Category: Gaming

Macau’s gaming industry is back in business, and the numbers prove it. The government raked in MOP$88.1 billion ($11.0 billion) in gaming tax revenue last year, a sharp 35% jump from 2023, according to fresh data from the Financial Services Bureau. While still trailing pre-pandemic levels, the figures show a stronger-than-expected rebound for the world’s biggest gambling hub.

Government’s Tax Haul Beats Expectations

Officials had projected gaming tax revenue to hit MOP$83.6 billion ($10.4 billion) for 2024. But actual collections sailed past that by 5.4%, highlighting how Macau’s casino-driven economy is recovering at a faster pace than anticipated.

It’s a big win for the government, which depends heavily on the gaming sector for its budget. In fact, gaming accounted for 80.5% of Macau’s total tax revenue in 2024, bringing in MOP$109.5 billion ($13.7 billion) overall.

However, while the growth is impressive, the city still has ground to cover. The 2024 tax collections remain 21.8% lower than in 2019, when Macau pulled in MOP$112.7 billion ($14.2 billion) before the pandemic disrupted business.

December’s Gaming Tax Dips From November

The end of the year brought mixed results. Macau collected MOP$7.08 billion ($884 million) in gaming tax in December 2024, up 14.4% from the previous year but down 13% from November’s numbers.

The dip aligns with November’s gross gaming revenue (GGR), which came in at MOP$18.4 billion ($2.30 billion). Since gaming tax is levied based on the previous month’s GGR, a lower intake in December was expected.

Still, the year closed on a high note, with overall numbers showing clear signs of stability after years of turbulence.

Strong Start for 2025

Macau isn’t slowing down. January 2025 already saw MOP$7.19 billion ($896 million) in gaming tax revenue, kicking off the year with 7.7% of the full-year projection of MOP$93.1 billion ($11.6 billion).

With tourist arrivals climbing and casino floors buzzing again, analysts are watching closely to see if 2025 can push Macau’s gaming revenue closer to pre-pandemic figures. The city’s economic rebound depends on it.

How Macau’s Gaming Tax Revenue Compares

To put Macau’s numbers into perspective, here’s how its 2024 gaming tax revenue stacks up against past years:

While Macau is still trailing its 2019 peak, the sharp recovery from pandemic lows is undeniable.

Challenges and Outlook

Despite the encouraging rebound, the road ahead isn’t without challenges.

• Tourism and Spending Patterns: While visitor numbers are climbing, not all tourists are splurging like they used to. A shift in spending behavior could impact future revenue.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Macau’s tighter regulations on junkets and high-roller gambling could limit future growth in the VIP sector, historically a major revenue driver.
• China’s Economy: With a significant chunk of Macau’s gamblers coming from the mainland, any slowdown in China’s economy could affect casino revenues.

For now, though, Macau’s gaming sector appears to be on steadier footing, signaling a stronger financial outlook for the city in 2025.

Clark County commissioners have given Whiskey Pete’s Hotel & Casino in Primm, Nevada, a longer break, allowing it to remain closed for up to three years. Affinity Gaming, the casino’s owner, cited weak weekday business as the primary reason. The approval lets the company keep the doors shut for two years, retroactive to December 18, 2024, with the possibility of two additional six-month extensions.

A Special Exemption for Whiskey Pete’s

Normally, casinos in Clark County must keep their gaming licenses active to stay in business. But with this waiver, Whiskey Pete’s gets to sidestep that requirement. Instead of fully shutting down its operations, the casino will keep its licensing alive through Whiskey Pete’s Stateline Stop truck stop, where 22 slot machines are still running.

There are even plans to nearly double that number. The truck stop could soon have 40 slot machines, ensuring that some level of gambling remains on-site.

Affinity Gaming Reshapes Its Strategy

Affinity Gaming, which also owns Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bill’s, is shifting its approach. The company is steering away from the traditional full-time resort model and is instead focusing on attracting highway travelers passing between Las Vegas and Southern California.

