Galaxy Macau Phase 4 may signal a new direction for Macau’s premium casino resort model. Instead of relying only on one large centralized gaming floor, Macquarie Capital expects the expansion to feature “boutique” casino venues attached to individual hotels. This reflects a bigger shift in premium customer behaviour: privacy, exclusivity, service quality, and curated experiences now matter as much as gaming scale.
Kangwon Land Inc’s move to join a joint enforcement action against suspected illegal gambling venues near its own casino resort sends a clear message: legal casino operators cannot protect their business only inside the casino floor. They must also help protect the wider gaming ecosystem around them.
The Philippines’ tax agency has clarified that casino jackpots are subject to a minimum 20% final withholding tax. More importantly, this tax is applied to the gross jackpot amount, before deductions such as service charges, commissions, administrative fees or similar costs.
On paper, this may look like a tax clarification. But for casino operators, it is much bigger than that. It directly affects how jackpots are marketed, how payouts are explained, how systems calculate winnings, and how players perceive trust in the casino brand.
Galaxy Entertainment Group and Sands China are both positive about their Macau mall business for 2026 after stronger first-quarter retail performance. According to GGRAsia, Galaxy Macau mall net revenue rose 19.4% year-on-year to HKD400 million, while Sands China’s Cotai mall net revenue rose 8.9% year-on-year to US$135 million. The growth was mainly led by high-end retail segments, especially jewellery, watches and luxury categories.
This is important because Macau’s recovery is no longer only about gaming revenue. The stronger story is the gradual rebuilding of premium non-gaming spend — shopping, lifestyle, dining, entertainment and hospitality. For integrated resorts, this is exactly where long-term diversification becomes visible.
Genting’s Resorts World Las Vegas delivered a stronger 1Q26 performance, with revenue rising to US$209 million, up 26% year-on-year, while EBITDA improved significantly to US$50 million. Hotel occupancy also reached 91.5%, supported by stronger room demand, better convention traffic and improved high-end casino play.
This suggests that RWLV is no longer just relying on the scale of its property. The resort is starting to show better operating discipline and a more balanced revenue base.
Author: Janice Chew • Thursday, 28/05/2026
