Macau’s casino gross gaming revenue (GGR) declined in July 2026 as the FIFA World Cup continued to affect gaming demand, although the market recorded an improvement compared with the previous month.

Gaming revenue reached MOP20.3 billion (US$2.51 billion) during July, representing an 8.4% decrease from the same month a year earlier, according to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ). The result followed weaker performance during the football tournament, which concluded on July 19.

Despite the monthly decline, Macau’s overall gaming market remained ahead of last year’s levels. Total casino GGR for the first seven months of 2026 reached MOP147.2 billion (US$18.2 billion), marking a 4.4% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.

World Cup Distraction Affects Gaming Demand

The extended 2026 World Cup was identified as a factor influencing Macau’s July results. The tournament lasted 39 days and featured 104 matches, making it the longest edition in the competition’s history.

Several gaming operators previously indicated that premium player activity was affected during the event, as some customers redirected spending toward football-related interests. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, Sands China and MGM China both acknowledged that premium volumes were weaker during the tournament period.

Regulator data showed that July revenue improved compared with June. The month’s GGR was 9.4% higher than June’s MOP18.52 billion, suggesting a recovery after the earlier slowdown linked partly to the football competition.

Analysts also observed improving conditions after the World Cup final. Citi said Macau’s daily GGR increased by around 9% during the second full week of July compared with the week beginning July 6, as the impact of the tournament gradually reduced.

Bill Hornbuckle, chief executive and president of MGM Resorts International, said demand for Macau gaming had already started recovering before the World Cup final took place on July 19.

Industry expectations pointed to further support from upcoming events and entertainment activity, which analysts said could provide additional momentum for gaming revenues in the months ahead.

Typhoons Create Additional Disruptions

Macau also experienced limited disruption from two typhoons during July. Typhoon Maysak affected the city at the beginning of the month, while Typhoon Noul arrived closer to the end of July.

In both cases, authorities raised only the No.3 storm signal, avoiding the higher No.8 warning level that typically results in suspension of public transportation services.

However, Typhoon Noul affected travel connections, including flights at Macau International Airport and transport links with Hong Kong, which remains one of Macau’s largest visitor markets. Ferry services between Macau and parts of neighboring Guangdong province were also suspended temporarily.

The disruptions came during a period when Macau was already managing reduced gaming activity linked to the World Cup.

Economic Growth Slows In Second Quarter

Macau’s wider economy continued expanding in 2026, although growth slowed during the second quarter.

Gross domestic product increased by 0.3% year on year between April and June, a significant moderation from the 7.1% growth recorded in the first quarter. GDP during the second quarter totaled MOP102.33 billion ($12.7 billion), according to the Statistics and Census Service.

For the first half of 2026, Macau’s economy grew by 3.7% in real terms, reaching MOP209.89 billion ($26.1 billion).

The statistics authority attributed the first-half expansion mainly to stronger exports of services, supported by increased visitor numbers. Service exports rose 7.2% compared with the same period a year earlier, while visitor arrivals increased 9%.

Private consumption expenditure also recorded growth, rising 2.8%. Meanwhile, government final consumption expenditure declined slightly by 0.2%, and gross fixed capital formation dropped 9.4%.

First-half economic output reached 89.1% of the level recorded during the same period in 2019.