The combined value of casino equities in Macau lost a combined market capitalization of $14 billion as the share prices tumbled following an announcement of a new regulations on the sector. Officials in Macau announced they would be taking tougher measures against the casino businesses in the region, adding this would include new government officials appointed to oversee the world’s richest casino business.
There are incoming fireworks in Macau’s casino sector as the local authorities make structural changes to the market, threatening the longevity of the industry. ©leonkinkeong1/Pixabay
The games do not offer 'real money gambling' or an opportunity to win real money or prizes. The games are intended for an adult audience. Practice or success at social casino Casino Online Macau gaming does not imply future success at 'real money gambling'. Macau has for years been a mecca for gambling in Asia, with billions of dollars wagered in the region every year at its high-end casinos. To put the size of the industry into context, Macau casinos earned $36.6bn in revenues in 2019, compared to $6.6bn in Las Vegas. Three of the big six casinos in Macau are owned or part-owned by American firms.
The Bloomberg Intelligence index, a market analytics tool, tracked a 19% drop in the equity value of the six biggest casino operators in Macau on Wednesday. There was a slight rebound from this low point, but the day will have hurt the casinos’ longtail outlook significantly. International operators in Macau saw the worst sell-off, Sands China losing as much as 28% on its share price, with Wynn Macau sliding by some 34% and Galaxy Entertainment Group slumping by 18% – all three drops being the most severe in the history in the companies’ share price.
Officials in the economic zone, the only place where gambling is legal in China, said that the next 45 days would involve a great deal of public consultation and discussions to deliberate over the legal challenges and consequences that may arise from these changes. Amongst other things, the main topics of discussion will be the number of casino licenses the city should grant to new casinos, the validity period granted on a new operating license, and the levels of scrutiny required by the government on the internal operations of a casino. A very broad set of considerations that could carry some major implications for the future stability of Macau’s casino business.
There are many licenses that are still being negotiated for approval in Macau – but with regulatory periods requiring a shorter validity period than previously allowed, next June will be the time when the situation is tightened around what is and isn’t possible. This shake-up and shift in policy from the central authorities of China & Macau have taken many people by surprise.
Macau Casino Industry Taken by Surprise
The industry had been able to expect a round of license renewals as the current agreements have an expiration date, but the move to tighten the restrictions against the casinos has come as a shock to owners. Besides tightening the regulatory framework around the industry, the local authorities have alluded to a plan where shareholdings in these companies will need to move under local ownership – however, there have been few details on exactly how this will be implemented. The pressure being applied by China’s communist party is part of a broader plan to clamp down on the freedom of private enterprises operating on its territories.
Investors are clearly spooked by the latest policy shifts in China, with many now questioning the investment security of the entire market. Ultimately, there is a major shift in the works, the status quo in the country seems to be a strong shift towards increasing the regulation, taxes, and freedom of movement in the market.
JPMorgan Chase in their updated review of equities in the Chinese region downgraded the six largest casinos to a sell or neutral weighting. In their latest research paper, they alluded to the seeds of doubt that had already been planted in the mind of investors, the major players in this region have been seriously damaged, with going concerned already being mentioned for the foreign-owned enterprises in Macau.
The tightening restrictions come at a time when the casinos are already dealing with the cash-flow problems from Macau COVID restrictions. The lockdown initiated by the Macau government put a curb on the freedom of movement around the region, with tourists completely cut off, the lifeblood of the economy was seriously damaged. Gaming revenues have plummeted since the outbreak of the pandemic, with a brief revival stint in-between, the gross drop has been in the region of 82%.
Among the terms being discussed are a large range of financial and legal restructuring measures – the particular focus is being given on how returns on the equity are delivered back to shareholders. The dividend policies of these companies will likely receive new regulation, as will the level of access & oversight state officials have and can deploy when influencing the decisions of these firms. In any case, a final bill will be tabled with the local legislature in the next few weeks.
Financial Analysts Predict Crash in Macau Casino Sector
Analysts across the industry are looking at these latest revelations with an extremely bearish outlook going into the new quarter. It appears that there will likely be a major sell-off in the market over the next few weeks as investors gauge the extent of damage these latest policy changes are likely to inflict. It is still not certain how bad the fallout will be, but with extensive governance and financial controls expected to be issued on the industry, it does feel like a monumental shift in outlook.
