Macau's casino GGR grows 43.7% in 2021; marks nearly a third of pre-pandemic numbers

According to data released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macau’s casinos secured MOP 7.96 million (USD 990.9M) in December, which accounts for a 1.8% increase in a year-over-year comparison. The full-year tally went up by 43.7% to MOP 86.8 billion (USD10.8B). 

The overall revenue for 2021 accounts for 29.5% of pre-pandemic 2019. The December figure is the sixth best of the year and signals an 18% improvement from November. 

Back in October, casinos in Macau saw their worst month of the year after reporting a 40% drop in gaming revenue for the month, which was attributed to pandemic-related restrictions and the much-discussed gambling law review. 

During its 2021 low, Gross Gaming Revenue declined to $545 million versus 2020. Revenue fell 26% compared to September and was down 83% from pre-pandemic figures recorded in 2019. 

Casino shares in the Chinese enclave also fell during November due to a series of “illegal gambling” arrests which saw 11 people detained over alleged money laundering and illegal cross-border gambling. Among the accused was CEO of Suncity Group Holdings Ltd, Alvin Chau Cheok-wa, who later stepped down from his top roles at the investment company. 

Suncity Group Holdings closed all of its VIP gaming rooms in Macau after the news of Chau’s arrest, followed by Wynn Resorts and Melco Resorts. The remaining junket operator licenses expired on December 31, 2021. The future of the business has not yet been determined. The gaming law revision public consultation document included VIP gambling promotion, signaling junket operators would still be allowed to exist, although most likely under a system with increased penalties.