The latest revenue report from Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau have revealed that gross gaming revenue for the month of November totaled MOP$6.7 billion (US$838.8/€740.4 million).
Although the latest figures show only a slight increase on November 2020’s revenue for the same period, GGR increased by 54.6% from October.
The significant month-on-month increase is due to tighter border restrictions imposed on the island territory as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak in Macau. This meant that the traditionally strong month that includes China’s Golden Week was one of the worst in the industry’s history.
November’s figures bring Macau’s GGR to MOP$78.9 billion (US$9.8/€8.7 billion) for the first 11 months of 2021. This is an increase of 49.9% on the same period in 2020.
However, despite strong growth in November, the industry is likely to reach just half of its pre-pandemic full-year GGR levels.
Macau has had a difficult month with both travel restrictions and the arrest of Suncity casino boss Alvin Chau Cheok-wa on suspicion of spearheading an illegal online gambling platform and encouraging Chinese nationals to gamble online. The arrest saw stocks in of local operators plummet as fears grew that China would take further action against the industry that props up Macau’s economy.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.