The revenue from Macau’s casinos experienced a significant year-over-year decline of 12.1% in June, amounting to MOP18.5 billion (equivalent to US$2.29 billion). The upcoming 2026 World Cup has been identified as a key factor contributing to this decreased demand.
According to a recent report from Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the six major casino operators experienced a steep decline in gaming winnings throughout June. The likely reason for this downturn is that many bettors opted to place their wagers with bookmakers, drawn by the excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
June marked the inaugural month of 2026 that recorded a decline in year-over-year gross gaming revenue (GGR). The monthly figure of $2.29 billion stands as the lowest for the year so far, representing an 18.1% decrease compared to May’s total of $2.8 billion.
As of June, the cumulative GGR in Macau for the year reached $15.7 billion, still reflecting a 6.8% increase despite the challenges observed last month.
Surge in Sports Betting
Experts in the gaming industry note that the World Cup has redirected both attention and discretionary spending from Macau’s casino scene, particularly among mass and premium mass markets, towards sportsbooks. While most forms of gambling remain illegal on mainland China, betting on international soccer matches is permitted via the China Sports Lottery.
Although basketball and ping pong reign supreme in China, soccer boasts a vast and passionate fanbase. The Chinese Super League consistently attracts large viewership.
Unfortunately, the Chinese men’s national soccer team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, having only made it to the tournament once, back in 2002.
Analysts predict that the 2026 World Cup’s impact on Macau will be pronounced, especially as the tournament expands to include 48 teams, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104. With the tournament now into the Knockout Round, over two weeks remain until a champion is declared, potentially leading to further declines in July.
State of the Chinese Economy
Grant Feng, a senior economist at Vanguard, highlights that China is currently experiencing a “two-speed economy,” characterized by a flourishing high-tech manufacturing sector overshadowed by declining domestic consumer demand.
“Although solid short-term growth may reduce the urgency for immediate stimulus, indications of distress within the domestic economy are likely to keep policymakers vigilant, possibly speeding up the implementation of policy support. The People’s Bank of China is expected to maintain its position throughout the year, favoring structural tools tailored for specific sectors over a blanket policy rate reduction,” wrote Feng.
In March 2025, the Chinese government introduced a a substantial $1.4 trillion stimulus package aimed at revitalizing an economy heavily affected by trade tariffs imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Chinese exports.