Macau’s gross gambling revenue (GGR) reached its highest monthly total since before the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2025. This significant achievement was primarily driven by increased activity during popular Chinese national holidays and the benefit of an extra weekend within the month. The strong performance has pushed Macau’s year-to-date revenue to just shy of MOP100 billion.

According to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, GGR for May amounted to MOP21.19 billion (approximately £2.0 billion / €2.3 billion / $2.6 billion). This figure represents a 5% increase compared to May 2024 and a 12.4% increase on April this year. The May total surpassed Macau’s previous post-pandemic monthly high of MOP20.79 billion, recorded in October 2024, by 2%. As of May 31, 2025, year-to-date revenue in Macau stood at MOP97.71 billion, representing a 1.7% increase compared to the same point in 2024.

Factors Driving May’s Surge

Analysts at Seaport Research Partners, as reported by iGaming Times, stated that Macau surpassed expectations in May, benefiting from an extra Saturday during the month. They noted that weekend days typically generate, on average, 20% higher revenue than weekdays. The timing of Macau’s Dragon Boat Festival also played a role. The festival fell early this year (May 31 to June 2, 2025), whereas in 2024, it occurred in mid-June. This earlier timing reportedly helped to drive additional activity during the period. Seaport Research had estimated a 5.3% year-on-year growth rate for the market in May.

Analyst Projections and Outlook

Looking ahead to June, Seaport Research, as reported by iGaming Times, estimated a 3.4% year-on-year rise in revenue, but a 13.7% fall from May. Analysts suggested Macau should benefit from several large concerts, as well as the early timing of the Dragon Boat holiday. However, Seaport Research cautioned, as reported by iGaming Times, that their June estimate was “conservative,” as performance could potentially be impacted by typhoons as the season approaches in June.

For the full year 2025, Seaport Research anticipates a 4% rise in gross gaming revenue across Macau. This growth, they suggested, should be driven by increased marketing efforts by operators and improving consumer trends in China. In a note published Sunday, June 1, 2025, Seaport Research stated, as reported by iGaming Times, that “China stimulus and policy measures are likely to help shore up China’s economy and improve consumer confidence later this year,” implying a positive long-term outlook for visitor spending in Macau.

In conclusion, Macau’s gaming revenue hit a significant post-pandemic high in May 2025, driven by holiday activity and an extra weekend, exceeding expectations and pushing year-to-date figures higher. While analysts project continued growth, potential challenges like typhoons and the pace of China’s economic recovery will influence future performance, with the market’s long-term health tied to consumer confidence and operator strategies, as the city navigates its path towards diversified growth.