Macau Problem Gambling Surges After Casinos Pivoted From VIP to General Public

Problem gambling is on the rise in Macau. Following the enclave's casinos' shift from catering to high rollers and VIPs to premium mass and general public players, there has been a surge in the number of persons seeking assistance for their gambling.

In 2025, the six gaming operators in Macau won $30.9 billion from their slot machines and table games, making it the biggest casino market in the world. The yearly gross gaming revenue (GGR) reached its highest level since 2019 at $30.9 billion.

However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the way Macau's casinos produce GGR has significantly changed. Once primarily a gaming haven for the wealthiest members of mainland China, Beijing leveraged the worldwide health crisis to change Macau's operations.

The VIP junket model was shut down by President Xi Jinping and the People's Republic. The companies were charged with helping to move funds from the communist government to Macau, a Chinese-controlled Special Administration Region that is regarded as a tax haven.

Macau's casinos and junkets conspired to draw high rollers from the mainland to the city. Usually, patrons received a line of casino credit that was nearly equal to the sum they paid the junket for their opulent journey and lodging. These high rollers wagered on high-stakes baccarat games in private rooms, frequently with per-bet hands of up to $10,000.

Problem Gambling in Macau 

Beijing and Macau required Sands, Wynn, MGM, Galaxy, Melco, and SJM to invest $16 billion in non-gaming projects in exchange for ten-year extensions of their casino licenses. The goal of the deal was to transform Macau from a haven for high-stakes gaming to a place for business, relaxation, and family vacations.

Most of the VIP gambling rooms have been eliminated. Instead, Macau casinos have expanded its marketing strategy, and thus far, their multibillion-dollar wagers on non-gaming are also contributing to the growth of gaming. However, authorities claim it's also contributing to gambling issues in Macau.

According to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of Macau, 828 individuals had their access to casinos revoked in 2025. Just 475 people asked for self-exclusion in 2024.

Macau's self-exclusion program saw an average of 341 new participants annually over the seven years from 2013 to 2019. 2020 saw 254 self-exclusions, 2021 saw 359, 2022 saw 292 and 2023 saw 418.

Last year, 124 more people were banned due to requests made by a third party, usually a close friend or family member. Before a third-party application is completed, the person must consent to being excluded.

Casino-requested exclusions are included in the total number of exclusions. For a period of two years, excluded individuals are prohibited from entering Macau's casinos. 

Maturation of the Macau Market

After three years of growth, S&P analysts are forecasting a stabilization of gaming revenues following the reform of the Macau gaming sector.

"Macau’s gaming boom is fading. The sector will be moving from a post-pandemic rebound to a more maturity-driven phase, as capacity limits and potentially softer mass demand temper growth,” the S&P note read.

“We think 2026 revenue growth will slow, but steady operations, selective share gains, and deleveraging still support modest upside,” the brokerage predicted.