Casino revenue falls in June as World Cup weighs

Macau’s casinos posted a decline in June, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) falling 12.1% year-on-year to MOP18.52 billion (USD2.29 billion), according to official data.

The figures released by the city’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) showed June’s revenue also dropped 18.1% from May’s MOP22.61 billion ($2.80 billion), marking the city’s weakest monthly performance since September 2025.

However, the result was broadly in line with analyst expectations, as some had warned of softer gaming demand during the summer.

Industry observers reported that part of the slump in GGR reflected the ongoing FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Analysts suggest that the event has likely diverted discretionary spending that might otherwise have gone to Macau’s casinos. The tournament’s expanded 48-team format features 104 matches, more than double the number played at UEFA Euro 2024 and well above earlier World Cup editions.

With the competition now in its Round of 32 and several weeks still remaining, analysts said pressure on gaming demand could extend into July.

During the month of June, Macau’s casinos still drew strong visitor traffic during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday from June 19 to 21, when more than 380,000 arrivals were recorded. Public holidays in Macau, Hong Kong, and the Chinese mainland helped also support cross-border travel, though it was not enough to offset the weaker casino revenue.

For the first half of 2026, Macau’s gross gaming revenue reached MOP126.90 billion ($15.72 billion), up 6.8% year-on-year. Even so, the figure remained 15.1% below the same period in 2019.

Analysts expect a recovery after the World Cup ends, supported by a packed entertainment calendar later in the year, including concerts by Babymonster, TWS and Enhypen, Taiwanese singer Zhao Chuan, and the NBA China Games at The Venetian Arena.