Official data show that Macau visitor spending on gaming rose by 100 percent in 1Q23, according to the SAR’s monetary authority (AMCM).
In a report issued by the AMCM, coupled with a low-base effect of comparison, Macau’s economy is expected to register robust growth throughout the year, as the AMCM notes that Macau’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 38.8 percent 1Q23, as the local economy picked up sharply following the ease of border restrictions.
Regarding visitor spending this year, after a contraction of 32.1 percent in 2022, tourism output in regards to expenditure – as measured by exports of tourism services as a percentage of GDP – rebounded year-on-year by 71.4 percent 1Q23.
Visitors’ non-gaming spending also was outstanding, as tourists spent 72.9 percent more on non-gaming services yearly in 1Q23.
Gaming workers up 2,100 in 2Q23
According to information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), the number of people employed in Gaming & Junket Activities in Macau rose to 68,500 in 2Q23, up 2,100 from 1Q23 but down 18,600 compared to the same quarter in 2019.
Macau’s general unemployment rate was down to 2.8 percent in 2Q23 from 3.1 percent in 1Q23. Those engaged in Gaming & Junket Activities earned MOP20,000 ($2,500) in 2Q23.
