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The Macau government recorded MOP25.80 billion or $3.20 billion worth of fiscal revenues generated through gambling activities in Q1 2026, according to data provided by the Financial Services Bureau of Macau. This is a 15.9% increase from last year as the contribution of gaming revenues remains a significant factor in the government budget.
Gaming Tax Intake In March
Gaming taxes in March reached slightly above MOP8.87 billion, marking a rise of 2.1% from the prior month’s collections. Despite the continued collection efforts from the government against the backdrop of budgeted requirements per month and quarter, the figures have continued to indicate stability in the tax income generated.
In the current 10-year concession framework in Macau, which commenced on January 1, 2023, the tax rate on casino gross gaming revenues stands at 40%. That framework remains the basis for the government’s revenue collection from the city’s casino sector.
Share Of Current Revenue
Gaming taxes made up nearly 89.8% of Macau’s MOP28.73 billion in current revenue recorded in the 3 months to March 31. That means the bulk of the government’s current revenue base in the period continued to come from the casino industry, underscoring the sector’s central role in public finances.
The first-quarter figure also represented about 27.9% of the government’s full-year gaming tax revenue target of nearly MOP92.53 billion. On that basis, Macau has already collected more than a quarter of the amount it expects to take in from gaming taxes over the course of 2026.
Revenue And GGR Timing
The government’s tax-take figures cannot be directly compared with casino gross gaming revenue for the same calendar period. One reason is the timing difference between when operators record GGR and when the government books the related tax payment.
There will be some lag between the revenue that casinos generate and the income of the government via taxation on that revenue. Nonetheless, the latest numbers indicate an excellent beginning of the year in terms of fiscal revenues related to gambling activities in Macau.
The bureau’s data comes after casino GGR rose 4.5% year-on-year in February to MOP20.63 billion, according to official figures. While the tax collection figures and GGR numbers are measured differently, both point to a gaming sector that remains a major contributor to the city’s economy and public revenue.
Budget Target Progress
With nearly 27.9% of the annual gaming tax estimate already collected in the first quarter, Macau has moved through the year with a sizable share of projected gaming revenue already in hand. The latest figures suggest the government’s fiscal position continues to be closely tied to casino performance, with gaming taxes remaining the largest single source of current revenue in the quarter.
Source: GGR Asia
