The draw of Macau appears to remain strong despite global headwinds from ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported gross gaming revenue of MOP 22.6bn ($2,82bn) for May, a 6.7% increase compared to the same month in 2025.
Meanwhile, total GGR for the year now stands at MOP 108.4bn ($13,55bn), a 10.9% YoY increase from this time last year.
Results were boosted by mainland China’s Labor Day celebrations, which took place between 1 May and 5 May, and May also marked the third month so far in 2026 where GGR has peaked over MOP 22bn ($2,75bn).
Coupled with strong spending, Macau has also seen an increase in visitor numbers, with the Statistics and Census Service recording an 11.3% YoY increase in April.
Positive momentum in Macau contrasts with that of its Southeast Asian neighbour, the Philippines. Alejandro Tengco, the Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), described ‘softer discretionary spending’ among players as revenue fell by 15.87% YoY to P104.12bn ($1,8bn) in Q1.
Tengco warned, while speaking at the Manila After Dark event in April, that even established markets will feel the impact of the oil crisis, sparked by conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.
He said: “This is not a good time for everyone. Gaming jurisdictions globally are feeling the impact of the oil crisis, and even more progressive countries like Singapore, Macau, and the United States are not spared.”
Speaking at the Macau International Travel Industry Expo, Macau’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip, said: “The MSAR Government will continue to diversify its range of tourism products, organise major events, improve supporting infrastructure, and strengthen publicity and promotion.”
Positive results through the first five months of the year continue a strong end to 2025 for Macau, which saw gaming revenue surge in the second half of the year.
The city reported full-year gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $30.8bn, up 9.1% from 2024 and beyond the government’s target of $29.9bn.
There will be optimism in Macau that it can sustain this momentum throughout 2026, despite geopolitical tensions showing no signs of easing. If this is the case, it would cement the region’s return to strength as the city’s performance continues to recover to levels observed prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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