Senior Vice President and General Counsel Erin Barnett pointed to a possible bright future for the area. “The positive news is that expected development of an airport and ancillary businesses has created the prospect of a resurgence for the area in the coming years,” she said. But for now, keeping all three Primm properties open just isn’t feasible.

For weekend visitors, Primm Valley Resort and Buffalo Bill’s will remain open, continuing to serve those looking for entertainment at the state line. Whiskey Pete’s, however, will stay dark until the numbers make sense again.

The Future of Primm: Betting on an Airport

A key factor in Affinity’s decision is the long-term prospect of a new airport near Primm. The Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport, planned for the Ivanpah Valley, is expected to boost the region’s economy.

The catch? It won’t open anytime soon. Current projections suggest the airport won’t be operational until at least 2037.

Scott Butera, President and CEO of Affinity Interactive, acknowledged the shift: “The properties in Primm are undergoing an exciting transition.” That transition appears to be about patience—waiting for the infrastructure and demand to develop before making big moves.

No Opposition, but the Clock Is Ticking

During the public hearing, no one stood up to object to the extended closure. The Clark County Business Licensing Department will keep tabs on Affinity’s progress, overseeing any potential requests for further extensions.

Whiskey Pete’s, which first opened its doors in 1977, holds the title of Primm’s oldest casino. For now, it will remain in limbo as executives watch market conditions and decide its ultimate fate.

Native American tribes are pushing back against the expansion of prediction markets into sports event contracts, arguing that the move threatens their sovereignty and could undercut billions of dollars in gaming revenue. Their concerns have been submitted to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) ahead of a major roundtable discussion scheduled for April 30, 2025.

Strong Opposition from Tribal Entities

The public comment period on the CFTC’s review of prediction markets drew 19 submissions, with more than half—11 in total—coming from tribal entities. That level of unity is rare in Indian Country, underscoring the deep concern about how federally regulated sports contracts could impact tribal gaming.

At the core of their argument is the belief that allowing sports contracts to be listed and traded undermines existing gaming agreements under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These agreements give tribes exclusive rights to operate certain types of gaming, often in exchange for revenue-sharing deals with states.

One tribal organization put it bluntly: “Allowing sports contracts to be listed and traded will interfere with the sovereign right of tribes and states to exercise their police power to regulate gaming,” the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) wrote in its submission to the CFTC.

Billions at Stake in Revenue-Sharing Agreements

Tribes warn that the financial consequences of expanding prediction markets could be massive.

Gaming compacts between states and tribal nations generate billions in revenue, funding essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. If prediction markets are allowed to enter the space unchecked, tribes argue, they could siphon off money that would otherwise flow to tribal communities.

• Many gaming compacts include revenue-sharing provisions that could be weakened if prediction markets disrupt the industry.
• Unlike tribal casinos, prediction markets are not subject to gaming taxes or responsible gambling measures, creating an uneven playing field.
• Tribes fear that new federally regulated markets could bypass state-level gambling laws entirely, eroding their exclusivity rights.

The Growing Footprint of Prediction Markets

Platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket have already expanded from political and cultural event contracts into sports betting-style markets. While legal at the federal level, these markets operate across all 50 states without the same restrictions placed on traditional gaming operators.

This raises concerns about fairness. Tribal casinos and state-licensed sportsbooks must adhere to strict regulations, while prediction markets enjoy a different set of rules. Critics argue that this creates an unfair competitive advantage for platforms that aren’t required to contribute tax revenue or fund responsible gambling programs.

A key question for regulators is whether sports event contracts should be classified as gaming—a category that falls under state jurisdiction—or as financial instruments, which would place them under federal oversight. The answer could have major implications for both tribes and the broader gambling industry.

What’s Next?

With the CFTC’s roundtable on April 30 fast approaching, the debate over prediction markets is heating up. Tribes are making it clear they want a seat at the table, warning that any move to approve sports contracts without their input could trigger legal challenges.

For now, the future of these markets remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Native American tribes are prepared to fight to protect their gaming sovereignty.