Macau Casinos Face Uncertain Future After COVID-19 Shutdown

Macau casinos reopened on July 23, 2022, after a two-week shutdown. The six licensed operators in Macau are spending millions of dollars every day due to current restrictions. China’s “Zero-COVID” policy has caused incalculable economic damage to the region and Macau is no exception.

Morgan Stanley analysts predict that revenue will not surpass $7 billion in 2022, an 81% fall on the pre-COVID level. The Asian gambling paradise has struggled immensely since the start of the pandemic and there is still no light at the end of the tunnel.

Restrictions in place now include: Only 50% of casino personnel permitted to work, strict disinfection measure for all returning workers, only one person per two square meters permitted, and social distancing rules apply to both casino staff and customers. Most worryingly, there are no signs that this harsh policy will change in the near future.