Macau gaming tax revenue up 1.28% in May

Macau’s government collected MOP3.25bn (US$406.5m) in tax revenue from the gaming industry in May.

Macau.- Taxes on the gaming industry generated MOP3.25bn (US$406.5m) in revenue for Macau in May, up 1.28 per cent when compared with the previous month and up 541 per cent year-on-year.

In April, gaming tax revenue was MOP3.2bn (US$401.6m). In the first five months of the year, Macau recorded MOP15.63bn in tax revenue from the gaming industry.

According to its budget plan, Macau’s government hopes to collect MOP50.01bn in taxes for the year 2021.

Macau’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached MOP10.45bn (US$1.31bn) in May, making it the highest monthly revenue since the Covid-19 pandemic started.

Macau’s Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached MOP10.45bn (US$1.31bn) in May, making it the highest monthly revenue since the Covid-19 pandemic started. The number was an increase of 492.2 per cent year-on-year and 24.3 per cent from April, when GGR was MOP10.4bn (US$1.3bn).

Aggregate casino GGR for the first five months of the year totalled MOP42.49bn, up 29 per cent year-on-year.

May’s numbers were fueled by the Labour Day break, when Macau’s Public Security Police reported that 165,500 tourists came to Macau.

Macau casinos affected by rise in Covid-19 cases in Guangdong

In recent weeks, Macau has felt the impact of the rise in Covid-19 cases in Guangdong. Macau authorities have ordered casino operators to reintroduce safety measures at their venues.

People who enter the casinos must wear masks and have their temperature checked. They also have to present the Macao Health Code, the government document that classifies health status by colour: red, yellow, and green.

According to the new measures, holders whose Macao Health Code is red or yellow will be denied admission to casinos and other venues.

Other venues covered by the countermeasure include hotels and guest houses, restaurants, bars, karaoke lounges, nightclubs, saunas, massage parlours and health clubs. 

Although the situation seems to be controlled, the government fears the low rate of vaccination could lead to a rise in Covid-19 cases in the city.

Lo Iek Long, Macau Health Bureau Director, is analysing if it would be necessary, and possible, to carry out mass testing in Macau.

He said 650,000 residents could be tested within four days and that he was seriously thinking about moving forward with the measure.