Macau’s gross gambling revenue (GGR) improved in September from the prior month, but was still almost 50 percent down on the same month last year.

Figures from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) showed monthly GGR was MOP2.92 billion ($362.8 million), up 35 percent from August, but well short of the best month this year in Feb., when GGR was MOP7.75 billion.?

For the year-to-date, Macau’s six concessionaire’s have generated MOP31.81 in GGR, which is down 53.1 percent to the accumulated total to date in 2021.?

Macau GGR continues to be weighed down by Covid restrictions, with the Chinese government urging its citizens not to travel during the key Golden Week holiday that began on Saturday.

As a result, travel has slumped from last year. Figures cited by the South China Morning Post showed just 9.7 million travellers on the first day of the holiday, compared with 16 million on the same day last year. The number of road journeys stood at 31 million, down 33.5 percent from last year.?

Beijing is keen to avoid a widespread Covid outbreak ahead of a key political gathering later this month. The five-yearly National People’s Congress will set the agenda for Chinese policy for the next five years. Some analysts have said they expect the government to begin easing its strict zero-Covid policy following the gathering.?

Shares in Macau casino operators jumped early last week after China relaxed some visa requirements for visitors to Macau. The government has reinstated group tour visas, as well as the ability to apply for individual visit scheme visas electronically.

Although the border with China reopened after the first Covid lockdowns in 2020, the government did not resume these two categories of visa, which analysts said was an impediment to recovery in Macau.?

THE 300 SPARTANS:

After triumphing in key locations across Asia and Europe, AGS is flying 300 top affiliates to Malta, for an all inclusive deluxe trip. The event will happen alongside SiGMA, 14-18th November, during?SiGMA Europe.

Read more about the 300 Spartans?here.