According to the Statistics and Census Service’s latest employment survey, the gaming sector, which remains Macau’s largest employer, saw the number of employed residents decline by 2,200 to 65,100 in 1Q25.
The trend aligns with the general employment pattern, with total employment decreasing to 371,800 in the first quarter of 2025, representing a drop of 6,500 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. The number of employed residents also fell by 5,800 to 280,200 during the same period.
The data also show that in Macau, both the general unemployment rate of 1.9 percent and the unemployment rate of local residents of 2.5 percent rose by 0.2 percentage points quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, the general underemployment rate of 1.2 percent and the underemployment rate of local residents of 1.6 percent each decreased by 0.3 percentage points.
Despite the employment decline, the median monthly employment earnings showed improvement. The overall median earnings increased by MOP800 ($100) to MOP18,800 ($2,350), while median earnings for residents rose by MOP1,000 ($125) to MOP21,500 ($2,687). This increase was attributed to double pay and bonuses distributed to employees in certain industries during the quarter.
Good Morning. Fitch Ratings has described the possible termination or non-renewal of licenses for US-backed gaming companies in Macau as a “worst-case scenario” that is unlikely to occur, even as concerns about worsening US-China relations persist. A recent NIDA poll reveals significant public skepticism and political tension regarding Thailand’s proposed Entertainment Complex Business Act, particularly its casino provisions. Meanwhile, International Entertainment Corp. (IEC) has announced a $1 to $1.2 billion investment to expand its operations in the Philippines.
What you need to know
US-based Macau gaming companies only would lose their gaming licenses in a ‘worst-case scenario’ due to volatile politics: Fitch.
Fitch Ratings has characterized the potential termination or non-renewal of licenses for US-backed gaming companies in Macau as a “worst-case scenario,” which they deem unlikely, despite concerns about the impact of deteriorating US-China relations. The analysis suggests that while US operators like Sands China, MGM China, and Wynn Macau are wary of retaliatory measures related to trade tensions, Macau’s significant reliance on gaming revenues (around 80% of its total tax income) makes it unlikely to let political disputes affect its gaming industry.
International Entertainment Corp. (IEC), a Hong Kong-listed company, has announced a significant investment of $1 to $1.2 billion to expand its operations in the Philippines, capitalizing on the country’s rapidly growing gaming sector.
The company, which operates the New Coast Hotel Manila, recently obtained a provisional license from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) to manage the casino at the hotel, known as Casino Filipino New Coast, which was previously under PAGCOR’s direct operation.
In an interview with media outlet The Inquirer, Aurelio Tablante, IEC’s executive director and hotel operations officer, emphasized the hotel’s strategic location near Manila Port, Chinatown, and Koreatown, which positions it well to draw affluent overseas visitors, particularly from Japan and South Korea.
To broaden its customer base, IEC is also looking to form partnerships with gambling groups from these regions and Southeast Asia.
IEC’s expansion plans include extensive renovations to both the hotel and the casino, with ambitious goals to increase the number of gaming tables from 80 to over 110 and boost the number of slot machines from 500 to more than 920.
Additionally, the hotel aims to enhance its capacity by expanding from around 200 to 800 active hotel rooms. To attract a younger clientele, the company plans to introduce new amenities, including a sports bar.
The Philippine gaming landscape is poised for growth, with Pagcor projecting a 17 percent increase in total gambling revenue for 2025, driven in part by the burgeoning e-gaming sector.
Recent data revealed that gross gaming revenues in the local market rose by 24.81 percent to PHP410.5 billion ($7.2 billion) in 2024, with income from e-games surging by an impressive 309.20 percent to PHP135.7 billion ($2.4 billion).
Melco International Development Limited, the Hong Kong-listed parent of Macau concessionaire Melco Resorts & Entertainment, has announced plans to raise HK$781.07 million ($100.7 million) through a rights issue, with proceeds primarily targeted at debt reduction by repaying portions of its 2021 Credit Facility.
The company will offer shareholders the opportunity to subscribe for new shares at HK$1.0286 ($0.13) per Rights Share, structured as one Rights Share for every two existing Shares held on the Record Date.
The total offering depends on the number of issued Shares before the Record Date, with two potential scenarios: either up to 758,341,877 Rights Shares yielding approximately HK$780.03 million ($100.6 million), or up to 759,350,377 Rights Shares generating approximately HK$781.07 million ($100.7 million) if outstanding Share Options are exercised.
This non-underwritten Rights Issue requires no minimum subscription level. To participate, qualifying shareholders must register share transfers with Tricor Investor Services Limited in Hong Kong by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 19th, 2025.
Net proceeds after expenses are estimated at approximately HK$771.23 million to HK$772.27 million, depending on whether new Shares are issued before the Record Date.
According to the announcement, a committed shareholder holding about 61.44 percent of the company’s issued Shares has irrevocably undertaken to subscribe for at least 413,000,000 Rights Shares and agreed not to dispose of current holdings until the Rights Issue concludes.
