Macaus gaming income experienced a dramatic decline in July, hitting an unprecedented low point. This downturn was attributed to the city’s COVID-19 outbreak, which compelled gambling establishments to close their doors, resulting in a substantial drop in wagering activity.
The overall revenue for July was a paltry MOP398 million, representing a staggering 95.3% decrease compared to July 2021, when it reached MOP8.44 billion. This figure is also notably lower than the MOP24.45 billion recorded in July 2019, prior to the pandemic’s arrival.
The July figures also indicate an 86.0% decrease from June, when casinos were compelled to close due to local COVID-19 restrictions. The revenue for June amounted to MOP2.48 billion.
For the initial seven months of the year, revenue reached MOP26.67 billion, signifying a 53.6% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.
Macau implemented a shutdown of all non-essential businesses and industries from July 11th to 22nd, extending the closure as the outbreak intensified. This situation resulted in many individuals being confined to various locations throughout the city, including the Ritz-Carlton casino.
Casinos and other businesses engaged in industrial or commercial activities commenced reopening, subject to restrictions, on July 23rd.
Macaus top official, Ho Iat Seng, declared last week that the city will hold a public bidding process for six gambling licenses, starting on July 29th and concluding on September 14th. This marks a new low point in the city’s gaming industry.
This public bidding is a consequence of Macau’s gambling law overhaul, which was approved in May. This overhaul replaces the previous system of three concessions and three sub-concessions with a simplified system of six gambling concessions.
Currently, the six operators authorized to provide gambling services are Las Vegas Sands, SJM, MGM, Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, and Wynn. There is little practical distinction between concessions and sub-concessions.
Furthermore, a nine-member “Gaming Lucky Game Concession Public Tender Committee” has been established to supervise the bidding process.
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