In the first quarter of 2025, Texas Hold’em poker in Macau achieved a significant milestone by generating a record gross gaming revenue (GGR) of MOP242 million (US$30.3 million). This figure represents the highest quarterly GGR for the segment since the city’s casino regulator, the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, began publishing data in 2008. The increase marks a 3.0 percent rise from the MOP235 million recorded in the first three months of 2024, indicating a robust performance for the poker segment. Despite this positive trend, the broader landscape of Texas Hold’em poker in Macau has experienced fluctuations over the years.
Historical Performance and Recent Challenges
The annual GGR for Texas Hold’em poker in Macau reached MOP883 million in 2024, setting a high since the government started issuing figures for the category. Prior to this, the modern-era annual GGR record stood at MOP446 million in 2019. However, the segment faced a significant downturn in 2020, with revenues dropping to MOP35 million due to travel restrictions associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Since 2023, there has been a staged revenue recovery, although industry commentators have noted that Texas Hold’em poker is not among the most profitable segments for casinos due to the rake model. Instead, it serves as an effective marketing tool to attract younger customers and non-Chinese tourists.
Despite the recovery, recent observations suggest that Texas Hold’em poker zones in Macau might be experiencing a retreat. GGRAsia's snapshot casino floor checks around the city have revealed that at least two poker zones, which were active since 2023, have recently closed. One such closure occurred at MGM Macau, operated by MGM China Holdings Ltd on the city’s peninsula. The zone, active as of June 2023, was out of service by March and has since been converted into a space serving Shanghai-style food and drinks. This information is based on GGRAsia’s recent site visits and industry sources. In contrast, the Texas Hold’em poker area at the sister property, MGM Cotai, remains operational.
Current Status of Poker Zones
Another notable closure was at the Grand Lisboa Palace, a Cotai resort run by SJM Holdings Ltd. The Texas Hold’em poker space, observed in operation as of August 2023, appeared closed by mid-April, according to GGRAsia’s observations. Despite these closures, several Texas Hold’em poker zones remain in operation across Macau. As of last week, active zones included one on the main floor of Wynn Macau, a property managed by Wynn Macau Ltd on the city’s peninsula, and at The Venetian Macao, a Cotai casino resort operated by Sands China Ltd.
The fluctuating fortunes of Texas Hold’em poker in Macau highlight the dynamic nature of the gaming industry in the region. While the segment has shown resilience and growth in terms of GGR, the recent closures of poker zones indicate challenges that operators must navigate. The continued operation of several zones suggests that there is still a demand for Texas Hold’em poker in Macau, albeit in a more concentrated form. As the industry evolves, it will be crucial to monitor how these trends impact the overall gaming landscape in the city.
Source: Hold'em poker in Macau had record quarterly GGR, some casino poker zones seen as closing, GGRAsia, April 28, 2025.
Posted by Wizard
Apr 29 2025
Apr 29 2025
Comments
No comments for this article.