The writing has been on the wall for industry, with China clamping down on VIP players and junket operators over the past few years. The tight laws on currency outflows and money laundering have been utilized to shut down this loophole over the past 12 months. This major culmination of changing market and regulatory conditions means that casino owners may need to diversify their portfolios and invest more in services and leisure offerings besides gambling.
Nonetheless, the popularity of gambling in China hasn’t gone anywhere, and this changing regulatory environment means there will be much greater utilization of offshore operators in the Philippines and Cambodia. These two regions had been enjoying a major boom in top-line gross gaming revenues over the past years, halted slightly by the pandemic, they are heavily touted to return to old winning ways.
Whilst it seems unlikely that large casinos like Las Vegas Sands and Wynn will lose their operating licenses, there is nervousness in the market there. Everything is going in the wrong direction for these businesses, and Macau is far from the place it was five or even three years ago.
Best Online Casinos in Macau
Gambling in Macau
Macau is a blend of histories, and this is one of the many reasons why it is a preference for many gamblers. The region is also a melting point of different cultures. This makes the city an attractive destination for players who are also inclined to have diverse experiences.
For many people, however, while all these things are enticing, the thrill of playing in any Macau Casino is in being part of history. The region is home for some of the best gambling stories about many players over a long time.
While this is the drive for many people, wanting to make memories in a place that is already rich in them, some want to be part of pop-culture. Creators use Macau as a destination for their work. Some gamblers, looking to live in a TV moment and play in one of the most famous cities.
Macau has also integrated aspects of grandeur into the gaming world. There are perks such as luxury hotels and VIP playing options, which are accorded to interested players. This aspect of exclusivity is an attractive pull for gamblers looking to experience all the splendor Macau offers.
Some of the casinos you should explore to enjoy these advantages include:
- City of Dreams
- Sands of Macao
- Starworld Casino and Hotel
- Emperors Palace
- Pharaoh's Palace
Current Legal Situation in Macau
Since its inception, the Macau gaming industry has operated under a monopoly. This was meant to increase and control the size of revenue. In 2002, however, the policy was lifted, opening the region up for multiple operators.
Macau is home to over 40 brick-and-mortar casinos, and all of them operate under the guidance of the Macau Gaming Law. The DICJ, also referred to as the Macau Gaming and Coordination Bureau, is strict on adherence to the rules and regulations.
The DICJ is in charge of all forms of gambling, including horse racing, lottery, and sports betting. The body works with relevant authorities to ensure that casinos uphold its recommendation.
This comes in the form of rigorous inspection and monitoring, to ensure that all casinos in Macau abide. Ultimately, this intense insistence on following gambling regulations fully has informed the centuries worth of the gambling industry.
As part of its mandate, the DICJ shuts down any illegal gambling activities, and the perpetrators are subject to prosecution under the law. Some aspects of this enforcement have given this gambling destination a reputable standing. This continued dedication to ensuring fair and responsible gaming has earned Macau its place in the world of gaming.
Online Gambling in Macau
Although many brick-and-mortar casinos are working to tap into the online gaming world, those in Macau cannot. This is because no law supports online casinos. This means there isn't a legal framework as to whether or how they should operate. This limits the casino operator, but not the player.
While casinos cannot put up shop online, players can access their favorite games on platforms licensed outside Macau. This fact has driven many casino operators and game developers, with certifications from trusted regulatory bodies in the industry, to target the Macau audience and get them to play on their sites. Most do this through enticing offers in promotions and bonuses.
Payment Methods at Macau Casinos
Banking options are one of the first things you should look at in an online casino. Most gambling platforms provide similar alternatives for the most part. Some of the ones you will find across many platforms are VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and many others.
When looking through a casino's payment method, your main points of consideration should be safety and security. You need to ensure that any data shared with the online casino is protected from unauthorized access and use without consent.
Additionally, the methods should work for you, in that the minimum and maximum transactions should accommodate the size of your bankroll and possible wins. This allows you to not only ensure that you can cash everything out if there is also a need but also saves you on the cost of a transaction.
Banking methods should also offer convenience. This can be in terms of fastness and easy access.
Online Casino Sites Accepting Macanese pataca (MOK)
Often, international casinos offer limited options in currency. Many platforms that Macau players can access do not accept MOK as part of the alternatives. However, players can convert the value of their funds to an available currency.
