Weekend Conversation Corner – October, 17

Welcome to the newest installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we condense the flurry of events into a coherent summary, we will highlight the key stories that have driven the conversation, impacted policies, and sparked debates. Join us as we cut through the clutter and provide a concise snapshot of the week’s significant developments, keeping you informed on what truly counts in the fast-paced world we live in.

Stay updated, stay motivated, and continue gaming. Wishing you a fantastic weekend ahead!

Macau VIP baccarat revenue up 29% in Q3

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported that Macau’s VIP baccarat revenue increased by 3.4% quarter-on-quarter to MOP16.9bn (US$2.11bn) in the third quarter, with a 29.1% year-on-year growth. VIP baccarat contributed 27% to total gaming revenue. Mass-market revenue accounted for 73% of the total GGR, with non-VIP baccarat play revenue up 2.7% year-on-year. Slot machines revenue increased by 2% quarter-to-quarter and 10.5% year-on-year. JP Morgan revised down its GGR forecast for Macau, expecting a 3-6% year-on-year increase for October and cutting Q4 growth forecast from 13% to 9%. Analysts mentioned that Golden Week numbers were disappointing, and the outlook for November seems lackluster.

Asia-Pacific casino market to nearly double by 2033, analysts say

Research and Markets has released a report on the Asia-Pacific casino gambling market, forecasting growth from US$92.34bn in 2024 to US$185.2bn by 2033. Factors contributing to this growth include rising disposable incomes, tourism recovery, IR development, and digital transformation. Macau and Singapore are key players in the region, with Macau shifting towards mass-market tourism and Singapore strengthening its position with flagship IRs. Other countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan (with its first IR in Osaka) are also experiencing growth. Digitalization is reshaping gambling behavior with technologies like live dealer games and blockchain payments. However, concerns about unlicensed platforms exploiting loopholes and risks of fraud and underage gambling are also highlighted in the report.

Sri Lanka cites progress on creation of new gambling regulator as report shows rise in online gaming

The Sri Lankan government is committed to launching the Gambling Regulatory Authority by June 30, 2026, to oversee both physical and digital gambling operations. The authority will introduce licensing and tax structures for online casino gambling, along with age and identity verification systems to prevent underage play. Nominations are underway for a seven-member board and CEO appointments. Concerns were raised about the majority of gambling occurring on foreign online platforms, leading to potential financial crimes. Effective regulation is crucial for compliance with Financial Action Task Force requirements. Opposition MP Dr. Harsha de Silva emphasized the need for independent mechanisms to prevent tax income loss and financial crimes associated with gambling.

JP Morgan cuts Macau GGR forecast for October

JP Morgan has revised its forecast for Macau’s casino sector, expecting a 3-6% increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for October, down from the previous estimate of 11%. They also lowered their Q4 growth forecast from 13% to 9%. Analysts attribute this to underwhelming Golden Week numbers and a lackluster outlook for November. Factors such as weather disruptions, a softer mass market, and the absence of high-end players during the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix may have contributed to this setback. Despite a strong start in October, with GGR reaching MOP5.5bn in the first five days, visitor arrivals during Golden Week fell slightly below expectations. The average daily number of visitors was also lower than forecasted.

Macau gaming tax revenue up 6%

The Financial Services Bureau reported that Macau collected MOP70.4bn (US$8.78bn) in casino taxes in the first nine months of 2025, a 6% increase from the previous year. September saw gaming tax revenue of MOP8.53bn (US$1.06bn) with a gross gaming revenue of MOP18.3bn (US$2.27bn), up 6% year-on-year but 17.5% lower than August. Casinos pay 40% on GGR under the 10-year concessions, with the government revising its 2025 budget plan down to MOP79.8bn (US$9.87bn). Macau’s GGR for the first nine months of 2025 was MOP181.3bn (US$22.5bn), a 7.1% increase from the previous year but still 17.7% below pre-pandemic levels.

Welcome to the newest installment of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner, a brief overview of the week’s top headlines that have captured global interest. As we condense the…