Macau’s gross gaming revenue rose by 19.1% year-on-year in 2017 to MOP$265.7 billion (US$33.2 billion), despite a slower than expected December that saw GGR come in below expectations.
The full year increase represents the first time in three years that Macau has booked an annual revenue gain, with total revenue up from MOP$223.2 (US$27.9 billion) in 2016. The year’s MOP$265.7 billion is also the highest annual amount since the city recorded GGR of MOP$351.5 billion (US$44.1 billion) in 2014 and is the fifth highest of all time.
However, Macau’s GGR for December came in lower than expected at MOP$22.7 billion, representing a 14.6% year-on-year increase and the 17th consecutive month of growth.
According to brokerage Sanford C Bernstein, average daily revenue (ADR) for the month fell 5% sequentially to MOP$732 million from MOP$768 million in November. It included an implied ADR of MOP$686 million for the final 14 days of December with total volume declining over the latter half of the month after a strong start.