In 2024, Macau casinos generated an impressive HKD3 billion (US$385 million) from gambling activities conducted by overseas players, according to reports by Macao Daily News. This was shared by local legislator Ip Sio Kai, who noted the significant contribution these players made to the region's gaming economy. The report highlighted that this amount was generated specifically from areas within casinos that are reserved for foreign patrons.
This revenue played a key role in the overall economic landscape of Macau's gaming industry. Macau Daily News revealed that from this revenue, "HKD150 million" was classified as "gaming levies relief," a term used by the news outlet based on explications from Mr. Ip. These funds help in reducing taxes for local gaming operators, all six of them benefiting from this relief.
Mr. Ip, who leads a Legislative Assembly committee responsible for reviewing the implementation of the 2024 fiscal budget, provided these insights during a media briefing. His comments followed a confidential meeting with government delegates, including Secretary for Economy and Finance, Tai Kin Ip.
Tax Benefits and Regulatory Changes
With the enforcement of new regulatory frameworks to manage Macau’s gaming scene for the next decade, which commenced in January 2023, the government considered a rebate initiative. This initiative could allow for a 5-percentage point rebate on Macau's standard 40-percent tax on gross gaming revenue. This rebate would specifically apply to gaming revenues generated in special zones designed for overseas players. These casinos must apply for such tax relief to qualify for the rebate.
The calculation of the gaming levy relief for 2024 was primarily based on income from these specialized zones that cater to foreign gamers. The Macao Daily News, citing legislator Mr. Ip, elucidated that the steps taken were part of broader efforts to accommodate and encourage international patrons, eventually leading to a stronger economy.
Overall Fiscal Performance and Revenue Projections
The report from Macau’s fiscal regulators quantified the annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) for Macau's casinos for the year 2024, which was MOP226.78 billion (approximately US$28.34 billion). A thorough analysis revealed that the revenue generated by foreign players accounted for about 0.17 percent of the total GGR, indicating the strategic importance of international clientele.
In the same year, the tax income from Macau's gaming sector amounted to MOP88.13 billion, as detailed in the fiscal-budget execution report for 2024. Looking forward, the government's budget plans anticipated an increase in tax revenue from this sector, projecting figures of MOP88.56 billion for 2025 and MOP92.53 billion for 2026.
This projected growth underscores the continued reliance on and expansion of Macau's gaming industry as a significant contributor to local economic stability.
Source: About US$385mln in Macau gaming revenue from play by overseas clients in 2024: report, GGRasia, January 13, 2026.
Posted by Wizard
Jan 14 2026
Jan 14 2026
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