Knowing the conversation rate also helps pace your spending and understand the size of your bet and the perks it might bring. This information allows you to assess how the rate affects the size of your payout or bankroll. In case you are lost in the process, you should contact the customer support team for assistance.
Our Guide to the Best Macau Casino Sites
There is an overwhelming number of online casino options that Macau players can pick. However, the process of selection can be tasking because there is too much ground to cover. Also, some players don't know what to look for.
We take the journey through different casinos by interacting with crucial aspects that determine the type of experience a casino offers. This way, our guide to the best Macau casino sites is informed by first-hand experience.
Secure Deposit and Withdrawals
Having options allows you to pick the ones that work for your gambling needs. Every banking method you consider should offer fast timelines. This helps ensure that whenever your bankroll is depleted, you can add more funds and keep playing. Also, in case you land a big win, and you want to celebrate with it, the payment method should offer a convenient timeline for withdrawal, after the casino processes your payout.
Fair Play
Although Macau players have access to a wide range of international casinos, some are more reputable than others. This can be because of the online casino's commitment to providing the best customer experience. However, the critical determiner of the authenticity of a casino is the type of certification and the regulatory body. Some of the common names you will come across include Curacao, Malta Gaming Authority, and the UK Gambling Commission.
Clear Interface
When it comes to usability, you will want to play in a casino that is easy to navigate. User-friendly sites allow you to explore easily to determine whether the online casino works for you. The casino should be responsive to the device you are looking to use without interrupting the quality of play.
This can also be determined by looking at the structure of display and the value of content and information. Ensure to play on casinos that are direct in their details, especially the terms and conditions.
Attractive Bonuses and Promotions
Free spins, no deposit bonus, deposit match, and cashback offers; these are some of the most common promotions on casino sites. The similarity in type is not reflected in the compositions. Casinos design these offers based on several factors; as such, you should evaluate the value of each bonus before claiming. Look through aspects of wagering requirement, deposit and withdrawal limits, and the games you can play with the offer.
Mobile Casino Macau
Players can now access their favorite games wherever they are and whenever they want. Mobile casinos offer most of the perks that come with online casinos, with minimal differences. For instance, many mobile casinos require that players use a computer to deposit and withdraw funds. Also, some games might be available on mobile casinos and not on online ones, and vice-versa.
Fortunately, thanks to the continued advancement in gaming technology, the quality of play across devices, despite the size of the screen, is stellar. Developers use HTML5 and flash technology to ensure this. These two ensure not only compatibility and responsiveness, but also a great gaming experience.
You can use your phone on the casino website without downloading the games, although downloading is also an option for some. All you need is to define the casinos you want to play on and register as a member. The casino stores your play information. This way, you can play as many games as you want in the casinos game selection, without losing track of the ones you liked.
Online Casino Games in Macau
Gambling online gives players access to games from multiple casinos and developers. This provides diversity, which is crucial in ensuring that the gambler always has a new experience every time they play.
Most of the games are similar in theme and type, but they vary in execution. Gambling online allows you to experience the same games in different ways. For instance, players who enjoy a game of roulette will use the same rules in play, but the experience might vary in the quality of the display, game speed, and graphics, depending on the developer.
Macau Online Slots
Most software developers are working to establish themselves in the online gaming world in Macau. This has led them to create slots that will appeal to the audience. RTG, for instance, continues to develop Chinese-themed slots.
These slots come in type variations to accommodate different gamblers. Slot variations are dependent on other aspects, such as quality of display, graphics, and sound. Classic slots are a popular choice among players looking to tap into the nostalgia of the good old days. 3D slots, on the other hand, work for players who want to experience everything in the game. Other determiners in player slot selection include the betting range, RTP, and theme.
Macau Table Games
Gamblers keener on the classics will find the selection of table games in online casinos vastly impressive. These platforms offer variations of games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Most of these games have similar playing methods, and the foundational guidelines are identical.
However, since the games underwent numerous changes over the years they have been played, depending on where they were played, there are different elements. This means that Macau players who are looking to gamble on online casinos have access to more game variations than they would get on a land-based casino.
Additionally, online casinos offer a free game version that enables players to learn more about a game before playing for real money. This way, whether you haven't interacted with a variation of a table game, or any at all, you can easily learn how to play.
Live Dealer Games in Macau
Most table games are also available in the live casino. This form of access is new for many platforms, and it is fast becoming a popular choice among gamblers. Live casinos give players the chance to interact with a dealer and other gamblers, all while playing online. Interaction between gamblers is through the casino, meaning that your information remains private.
