Casinos in Macau witness continued recovery, as gaming revenue for March soared to the impressive figure of $2.45 billion.
In the bustling city of Macau, the world's largest gambling hub, a shift is underway. Amidst the whirr of slot machines and the clatter of playing cards, the six major casino operators are making strides towards sustainability and diversification.
Last year, the operators won a collective $36.4 billion, marking a 3.4% decline from 2018. This year, the forecast for Macau's gaming revenue growth presents a mixed picture. The Macau government has lowered its 2025 gross gaming revenue (GGR) forecast by about 5%, citing global economic uncertainties and shifts in tourist consumption patterns as key reasons. However, the investment bank CLSA has upgraded its own 2025 GGR growth forecast to 7.6% year-on-year, based on favourable currency movements, steady premium mass market performance, and the opening of new high-end casino properties in Cotai.
In response to these challenges, the casino operators are diversifying their offerings to appeal to more people than just gamblers. Macau casinos are investing in a variety of sectors, including sports programs, health and wellness, amusement and theme parks, art museums, theatres, and public gardens. This diversification is reflected in the government's push to increase non-gaming investments by an additional 20% if gaming revenues recover to MOP 180 billion within the year.
One of the most significant initiatives comes from MGM, one of the six casino operators. Keith Lei, MGM's senior vice president of human resources and sustainability, has announced an initiative to recycle its used playing cards in Macau. Partnering with a Shenzhen-based tech firm, MGM aims to create eco-friendly packaging for its recycled cards. This initiative supports Macau's development into a low-carbon, diversified economy and sets a new standard for sustainable growth in the integrated resort industry.
Across the region, Macau casinos are estimated to burn around five tons of playing cards annually. The recycling of playing cards is a significant step towards making the integrated resort industry more sustainable. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on Macau's efforts to reduce waste and promote a circular economy.
The gaming revenue in Macau remains below pre-COVID levels, but the sector showed growth in the first half of 2025. Total gaming revenue reached MOP 118.77 billion, up 4.4% year-on-year, and a notable recovery in the VIP segment driven by the return of junket agents.
In conclusion, Macau's official forecast for 2025 gaming revenue has been slightly downgraded, though some private analysts remain more optimistic. Meanwhile, casino operators are responding by boosting investments in non-gaming sectors to diversify Macau’s economy and reduce overreliance on casino gambling, which supports longer-term sustainability goals. Environmental impact reduction is generally pursued through such diversification and modernization of resort operations. The recycling initiative by MGM is part of its broader efforts to promote sustainability and reduce its environmental impact in Macau.
- Amidst the casino industry's ongoing diversification in Macau, the world's largest gambling hub in China, MGM, one of six major casino operators, has announced an initiative to recycle used playing cards.
- Partnering with a Shenzhen-based tech firm, MGM aims to create eco-friendly packaging for its recycled playing cards, supporting Macau's development into a low-carbon, diversified economy.
- Currently, Macau casinos are estimated to burn around five tons of playing cards annually, making the recycling of playing cards a significant step towards a more sustainable integrated resort industry.
- The gaming revenue in Macau remained below pre-COVID levels, but showed growth in the first half of 2025, with total gaming revenue reaching MOP 118.77 billion, up 4.4% year-on-year.
- Meanwhile, some private analysts, like CLSA, have upgraded their 2025 GGR growth forecast to 7.6% year-on-year, citing favorable currency movements and the opening of new high-end casino properties in Cotai.
- The shift towards sustainability in casino operations appears to be a long-term commitment, with MGM's recycling initiative just one example of the industry's efforts towards environmental impact reduction in Macau.
