Macau Casino Earnings Surge Amid 33-Hour Shutdown

In September, Macau’s casino sector saw a 6 percent year-on-year increase in gross gaming revenue (GGR), reaching approximately MOP18.29 billion (US$2.28 billion). This growth was recorded despite a temporary halt in operations due to Super Typhoon Ragasa, as reported by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The revenue, however, experienced a sequential decline of 17.5 percent from August’s figures, which were the highest since January 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of Super Typhoon Ragasa on Casino Operations

In the latter part of September, the city’s casinos faced a 33-hour operation suspension attributed to the passage of Super Typhoon Ragasa. Macau's weather service issued its highest warning, Signal No.10, early on September 24 when the typhoon was closest to the region. With five stages in the warning system ranging from Signal No.1 to Signal No.10, the signal was later downgraded to No.8 by 4 p.m. on the same day, and subsequently to No.3 by 11 p.m. By 2 a.m. on September 25, casinos resumed activities.

Despite the shutdown, a CLSA Ltd analyst, Jeffrey Kiang, estimated that the casino industry suffered a potential loss of MOP880 million in GGR. Both Kiang and IGamiX Management and Consulting Ltd’s Ben Lee agreed that the closure might have shaved off about 5 percent from the anticipated performance in September's GGR.

Annual Performance and Sector Outlook

Despite the brief closure in September, the sector's aggregate GGR for the year appeared robust, accumulating around MOP181.34 billion. This signifies a 7.1 percent increase from the same period in the previous year, underscoring the resilient recovery the region has been undergoing post-pandemic. The monthly and annual growth rates highlight the gaming sector's adaptation and ongoing recovery in Macau.

As the city moves beyond immediate weather challenges, the industry remains optimistic about continuous growth, although mindful of any potential disruptions due to unforeseen events like typhoons.

Source: Macau GGR up 6pct y-o-y to US$2.3bln in September despite 33-hour casino closure, GGRAsia, October 1, 2025.