This type of gambling creates a perfect balance where players can enjoy some aspects you like about brick-and-mortar casinos without leaving your home. The live casino also eliminates the need to plan and save before going to play in a casino.
Live casinos offer the closest experience there is to a land-based casino in the online gaming world. Some of the games Macau players can enjoy online include blackjack, roulette, Sic Bo, and many others. There's an art to playing in live casinos; thus, you should observe and learn the game before investing in it.
Macau Online Casino Bonuses
Casinos design bonuses depending on the type of player and the goal for each. Some offers are ideal for players looking for a new platform, while others are meant to get you to log in and keep playing. The value of a bonus goes beyond the information displayed next to each offer.
Welcome Bonus
Casinos use the sig-up offer to get your attention, and then prompt member registration on the website. It is easy to get lost in the numbers presented in the welcome bonus, and while this is the goal, you have to think beyond what you are getting.
Some casinos have absurd Playthrough requirements. The value of the welcome bonus is in how many types of bonuses. You should question how much you are getting from each. It is also determined by the wagering requirement and games that help you meet the Playthrough. Therefore, you should look through the details on each offer you find enticing.
No Deposit Bonus
Though rare, some casinos give players money for their bankroll without a need for commitment. This offer is designed to help gamblers get a better idea of what the casino can offer and the type of experience they would get. With the No Deposit Bonus, you can walk away from the casino whenever you want as you don't have any obligation to the platform. In some cases, however, players can deposit funds into the casino and continue playing. They get access to wins from the No Deposit Bonus after meeting the requirements.
Free Spins
This bonus is often attached to another, mostly the welcome bonus and deposit matches. When it is not, you will need to meet a wagering requirement before withdrawing funds won when playing with free spins.
Free Spins can also be attached to a particular slot game to get more people to play. Game developers work with casinos to achieve this.
Most online casinos will automatically award Macau players free spins after registration or first deposit, depending on the requirements attached to a bonus.
Conclusion: Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Casinos Macau
Pros
The world of online gaming offers Macau players perks such as:
- Unlimited access to games – gamblers can explore game titles and types that align with their interests. This helps them expand their play, thus, increasing the quality of the gaming experience.
- Bonuses and promotions – online casinos design offers often. Some of these offers are sent to your email to ensure that you don't miss out.
- Free games – gamblers can play for free without having to register as a casino member. This allows you to explore as many casinos and games, before deciding to play for real money.
Cons
Macau Casino Online Games
- The capacity in some live dealer games is lower, compared to the number of players.
- Sometimes the games are slow due to technical problems.
Innovation in the online gaming world is continuous and fast. As such, some of the issues listed as disadvantages are experienced on some sites and not others.
History of Gambling in Macau
Despite the legalization of gambling activities in Macau in 1847, there weren't any guidelines on licensing. These were developed years later. In 1930, the Hou Heng Company was granted the monopoly to conduct gambling activities. This was in an attempt to bring growth to the industry and region, through increased revenue.
The company introduced innovations in Macau and polished up on the visuals of the industry. This gave gambling an allure, especially for those who fancied the luxury. In 1937, Tai Heng company got a monopoly, and it introduced baccarat and other games. Slot games became part of Macau gambling in 1962.
In the same year, Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macao got the monopoly; this was the last one granted. This company run the casino industry for 40 years, and in 2002, the monopoly system ended. This allowed foreign casino operators to establish themselves in Macau.
Macau Casino online, free
FAQ
Macau Casino online, free
- There is no policy on the online gaming world. This means that while it is not illegal, Macau casinos do not have the approval to operate online.
- Are there trustworthy casino sites accepting players from Macau?Yes. Online casinos that have been certified and are regulated by reliable foreign bodies such as Malta Gaming Authority and Curacao are trustworthy.
- What popular payment methods are available for gambling in Macau?You can use VISA, MasterCard, Neteller, Skrill, EcoPayz, and PayPal.
- Can I Play With Macanese pataca (MOP) at Online Casinos?Yes. Although there are casinos that accept payment in the currency, most will require players to convert to other internationally popular alternatives.
- Yes. Online casinos offer a demo version for those who want to play for fun.
- Most offers are designed for an international audience. However, albeit rarely, you might be lucky to find unique offers for Macau players.