Macau is experiencing a rise in problem gambling and a record number of self-exclusions from casinos after authorities changed the focus from the VIP model to general public players. Macau’s six gaming operators generated $30.9 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, making it the world’s richest casino market. However, the People’s Republic of China
Macau is experiencing a rise in problem gambling and a record number of self-exclusions from casinos after authorities changed the focus from the VIP model to general public players.
Macau’s six gaming operators generated $30.9 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2025, making it the world’s richest casino market. However, the People’s Republic of China and President Xi Jinping shut down the VIP junket model, where casinos worked together to bring high-roller players to the city to bet in private rooms.
Players were offered a line of casino credit equal to the amount they paid for the trip and accommodation. These private room games saw individual bets reaching up to $10,000.
Macau and Beijing offered 10-year license extensions to Sands, Wynn, MGM, Galaxy, Melco, and SJM in exchange for investing $16 billion in non-gaming projects. The goal of this was to change Macau from a high-stakes gambling destination into a family-friendly and business location.
As a result, VIP gaming rooms were closed, and casinos changed their focus to the general public. Although this helped raise gaming activity, it increased gambling problems as well, with 828 individuals choosing to self-exclude in 2025, compared to just 475 in 2024.