The company has confirmed compliance with Hong Kong Stock Exchange Listing Rules, with no shareholder approval required as the offering will not increase issued shares or market capitalization by over 50 percent.
The register of members will close from May 20th-23rd, 2025, for determining entitlements, with prospectus documents to be dispatched on May 26th, 2025.
Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) has welcomed 60 new inspectors, despite the leadership position of Director remaining vacant.
The DICJ held a swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits last Thursday, April 24. The ceremony was overseen by Acting Director Lio Chi Chong, who administered the oath to the newly appointed inspectors, all of whom have successfully completed their training.
The DICJ stated that the addition of these new inspectors will further strengthen its regulatory capabilities, enhance team development, and improve monitoring efficiency. The bureau expressed its expectations for the new inspectors to perform their duties with dedication, proactively safeguard national security and development interests, and effectively carry out regulatory tasks. Their efforts are seen as important contributions toward the healthy and orderly development of Macau’s gaming industry.
Since December 20th of last year, the position of DICJ Director has been vacant following the appointment of former Director Adriano Ho as the head of Macau’s Customs Service. Since then, Deputy Director Lio Chi Chong has been serving as Acting Director.
Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, director of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), forecasted a significant increase in visitors during the upcoming May Day holiday period.
Speaking after the opening ceremony of the 13th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo, which continues in the SAR until Sunday, April 27th, Fernandes projected a daily average of between 127,000 and 140,000 tourists from 1st to 5th May, during mainland China’s May Day holiday.
The tourism director estimated Macau could welcome between 630,000 and 700,000 visitors throughout the five-day period, which represents one of the region’s peak tourism seasons.
The lower projection would mark a 4.1 percent increase compared to the same holiday in 2024, while the more optimistic figure suggests a potential rise of 15.7 percent.
It is also worth noting that Morgan Stanley’s latest survey reveals that hotel prices in Macau will be softer during the upcoming May Day holiday period compared to both Chinese New Year 2025 and last year’s May holiday.
According to a report, average daily rates (ADR) for Macau hotels during the May Day holiday are approximately 14 percent lower than those during the 2025 Chinese New Year period and 2 percent below rates from the 2024 May Day holiday.
A recent survey from the National Institute of Development Administration’s (NIDA) “Nida Poll” reveals widespread public skepticism and political tension surrounding Thailand’s proposed Entertainment Complex Business Act, particularly regarding the inclusion of casino facilities.
The poll, conducted among 1,310 Thai adults nationwide between April 21st-23rd, 2025, highlights growing friction between coalition partners Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties that could potentially destabilize the government.
According to the local media outlet Money and Banking, the survey reveals a striking level of public disengagement with the entire proposal, with nearly half of respondents (45.73 percent) expressing no interest whatsoever in either the entertainment complex or casino aspects of the development. This overwhelming apathy presents a significant challenge for proponents of the legislation.
Among those who did express interest, 27.24 percent gave equal importance to both entertainment venues and casinos, while 19.47 percent placed greater emphasis on the broader entertainment complex aspects. Only 7.56 percent focused primarily on the casino element, suggesting that framing the project primarily around gambling facilities may limit public support.
Legislative prospects appear dim
When asked about the bill’s chances of passing without casino provisions, 46.18 percent of respondents predicted failure in the House of Representatives. This pessimistic outlook was countered by 32.67 percent who believed it could still pass, while 19.01 percent considered it impossible to even propose such legislation without including casinos – highlighting how intertwined the gaming element has become with the broader entertainment complex concept.
Bhumjaithai Party’s anti-casino stance creates political tension
The survey particularly focused on reactions to Bhumjaithai Party Secretary-General Chaichanok Chidchob’s firm declaration that “he will never agree with casinos.” This strong stance from a key coalition member has created significant political ripples.
While 35.80 percent of respondents viewed Chidchob’s position as “the right decision,” a substantial 29.08 percent interpreted it as a calculated political negotiation tactic by the Bhumjaithai Party. Another 27.63 percent considered it merely a personal decision unrelated to the party’s official position.
Coalition stability at risk
The poll results suggest serious concerns about the government’s stability over this issue. Approximately 20.38 percent believe the Pheu Thai Party will ultimately find ways to push through the entertainment venue with casino inclusion despite opposition. Meanwhile, 17.40 percent think the entertainment complexes with casinos are unlikely to materialize under current political conditions.
More worryingly for coalition stability, 16.26 percent interpret Chidchob’s statement as signaling broader Bhumjaithai Party opposition to casino development, while 13.59 percent expect Bhumjaithai to eventually concede to Pheu Thai’s position after negotiations.
The most concerning scenarios for government stability include:
10.84 percent anticipating potential internal fracturing within the Bhumjaithai Party itself
9.39 percent seeing the casino issue as a possible breaking point for the entire coalition
6.72 percent predicting Bhumjaithai’s potential removal from the coalition government
Only 4.50 percent believe Pheu Thai will ultimately yield to Bhumjaithai’s anti-casino position, highlighting the perception that the senior coalition partner remains firmly committed to including casino facilities in the entertainment complex development.
