Macau Casinos Deliver MOP$8.5B in Gaming Taxes – Highest Since COVID

Casino Industry News – Macau Gaming – Global Gambling Economy

Macau’s casino industry delivered a new post-pandemic benchmark in August 2025, as government gaming tax revenue climbed to MOP$8.5 billion (US$1.06 billion). This marks the strongest monthly performance since the COVID-19 outbreak, reflecting the city’s accelerating recovery and booming visitor demand.

The Financial Services Bureau of Macau confirmed that August’s tax receipts surpassed July’s total by 2.5%. This steady growth underscores the resilience of Macau’s casino sector, which has been fueled by rising tourism numbers, large-scale promotional campaigns, and consistent consumer spending at the city’s integrated resorts.

Year-to-Date Tax Revenue Exceeds MOP$61.9 Billion

From January through August, Macau collected approximately MOP$61.9 billion (US$7.71 billion) in gaming taxes — a 5.3% year-on-year increase.

Gaming levies continue to serve as the city’s economic backbone, accounting for 86% of total public revenue during the first eight months of 2025. Out of the government’s MOP$72 billion (US$9 billion) overall revenue, the gaming sector remains the dominant contributor.

With an official annual projection of MOP$88.56 billion (US$11 billion) in gaming tax revenue for 2025, Macau has already achieved more than two-thirds of its target by August. This performance suggests the city is on track to meet or even surpass its full-year forecast despite earlier revisions that trimmed projected gross gaming revenue (GGR) from MOP$240 billion to MOP$228 billion.

Strong Casino Performance Boosts Government Finances

Casinos in Macau posted impressive gains in August, generating MOP$22.16 billion (US$2.76 billion) in gross gaming revenue. This represents a 12.2% increase year-on-year and marks the city’s best monthly performance since January 2020, before the global pandemic disrupted travel and entertainment sectors.

Cumulative GGR from January to August stood at MOP$163.05 billion (US$20.34 billion) — up 7.2% compared with the same period last year. The surge was supported by:

• Major entertainment events

• Aggressive marketing campaigns

• A steady rebound in international visitation

In July, GGR already delivered a record-setting 19% year-on-year jump. Under Macau’s 10-year gaming concession framework, effective since January 2023, casinos face a 40% effective tax rate on GGR, ensuring substantial fiscal inflows for the government.

Market Forecasts and Industry Outlook

Investment firms are taking notice of Macau’s momentum. Analysts at Jefferies Hong Kong forecast Macau’s full-year GGR will reach MOP$248 billion, while CLSA projects HKD245.7 billion (US$30.6 billion).

Jefferies anticipates:

• 9.5% full-year growth in 2025

• 13.8% YoY growth in Q3

• 15.3% YoY growth in Q4

• Additional 3.5% growth in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027

This bullish outlook reflects investor confidence in Macau’s ability to sustain growth, driven by rising tourism, enhanced marketing strategies, and the city’s unmatched position as the world’s leading gaming hub.

Key Takeaway

Macau’s MOP$8.5 billion gaming tax milestone in August 2025 highlights both the resilience of the casino industry and its central role in government revenue. With strong visitor arrivals and continued operator investments, the city’s gaming market is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory in the years ahead.