The latest figures from the Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) show that the local casino industry generated gaming revenues of MOP$3 billion (€358.5 million) for the month of November marking a drop of 55.6% year-on-year.
Covid outbreak in China severely impacted tourism numbers
November’s reported revenue figures are also a 23.1% drop compared to the previous month when gross gaming revenue (GGR) was MOP$3.9 billion (€432.2 million). The report also notes that November’s GGR was 86.9% lower than pre-pandemic figures for November 2019 when GGR was MOP$22.88 billion (€2.5 billion).
The decrease in revenues come despite an effort to jumpstart the tourism and gaming industry through the resumption of electronic visa applications (eVisas) for tourists wishing to visit the island territory. The scheme which allowed visitors from mainland China to apply for their visa online restarted at the beginning of November.
According to DICJ analysts, the reintroduction of eVisas has had very little impact on the tourism trade in the short term. This is mainly due to the outbreak of covid cases in China and the government’s strict zero covid policy.
The latest figures bring the year-to-date GGR total to MOP$38.7 billion (€4.6 billion), a drop of 50.9% compared to the same period in 2021.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.