A new collaboration model between gaming concessionaires and junkets has emerged, with junkets gradually integrating into the operations of gaming rooms directly managed by operators, according to a local junket representative.
U Io Hung, president of the president of the Macau Professional Association of Gaming Promoters, revealed this development in an interview with a Hong Kong media outlet Ming Pao. He pointed out that there has been a “progressive integration of operations” between junkets and gaming operator-managed VIP rooms.
“The past two months have seen this trend take shape, and we expect it to continue,” said U Io Hung. “Junkets are becoming increasingly involved in the operations of these directly-managed VIP rooms.”
The representative explained that this integrated approach is actually no different from the past in terms of manpower allocation, but it will result in more business for the junket.
Under Macau’s revised casino gaming regulations, each junket is now restricted to partnering with only one gaming concessionaire and is prohibited from running its own VIP rooms in casinos. Junkets now earn commissions for promotional services, shifting away from the previous practice of revenue sharing with concessionaires. They are also banned from offering credit to gamblers in Macau casinos.
As a result, gaming operators have been converting former junket-managed VIP rooms into directly managed VIP rooms for premium mass gaming or direct VIP segments in recent years.
U Io Hung noted that this new collaboration model has already been trialed at two venues operated by Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts & Entertainment. The early results have been “very positive,” and the industry is closely monitoring the long-term impact of this evolving partnership. “This integrated operational model notably boosts business for junkets,” he added.
As of December, Macau had 23 licensed junkets, up from 18 in early 2024, but still down from 36 in 2023 and a sharp decline from 235 in 2013. The Macau government has also capped the number of junkets each of the six gaming operators can partner with at 50 in 2025, maintaining the current year’s limit.