Macau gaming operator Sands China participated in the 13th Macao International Travel (Industry) Expo (MITE), hosted at the Cotai Expo of The Venetian Macao from April 25 to 27, 2025. During the three-day event, Sands China showcased its latest hotel, the Londoner Grand, along with a range of captivating offerings.
The company’s involvement reflects Sands China’s ongoing commitment to the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) and its ‘tourism +’ initiatives, while enhancing the city’s dynamic reputation as a ‘World Centre of Tourism and Leisure’.
Sands China’s booth in gleaming gold and regal blue spotlighted its new hotel offering – Londoner Grand, a resort within a resort. Located in The Londoner Macao, Londoner Grand marks a bold new chapter in luxury and style for discerning travellers.
The hotel’s newly-appointed No.1 Ambassador, G Bear, and a preview of his very own G Bear Café, are also key elements. The presence of a scale model of London’s iconic Big Ben, a carriage, and captivating travel and culinary experience videos shown on a large LED screen were all designed to give expo visitors a glimpse into the world of British luxury living.
Exploring MITE, Experience the World
Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao SAR, the 13th edition of MITE was organized by the MGTO and coordinated by the Macau Travel Agency Association.
Under the theme of ‘Explore MITE, Experience the World’, the Expo featured six new major highlights across three halls, creating a comprehensive platform for promotion, exchange, marketing and sales, completed with over 70 destination presentation sessions, forums and activities.
The new highlights included bilingual live streaming of sales products at the Belt and Road Products Pavilion; Coffee Station, Foodie Market and The Cellar to showcase the diversity of flavours in Macao as a City of Gastronomy; a Champions’ Roundtable exchange session and pop-up store displaying the mascots and souvenirs of the 15th National Games; the Macao Grand Prix Museum and Macao Science Center joining the EduTourism Hive; a Halal Horizons Pavilion to open new market opportunities; and a 3D smart exhibition navigation system complemented by an AI digital ‘human’ as host and virtual anchor.
Bringing together tourism and industry delegates from near and far, the event showcased the world’s newest tourism trends and products while emphasising Macao’s vibrant ‘tourism+’ experiences for residents and visitors.
LuckyStreak, a premium live games provider, has announced the release of its new Mobile Live European Roulette game, delivering a stunning player experience with a sleek mobile-first interface, smooth gameplay, and a host of powerful new features.
Following the recent upgrades to its Blackjack and Baccarat offerings, the relaunch of this mobile-friendly format cements LuckyStreak’s position at the forefront of live casino innovation. The new Mobile Live European Roulette has been specifically designed for mobile gaming – playable in both portrait and landscape orientations with a bold interface.
New features include a streamlined UI and thumb-friendly controls for quick chip selection, bet placement and game interaction. Players can toggle easily between classic and racecourse betting layouts, track hot and cold numbers, review winning stats and save their favourite bets for speedy reuse.
A refined automatic camera system ensures players never miss a moment of action, smoothly transitioning between views to give a clear view of the entire game. Players can also customise their table presence with a fun selection of avatars and dive into the social element with in-game chat, emojis and a fully-integrated jackpot tournaments tool.
LuckyStreak’s new Mobile Live European Roulette game is now in-play and available to all operators and players. This launch demonstrates LuckyStreak’s ability to keep pace with some of the industry’s most popular live dealer suppliers and adapt to ever-evolving technological advancements.
Erez Cywier, CTO and co-founder at LuckyStreak, said: “This version of our Mobile Live European Roulette reflects everything we’ve learned from past relaunches and customer feedback. The new interface is sleek, intuitive, and designed for seamless play—without compromising the features our players love. We’re not trying to shout louder than the competition — we are proving that we belong in the top tier. With Mobile Live Roulette, we’ve once again delivered a product that not only matches, but in many ways surpasses, the best in the market in terms of usability.”
The award-winning crash game Aviatrix has received certification for Brazil’s online gaming market, ensuring full compliance in the market.
Aviatrix has been granted full Federal Certification to offer its games via licensed operators in the country. Meanwhile, Aviatrix has also acquired a dedicated certification for the state of Paraná.
This means Brazilian players can now enjoy the most innovative crash game on the market – one that has already gained a loyal following across Latin America.
Anastasia Rimskaya, Chief Account Officer at Aviatrix, said: “This is a huge milestone for Aviatrix. Brazil is one of the most exciting, newly-regulated markets in the world. There is massive demand for high-quality content, and that’s why we know Aviatrix is going to thrive. We’re looking forward to bringing the game to the country via some world-class partners. Get ready for takeoff.”
Aviatrix has been rapidly expanding in Latin America over recent months, including in Peru and Colombia. The company was also named ‘Rising Star in Casino’ at last year’s SBC Awards Latinoamérica.
