Macau GGR Declines 12.1% Year-on-Year in June

In June, Macau's gross gaming revenue (GGR) fell by 12.1% year-on-year, totaling MOP$18.5 billion (approximately US$2.29 billion), as reported by the DICJ. This decline mirrors a drop from the previous year's GGR of US$2.29 billion for the same month. The figures reflect challenges posed not only by the ongoing recovery from the pandemic but also by the impending 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is likely to divert potential visitors from Macau’s casinos to football betting activities. Despite this downturn in June, the total GGR for Macau’s casinos stands at MOP$15.7 billion for the first half of the year, marking a 6.8% increase compared to the same period in 2021. Analysts anticipate that the total gaming revenue will continue to decrease during the World Cup, particularly as the tournament expands from 40 teams to 48, increasing the number of matches to 104. This larger format is expected to affect GGR at casinos over a more extended timeframe than previous tournaments. Looking ahead, industry experts predict a rebound for Macau's gambling market post-World Cup, driven by a packed entertainment lineup that includes performances from Babymonster, TWS, Enhypen, Taiwanese singer Zhao Chuan, and the NBA China Games featuring a matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks.