Momentum is continuing to build for Macau’s gaming sector as financial analysts have predicted the market could surge towards the end of the year.
Previous government forecasts had been lowered as a result of challenging conditions largely caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa.
A note issued by research company CreditSights stated that whilst it isn’t surprised by the government’s forecast, it does feel they are being conservative.
The government anticipates that the 2025 GGR forecast would reach MOP$228bn (US$28.4bn), a prediction that was adjusted as challenging marketing conditions took hold. However, CreditSights laid out its belief that the original forecast of MOP$240bn (US$29.9bn) can be reached as tourism thrives in the market towards the end of the year.
“We expect the strong visitations witnessed during the recent Golden Week holiday to support a better GGR performance in October,” stated the research company.
Golden Week is a major holiday in China, as visitors flock to Macau to engage with the region’s tourism and entertainment sector.
Casinos also host a myriad of events during the week to maximise the event and boost numbers as much as possible.
“We see Macau in a decent position to achieve its 2025 GGR target, with only a monthly average GGR of MOP$15.6bn (US$1.95bn) needed vs year-to-date monthly average of MOP$20.1bn (US$2.51bn) for the fourth quarter.
“Should the current pace of monthly GGR churn be sustained, it would also put the government’s previous GGR target of MOP$240bn within reach.”
Macau’s tourism sector was also boosted this week by the return of the NBA after a six-year absence. Early numbers detail that it led to significant tourism engagement and a boost for room occupancy numbers.
The return of the NBA marks the continued evolution of Macau’s tourism strategy as the region eyes alternative methods to enhance visitation numbers.
