In a move that underscores Macau’s evolving economic ambitions, six major casino operators jointly pledged MOP120 million (about US$15 million) to sponsor this year’s 72nd Macau Grand Prix, slated from November 13 to 16. Each of the operators—Galaxy Entertainment, Melco Resorts, MGM China, Sands China, SJM Resorts, and Wynn Macau—contributed MOP20 million apiece. According to the organizing committee, the total event budget is estimated at MOP240 million, meaning casinos cover half of the cost.
Kenneth Feng, President of MGM China, recently emphasized that the NBA preseason games scheduled in Macau this October stand to benefit all six casino operators in the enclave—not just those directly hosting the events. However, Feng cautioned that meaningful content and sustained programming must be at the core, or the effort risks being a flash in the pan.
Las Vegas Sands is sharpening its focus on high-profile sports events to boost Macau’s image as a global entertainment destination, following the roaring success of its recent NBA showcase. During a media session, Sands President Patrick Dumont said the company intends to stage more world-class sports spectacles in Macau to attract new demographics, strengthen non-gaming revenue, and reinforce the city’s global tourism credentials. The move reflects a growing trend among Macau’s casino operators to diversify beyond gaming, in line with government expectations under the city’s renewed concession framework.
Macau once again shattered expectations in September 2025, with gaming tax collections reaching a new post-pandemic high of US 1.06 billion—a striking indicator of how the city’s casinos continue to anchor its fiscal recovery. According to recent reporting, this surge was driven by strong gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the period, despite headwinds like tropical storms and seasonal softness.
Philippines-based DigiPlus Interactive recently announced a temporary suspension of its newly launched Brazilian platform, GamePlus, after just three weeks in soft operation. The company says the decision was strategic: to take time to analyze early usage data, deepen its understanding of Brazilian preferences, and return with a more “locally relevant” product.
Author: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 14/10/2025
