Content Writer: Janice Chew • Wednesday, 25/09/2025 - 23:00:25 - PM
Macau’s gaming sector finished 2024 with a strong rebound, reporting a surplus of MOP 143.1 billion (about US$17.9 billion), a year-on-year gain of roughly 24.7%, according to data released by the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC). This followed a sizable increase in total receipts for the sector (including gaming and non-gaming activities), which rose 23.1% to MOP 231.5 billion (US$28.9 billion). Expenditures (excluding taxes) also climbed, but at a more modest rate: up about 18.0% to MOP 94.4 billion (US$11.8 billion).
Digging into the numbers, the major cost drivers included operating expenses and customer-rebate or commission‐type payouts. For example, operating expenses (hotel, food & beverage etc.) jumped 28% year-on-year, while goods purchases and customer rebates rose similarly. Employee compensation rose more moderately (about 7%), and interestingly, non-operating expenses (things like depreciation, interest etc.) fell by about 9.6%. Among operating cost items, complimentary services (accommodation, food & drinks) and management/contractual services saw the biggest absolute increases.
This surplus is part of Macau’s wider recovery following COVID-19 restrictions and a resumption of tourism, particularly from mainland China. Gaming receipts in 2024 exceeded earlier governmental estimates as overall casino revenues grew about 24% ‒ yet they remain below the pre-pandemic peaks seen in 2019. It also underscores the city’s dependency on gaming; in 2025, reports show gaming tax revenue forming a major share of Macau’s public finances, with incremental improvements (but also risks) tied to shifts in visitor patterns and regulatory environment.
