Macau’s crackdown on illegal currency exchange puts pressure on casino revenues

Macau’s ongoing effort to clamp down on illicit money exchange operations is beginning to weigh on the region’s casino industry, according to a new analysis by Macquarie Equity Research.

In a note released this week, analysts Linda Huang and Becky Cai highlighted that gross gaming revenue (GGR) through April 6 had dipped 3% compared to the same period last year.

While the city enjoyed a bump in visitor numbers during the Qingming Festival holiday, the increased foot traffic hasn’t translated into higher casino earnings.

Gaming revenue slips despite holiday boost

During the three-day Qingming break, Macau welcomed around 410,000 visitors — a 15% rise year-over-year.

A large portion of those tourists came from mainland China (74%) and Hong Kong (18%), two of the SAR’s most important feeder markets.

Despite the tourism uptick, revenue from both VIP and mass market segments showed signs of softening.

Macquarie’s report noted a 7–8% decline in mass gaming volume compared to March and a 6–7% drop in VIP play.

Adapting to a new reality

Macau’s casino operators are no strangers to policy shifts, having weathered waves of regulatory changes over the past decade — from Beijing’s anti-corruption campaign to tightened junket restrictions and now, renewed focus on financial transparency.

But this latest clampdown on underground currency operations hits a nerve, as it disrupts the cash flow channels that many VIP and mass players have come to rely on.

Industry insiders say the absence of these unregulated money changers could create short-term friction in a market still finding its feet after pandemic-induced travel restrictions and a slow return to high-volume gambling.

“Operators are going to have to get more creative in how they cater to international and mainland players who are subject to strict capital limits,” said one Macau gaming consultant, speaking anonymously. “It’s another reminder that the days of fast and loose money are over.”

Outlook remains cautiously optimistic

Despite the headwinds, some analysts remain cautiously optimistic about Macau’s medium-term outlook.

The city’s visitor numbers continue to climb, new infrastructure projects are boosting accessibility, and the government has made clear its commitment to growing non-gaming tourism as a way to diversify revenue.

But in the short term, all eyes will be on April’s full-month figures.

If the downturn in GGR deepens, it may spark concerns about whether enforcement efforts are inadvertently stalling the recovery of one of Asia’s most iconic gaming hubs.

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