Your Daily Asia Gaming eBrief: China arrivals to Macau face even more testing

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

Good morning. The outlook for Macau's fourth quarter is not looking great, as October visitor numbers rose just 4 percent monthly, despite Golden Week. Plus, outbreaks in China prompted a new measure requiring anyone entering from China to take COVID tests two days after arrival, or face restrictions on venue entries, including casinos. In brighter pastures, Travellers affiliate Megaworld is investing $261 million in its new casino-housing Winford Resort in Manila.

What you need to know

Entrants from China to Macau now have to undergo nucleic acid testing two days after arrival, as outbreaks in mainland China plague visitation.
Travellers affiliate Megaworld is investing $261 million in the new Winford Resort in Manila, complete with a casino, on site of the former Jockey Club.
Visitation to Macau in October disappointed, up just 4 percent m-o-m, despite Golden Week, all driven by regional tourism.

On the radar

Borrowing saw Macau gaming sector 2021 FDI hit $2.11bln.
PH senator demands investigation on Myanmar crypto scheme syndicate

AGB Intelligence

MACAU

Macau 4Q22 threatened by further testing for arrivals from China

New outbreaks across mainland China, and particularly in neighboring Guangdong province, are threatening possible upticks for Macau's fourth quarter. Now, arrivals from China will have to undergo COVID testing two days after their arrival, or face restrictions on access to venues, including casinos. Given the widespread nature of the mainland infections, and the zero-COVID policy, measures should continue to evolve.