The year 2025 marked a significant uptick in the submission of exclusion applications for Macau's casinos, according to the latest statistics from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, commonly known as the DICJ. The data indicates a striking 67.9 percent rise compared to the previous year, with a total of 952 applications recorded by December 31. This number stands in stark contrast to the 567 applications filed in 2024. These figures do not account for exclusion orders mandated by the courts, focusing solely on voluntary requests for exclusion by individuals or third parties.
Breakdown of Exclusion Application Types
A closer examination of the data reveals that self-exclusion applications comprised the majority of the requests in 2025. Specifically, there were 828 self-exclusion cases, representing a 74.3 percent increase from the 475 applications recorded in 2024. This suggests a growing awareness and utilization of self-imposed restrictions within the local gaming community.
Third-party exclusion requests also witnessed a rise, though to a lesser degree. In 2025, there were 124 applications initiated by third parties, signifying a 34.8 percent increase from the 92 cases observed in 2024. Under Macau's regulations, these third-party requests require confirmation by the individual targeted by the exclusion.
Historical Context and Regulatory Framework
The exclusion figures over the years have seen fluctuations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the years 2020, 2021, and 2022 saw 283, 426, and 345 applications respectively, a period when travel restrictions affected the influx of visitors to Macau. By 2023, the number had risen to 494 as restrictions eased.
Since the enactment of Law No. 10/2012, titled “Regulating the Conditions of Entering, Working and Gaming at Casinos,” in November 2012, a cumulative total of 5,789 exclusion applications have been recorded. The legislation allows the director of the gaming bureau to prohibit individuals from entering one or more casinos for up to two years after receiving an exclusion request.
An important amendment that came into force in December 2019 prohibits off-duty casino employees from gambling in Macau, emphasizing the government's efforts to regulate gaming activities and promote responsible gambling practices among locals and workers alike.
Source: Applications for exclusion from Macau casinos up 68pct y-o-y in 2025, GGRAsia, January 21, 2026.
Posted by Wizard
Jan 21 2026
Jan 21 2026
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