Macau Casino Revenue Falls 10% to MOP21.68 Billion in October 2026
China.- 3 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Casinos in Macau generated MOP21.68 billion (US$2.68 billion) in gross gaming revenue (GGR) during October 2026, representing a 10% year-on-year decline.
According to figures published on 1 November by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), the decline occurred despite increased visitor numbers during China’s National Day Golden Week holiday.
Nevertheless, revenue rose by approximately 20% compared with September, highlighting contrasting monthly and annual trends in the casino market.
Revenue Declines 10% Year-on-Year
Official statistics show a reduction of approximately MOP2.4 billion (US$297 million) compared with the same month in 2025.
The main indicators were:
- October 2026: MOP21.68 billion.
- October 2025: MOP24.09 billion.
- Year-on-year change: -10%.
- September 2026: MOP18.06 billion.
- Month-on-month change: +20%.
The figures demonstrate that although October improved compared with the previous month, operators were unable to match the results achieved in 2025.
Golden Week Supports Tourism Activity
October is traditionally one of the busiest months for Macau’s casino industry because of China’s National Day Golden Week, held from 1 to 7 October.
Approximately 1.14 million tourists visited Macau during the holiday period.
This represented a 15.5% year-on-year increase, with an average of 163,000 visitors per day.
The strong tourist arrivals helped support commercial and hospitality activity during the first week of the month.
However, increased visitor numbers did not translate into corresponding annual growth in casino revenue.
Casino Revenue Rebounds 20% from September
The monthly comparison presents a different picture.
After recording MOP18.06 billion in September, Macau’s casinos generated MOP21.68 billion in October.
The increase was approximately 20%, supported in part by Golden Week tourism and other events held in the city.
These included the NBA China Games at The Venetian Macao.
The monthly improvement demonstrates that October remains an important period for the local gaming industry.
Fifth Consecutive Year-on-Year Decline
Despite the monthly recovery, October marked Macau’s fifth consecutive month of year-on-year GGR decline.
The monthly changes since June were:
- June: -12.1%.
- July: -8.4%.
- August: -1.2%.
- September: -1.2%.
- October: -10%.
Following a positive start to 2026, the market experienced a slowdown during the second half of the year.
October recorded the second-largest annual decline of the period, exceeded only by June.
Year-to-Date Revenue Remains 1.6% Higher
During the first ten months of 2026, Macau’s casinos generated approximately MOP208.80 billion (US$25.89 billion) in gross gaming revenue.
This represents a 1.6% year-on-year increase.
Although cumulative revenue remains above the previous year’s level, growth has slowed from the 3.2% recorded through September.
The results indicate that recent monthly declines are offsetting some of the gains achieved earlier in the year.
High 2025 Comparison Adds Pressure
One factor affecting October’s performance was the particularly strong revenue recorded during the corresponding month in 2025.
Casino GGR reached approximately MOP24.09 billion in October 2025, one of the strongest monthly results since the pandemic.
Consequently, the October 2026 figures were measured against an unusually high comparison base.
Industry analysts have also highlighted softer demand in certain higher-value gaming segments and uneven player spending.
These developments help explain why increased tourism did not generate corresponding growth in casino revenue.
Government Reviews Full-Year Expectations
Macau’s authorities previously established a MOP236 billion GGR forecast for 2026.
With MOP208.80 billion accumulated through October, the market would need to generate approximately MOP27.2 billion during November and December to reach that level.
Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai had indicated that the Government would review October’s performance before deciding whether to maintain its projection.
The final two months of the year will therefore be important in determining the industry’s annual performance.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
October’s figures show a market maintaining substantial activity while facing challenges in sustaining year-on-year growth.
The recovery from September and increased arrivals during Golden Week are encouraging indicators.
However, five consecutive annual declines and slower cumulative growth present challenges for casino operators.
With October revenue of MOP21.68 billion, a 10% year-on-year decline and cumulative growth of 1.6% in 2026, Macau enters the final months of the year with mixed signals for its casino industry.
November and December results will determine whether the market meets official expectations and provide further insight into the industry’s outlook for 2027.
Edited by: @fonta
