Macau casinos post strong year-on-year growth for August

August’s revenue came to MOP5.88bn, up significantly from the prior year’s MOP2.21bn figure. However, this was still the second-lowest monthly total for 2021 to date, after July’s MOP4.44bn total. 

In addition, the Special Administrative Region’s casino revenue still tracks below 2019’s totals. For August 2019, before the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic struck, casino revenue came to MOP24.62bn. 

The revenue figures, published on the first day of the Golden Week holiday, follow the Macau government ramping up testing requirements for anyone leaving the SAR earlier this week. 

Now travellers leaving Macau must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test within 48 hours of leaving. Testing requirements for those travelling to Guangdong Province, however, must produce a negative test within 24 hours.

For entry to Macau, travellers from China, Hong Kong or Taiwan must present a negative test within 24 hours of arrival. Those travelling from further afield will not be permitted entry. 

This comes against the backdrop of a consultation on changes to Macau’s regulatory framework, which could see the number of concessions reduced, and sub-concessions banned, with the length of the licence terms reduced. 

The 45 day consultation will also poll stakeholder feedback on potential “government delegates” being implanted at casino operators.