Macau rally continued in August with strongest GGR since pandemic
Summary
Macau recorded its strongest month for gross gaming revenue (GGR) since the Covid-19 outbreak, with the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) reporting MOP22.15 billion (US$2.76bn) for August. That is a 12.2% year-on-year rise and a slight 0.13% increase from July, beating the government’s MOP19bn monthly projection. Industry analysts cite high hotel occupancy (around 90%), major non-gaming events and improving consumer sentiment — potentially helped by easing US–China tensions — as drivers of the rally.
Key Points
- August GGR: MOP22.15bn (US$2.76bn), up 12.2% year-on-year and 0.13% month-on-month.
- Government had projected MOP19bn per month; officials earlier trimmed 2025 target to MOP228bn from MOP240bn.
- Hotel occupancy reached about 90%, aided by concerts, sporting events and other attractions boosting footfall.
- Seaport Research called August the strongest post-Covid month and the third straight month of double-digit y/y growth.
- Analysts (Morgan Stanley, Seaport, JP Morgan) mostly bullish: H2 forecasts with strong momentum and multi-year growth expectations (Seaport: 6.5% in 2026, 7% in 2027).
- Risks remain: potential slowdown in September seasonality and broader macro/headline risks such as US–China tensions — but a trade détente could further lift travel and spending.
Content summary
The DICJ figures show Macau’s gaming market continuing its post-pandemic recovery, with August delivering the highest GGR since Covid. After a slow start to 2025 and an official downwards revision of the annual target to MOP228bn, the summer months have seen renewed momentum. Occupancy rates hit roughly 90%, and non-gaming draws such as concerts and sporting events helped push visitation and spend higher.
Seaport Research labelled August the strongest post-Covid month and noted it was the third consecutive month with double-digit year-on-year growth. Morgan Stanley expects a 15% y/y rise in GGR for H2, while Seaport projects steady growth into 2026 and 2027. Analysts highlight that any improvement in China consumer confidence — and an easing of US–China trade tensions — would further accelerate the recovery, particularly in the overnight mass segment.
Context and relevance
This matters for operators, investors and suppliers in the integrated-resort ecosystem. Macau is the world’s leading bricks-and-mortar casino market; stronger GGR not only increases operator revenues but also signals wider tourism recovery, higher hotel occupancy and renewed demand for entertainment and retail. The data also feeds into forecasts for concession renewals, capital allocation and regional tourism strategies. Conversely, the market remains sensitive to macro geopolitics and seasonal visitation patterns.
Why should I read this?
Because it’s the clearest sign so far that Macau’s casino economy isn’t just tickling back to life — it’s firing on more cylinders. If you work in casino operations, investment or regional travel, this snapshot tells you which way the wind’s blowing and where demand is actually turning up.
Author take
Punchy: August’s numbers are a solid validation that Macau’s post-Covid recovery has traction — but don’t mistake momentum for invulnerability. Policy and geopolitics will still set the tempo.
Source
Source: https://igamingbusiness.com/casino/macau-gaming-revenue-rally-continues-august/