Macau, the world's gambling capital, took in 247.4 billion patacas at its casinos in 2025, about 30.8 billion dollars, its best year since the pandemic. In 2026 the pace cooled: September was the weakest month of the year and the fourth straight month of declines. These are the industry's figures.
How much Macau's casinos make
| Period | Gross gaming revenue | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Full year 2025 | 247.4 billion patacas (30.83 billion dollars) | +9.1% |
| January to September 2026 | 187.1 billion patacas (23.2 billion dollars) | +3.2% |
| September 2026 | 18.06 billion patacas (2.24 billion dollars) | −1.2% |
| August 2026 | 21.89 billion patacas (2.71 billion dollars) |
The data come from Macau's gaming regulator, as reported by the specialist outlet Asia Gaming Brief. The 2025 result equals 84.6% of what the city took in during 2019, before the pandemic.
Why Macau's casinos slowed in 2026
September fell 17.5% from August and was the fourth month in a row with a year-on-year drop. Investment banks cut their forecasts: J.P. Morgan estimates the year will close at around 249 billion patacas, just 1% above 2025. Analysts point to weaker consumer spending in China and tax changes in that country.
Who operates Macau's casinos
Gaming is in the hands of six concessionaires: Sands, Galaxy, MGM, Wynn, Melco and SJM. They pay an effective rate of about 40% of their gross revenue, which makes gaming the local government's main source of funds.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Concessionaires | Six |
| Effective tax on gaming revenue | About 40% |
| Best month since the pandemic | October 2025: 24.08 billion patacas |
Why Macau matters
Macau is the only place in China where casinos are legal. What happens there is a gauge of Chinese consumer spending and sets the mood for the sector's shares worldwide.
Part of China's payments already moves in digital currency: we explain it in what the digital yuan is. For more on companies, see our business section.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Macau's casinos make?
In 2025 they took in 247.4 billion patacas, about 30.8 billion dollars.
How many companies operate casinos in Macau?
Six concessionaires: Sands, Galaxy, MGM, Wynn, Melco and SJM.
How is 2026 going?
To September revenue was up 3.2% for the year, but with four straight months of declines.
