Good Morning. Seasonal winds do not always blow as expected. Macau’s December GGR delivered solid year-on-year growth, yet still underperformed traditional seasonal trends, according to Deutsche Bank, pointing to slower-than-normal recovery momentum. While forecasts remain constructive, recent results suggest caution heading into early 2026. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is pressing ahead with plans to establish new gambling zones across multiple regions, positioning casino development as a tool to drive tourism and tax income. Officials insist the strategy is expansion, not tax relief, suggesting a more assertive regulatory stance.
What you need to know
- Macau’s December GGR rose 14.8 percent year-on-year to $2.61 billion but fell 4.1 percent on a per-day basis sequentially, Deutsche Bank said.
- Kazakhstan’s government plans to expand gambling zones in key regions to drive tourism, with each casino expected to generate jobs and steady tax revenue.
On the radar
- Macau 2025 GGR tops $30.9B, rises 9.1% year-on-year.
- Ainsworth heir battles Novomatic’s bid for family gaming firm: Report.
- Wynn Macau sets a $150M annual cap on IP license fees for 2026.
- Late-night congestion follows New Year fireworks on Macau’s Cotai Strip.
AGB Intelligence
MACAU
Macau December GGR below trend: Deutsche Bank
Macau’s gross gaming revenue for December came in below historical seasonal trends, totaling about $2.61 billion, according to Deutsche Bank. The result marked a 4.1 percent sequential decline on a per-day basis from November, despite a 14.8 percent year-on-year increase. December GGR remained 8.5 percent below December 2019 levels and was around 480 basis points weaker than typical December seasonality.
Industry Updates
- Kambi Group secures multi‑year deal to power Pickwin’s online sportsbook.
- GEG and UTM launch new training to boost community tourism expertise.
INTELLIGENCE | ASEAN | CAREERS | EVENTS
