Weekend Conversation Corner – November, 21
Welcome to the newest edition of our Focus Gaming News Weekend Conversation Corner. In this concise exploration, we will be highlighting the major headlines that have captured the world’s attention throughout the week. As we break down the whirlwind of events into a focused summary, we will be discussing the key stories that have influenced policies, shaped the narrative, and sparked important discussions.
Join us as we filter through the noise to provide you with a condensed overview of the critical developments from the week, keeping you informed on what truly matters in today’s rapidly changing world.
Remember to stay informed, stay inspired, and keep gaming on. We hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead!
SJM L’Arc acquisition a “good deal”, says JP Morgan
JP Morgan has praised SJM Holdings’ acquisition of L’Arc in Macau for HKD1.75bn, calling it a good deal due to the property’s prime location. The hotel, which houses Casino L’Arc Macau, is seen as a valuable addition to SJM’s portfolio on the Macau Peninsula. With 283 rooms, small retail, and parking, the price per key is HKD6.2m. SJM expects the deal to enhance profitability by 2026. L’Arc generated HKD1.4bn in GGR in 2024 and HKD1.3bn in the first 10 months of 2025 from 45 gaming tables. JP Morgan forecasts an 8 to 9 percent increase in SJM’s 2026 EBITDA with the potential for growth if more tables are added, as L’Arc can accommodate up to 100. The deal is set to be finalized on December 18.
Macau visitor arrivals up 10.8% in October
In October 2025, Macau welcomed 3.4 million visitors, marking a 10.8% increase from the previous year. Mainland Chinese visitors accounted for a significant portion, with 2,534,601 arrivals, including those under various visit schemes. Visitors from the Greater Bay Area and international markets also showed growth. During the Golden Week holiday, Macau received 1.14 million visitors, contributing to a record-breaking gross gaming revenue of MOP24.09bn (US$3bn) in October. Overall, visitor arrivals for the first ten months of 2025 increased by 14.1% year-on-year to 33,143,547. Despite the positive trend, Macau’s GGR for the same period was still below pre-pandemic levels, standing at MOP205.43bn (US$25.64bn).
Macau government forecasts US$29bn GGR for 2026
The government of Macau has presented the budget for the next year, forecasting MOP236bn in gross gaming revenue for 2026. This estimate is part of the financial-year 2026 budget plan submitted to the Legislative Assembly. Income from taxes on the gaming sector is expected to reach MOP92.53bn, with MOP82.60bn coming from the special gaming tax. Macau imposes a 40% tax rate on casino GGR as per the current 10-year gaming concessions. Despite a 8% increase in gross gaming revenue for the first ten months of 2025 compared to the previous year, it remains 16.7% below the same period in 2019. The gaming industry contributed MOP77.47bn in tax revenue from January to October 2025, making up 83.7% of total government revenue.
Macau government to review investments by city’s casino operators
In his 2026 Policy Address, Macau’s Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai announced a review of the city’s six casino operators’ progress on gaming and non-gaming investments. The review will cover the 2023-2025 period, with a focus on fulfilling concession contract commitments and expanding tourism projects. The government aims to derive 60% of GDP from non-gaming attractions by 2028. Despite a forecasted decrease in gaming tax revenue due to global economic conditions, Macau’s gross gaming revenue for the first ten months of 2025 showed an 8% increase year-on-year. However, it remains below pre-pandemic levels. The government is emphasizing economic diversification and policy support for new industries to drive growth.
Sri Lanka sets start date for new gambling regulator
The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act in Sri Lanka will be enforced starting December 1, as confirmed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The new authority will replace existing statutes and oversee all gaming activities except lotteries and social gaming. It aims to issue guidelines for online gambling, offshore operations, and activities in specific areas. The government believes this modernization will enhance oversight, consistency, and controls in the digital gaming industry. The unified authority is expected to simplify licensing, enhance compliance, and provide better protections for operators and consumers.
Macau gaming industry workforce numbers drop again in third quarter
The gaming sector in Macau has experienced a decline in workforce numbers for the third consecutive quarter, with 68,900 people employed at the end of September. This is a 3.6% decrease compared to the previous year, mainly due to the closure of satellite casinos. Changes in gaming laws will now only allow a management fee through an approved company, leading to the closure of several satellite casinos by the end of the year. Around 5,600 local residents are expected to be affected by these closures, including both direct employees and foreign workers. The remaining six satellite casinos in operation are Casino Landmark, Casino Kam Pek Paradise, Casino Fortuna, Casino Ponte 16, Casino Le Royal Arc, and Casino Casa Real, which is set to close on November 21.
Macau GGR dip due to National Games, Citigroup says
Analysts from Citigroup estimate that Macau’s gross gaming revenue for the first 16 days of November was MOP11.1bn (US$1.4bn), with a daily run rate of MOP671m (US$83.7m). VIP volumes decreased by 6-8% compared to October, while mass GGR dropped by 8-10%. The National Games may have impacted GGR due to athletes occupying hotels, affecting player stay and play duration. Citigroup maintains its November GGR forecast at MOP20.5bn (US$2.56bn), expecting a year-on-year increase of 11%. The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau reported a record GGR of MOP24.09bn (US$3bn) in October, up 15.9% year-on-year. This article provides insights into Macau’s gaming industry performance and forecasts for the month.
