In December, Macau’s gross gambling income increased by 15.7% compared to November, but it fell short of the total in October. Nevertheless, Macau had a strong year overall, accumulating MOP183.1bn in gross income for 2023, a significant increase of 333.8% compared to 2022.
Macau’s December income was the second highest since before the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing the region’s recovery. The removal of all restrictions related to the disease has fueled the year-on-year growth in Macau. This progress is reflected in Melco-operated Studio City Casino, which reported a revenue of $277.7m in Q3.
Despite the struggles faced by China, Macau’s growth remains impressive. Lottery ticket sales in China decreased in November, while sports lottery sales were also down from the previous year. However, welfare lottery sales in the country increased by 29.5% year-on-year. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia is expected to become a crucial region in the gambling industry, posing a competitive threat to established destinations like Macau.
