Monetary Updates
In the world of casinos, markets are experiencing a mix of fortunes as regulatory changes and technological advancements shape the landscape.
Macau, renowned for its thriving casino industry, has reported a significant post-pandemic recovery. The gambling hub saw a record $2.7 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for July 2024, marking a 19% year-on-year increase [2]. However, the market relies heavily on baccarat, which accounts for about 74% of total gaming revenue, making Macau’s game mix distinct from other regions [5]. Despite the strong growth, certain casinos like Grandview have shut down as part of regulatory protocols, with others expected to close by the end of 2025, causing some revenue fluctuations [4].
Across the Atlantic, Atlantic City casinos show more variable trends. Detailed gaming revenue statistics indicate ongoing fluctuations but without the post-pandemic boom seen in Macau [3]. Atlantic City’s casino revenues are also influenced by a wider game mix, including sports betting, though it remains competitive with Las Vegas and Macau [5].
The fluctuations in revenue for these casino markets can be attributed partly to regulatory changes and market dynamics specific to each location. Macau’s closures of certain casinos under regulatory pressure have a direct impact, while Atlantic City faces competition and operational challenges.
Regarding the impact of Trump's America First Investment Policy, there is no direct specific information linking it to casino revenue fluctuations in Macau or Atlantic City. Generally, America First policies tend to emphasize domestic investment and stricter foreign capital controls, which could influence investment flows into U.S. casinos like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, but the search results do not provide explicit data or analysis on this effect in the casino sector.
In contrast, online gambling growth is highlighted indirectly by MGM Resorts International’s reported 14% revenue increase from their digital (online) segment for Q2 2025, even as their physical casino revenues in places like Las Vegas saw declines [1]. This suggests that online gambling expansion is absorbing some consumer demand that may previously have gone to physical casinos, impacting traditional casino revenue streams in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. Macau’s heavily land-based baccarat-driven market may be less immediately affected by online gambling due to cultural and regulatory factors, but overall, the rise of online gaming presents a competitive challenge globally.
Meanwhile, other regions are seeing growth. The Michigan retail and online casinos helped drive a record-setting year [6]. New Jersey online casinos set another record, while retail gaming regained the lead [7]. The Virginia casino market is also experiencing growth and is poised for continued growth [8].
In a recent development, Hedge Fund Standard General has finalized a $4.6 billion acquisition of Bally's [9]. The author Grant Mitchell has also penned an article "Virginia Casino Market Hits New Heights, Poised for Continued Growth" [10].
As the casino industry evolves, it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to unfold and how regulatory changes, technological advancements, and market dynamics will shape the future of casino gaming.
References:
- MGM Resorts Q2 2025 Earnings Report
- Macau GGR July 2024 Report
- Atlantic City Casino Revenue Statistics
- Macau Casino Closures Announcement
- Global Casino Market Dynamics Report
- Michigan Casino Revenue Report
- New Jersey Casino Revenue Report
- Virginia Casino Market Growth Report
- Bally's Acquisition Announcement
- Virginia Casino Market Article
An online casino industry expansion is indicated by MGM Resorts International's 14% revenue increase from their digital segment during Q2 2025, while their physical casino revenues saw declines. Sports betting is included in Atlantic City's casino revenues, contributing to its game mix and competitive edge against Las Vegas and Macau.
