $4 million in junkets, it only needs to generate $1 million in the mass market to recover the loss, as the mass market is four times more profitable. This highlights the potential financial benefits for casinos shifting their focus towards the mass market. Over the past year, the shares of five major casino operators in Macau, listed in Hong Kong, have experienced a decline, with the exception of MGM China, which saw a significant increase following its recent earnings report. This downturn is largely attributed to the substantial debts these casino groups incurred to maintain operations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Investors, analysts suggest, remain cautious due to these financial burdens. Despite the economic situation, Macau continues to attract mainland tourists who view it not only as a gambling hub but also as an appealing location for short shopping trips. As Macau continues to bounce back, the city’s future as a leading global gambling hub looks promising. The shift in clientele and the robust growth of its economy reaffirm the city’s potential to adapt and overcome challenges.