Zeng Zhonglu, a gaming scholar has estimated that Macau’s gross gaming revenues could reach up to 70 percent of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, at MOP175.47 billion ($21.84 billion) as the territory aims to rebound from nearly three years of lackluster gaming results under COVID restrictions.

Zeng Zhonglu, a professor at Macao Polytechnic Institute (IPM) Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies, said that Macau should consider legalizing ‘online’ gambling or risk getting left behind as other jurisdictions are moving fast to develop this area.

The Chinese government may launch a visa multi-entry visa between Macau and Hengqin for Chinese tour groups as soon as next month, a source familiar with the matter told AGB.

The non-gaming investment requirements for Macau gaming concessionaires are already reshaping the Special Administrative Region, according to industry experts interviewed by AGB.

The local travel Indian Summer continues with movements between Guangdong and the SARs booming, with the Chinese province reporting a record high number of visa applications to Macau and Hong Kong.

The Guangdong government has issued an alert, warning that it has recently experienced a record high volume of visa applications to Macau and Hong Kong. They are appealing to the public to avoid submitting applications during peak times, as the working system is currently experiencing overloading.

Macau is seeking to meaningfully expand the percentage of its visitors from overseas, this time targeting the Middle East and Indian markets. However, a gaming scholar told AGB the move will be very challenging due to the cultural differences.

Junket association head Kwok Chi Chung told AGB that Macau junkets are facing difficulties in luring agents, as the restrictions in total profit make Macau’s industry unattractive compared to overseas markets.

A professor from the Centre for Gaming and Tourism Studies of the Macao Polytechnic University cautions that Macau’s gaming operators should avoid having the same kind of non-gaming investments in order to have a shot at economic diversification.

All satellite casinos will be disqualified from issuing gaming credit according to the new bill on casino concessionaire- and junket-issued credit for gambling.