Macau's gaming revenue in June fell 12.1 percent year on year to 18.52 billion Pataca (HK$18 billion), according to the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of Macau.
Compared to May, gaming revenue dropped 18.1 percent to 22.61 billion Pataca.
In the first six months of this year, gaming revenue rose 6.8 percent year on year to 126.9 billion Pataca.
The sharp drop in Macau's June gaming revenue, both monthly and annually, is partly due to the World Cup 2026. Citi said in a recent report that it expected Macau's gross gaming revenue to decline 10 percent year on year in June and 5 percent in July, as the tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, in North American time. And a recovery is likely only after the event ends.
The report noted that historical data suggests major football events divert Macau gamblers' spending. This year's expanded tournament – with 16 extra teams and a new 32-team knockout tournament – could amplify the impact.
