Gross gaming revenue rose 136 per cent in February to MOP 7.3 billion (US$915 million), according to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ).
While still down 71 per cent from the February 2019 level – before Covid-19 – with revenue falling 8.9 per cent from the previous month, the latest results show the city’s gaming revenue rising for the first time in 17 months.
Accumulated gross revenue in January and February 2021 stands at MOP 15.3 billion minus 39.2 per cent if compared with last year’s first two months.
Macao is still trying to lure mainland Chinese gamblers who are discouraged by a tightened visa application process and virus tests required for crossing the border.
The Lunar New Year holiday – one of the strongest weeks for casinos – was marred by an outbreak in northern China.
Arrivals declined 65 per cent from last year’s holiday week as Chinese officials urged citizens to stay home.
According to Bloomberg, “the situation should improve as Macao has gradually been easing quarantine rules on travellers from parts of China that saw winter outbreaks.
