Macau gross gaming revenues have dropped by 11.3 per cent year-on-year in January 2020 to MOP22.12 billion (US$2.7 billion), data released by the Gaming Inspection and Co-ordination Bureau (DICJ) today revealed.
Yesterday Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong had already revealed there would be a drop in gaming revenues, considering the impact caused by the outbreak on the Chinese New Year holiday period, usually a high point for the sector.
Local authorities have so far refused to order the closure of local casinos despite health concerns, with the number of Macau visitors during the Chinese New Year holiday period between January 24 and 30 – known as ‘Golden Week’ – falling 78.3 per cent year-on-year to 261,069.
Due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus, the Spring Festival holidays in Mainland China have been extended to February 2.
Measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak and fears by visitors themselves to travel between Greater China, have been described as some of the reasons for the large decrease in visitation numbers.
Ferry services between Macau and Hong Kong have also been reduced or suspended, almost 1,000 flights passing through the Macau International Airport have been canceled, while the frequency of shuttle buses in the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge has been reduced.
Local authorities have already barred travel groups from Wuhan and Hubei province, with any resident from that region, or anyone who passed through them in the last 14 days having to show a health certificate certifying they have not been infected.
Currently, anyone entering Macau also has to fill a health questionnaire and undergo body temperature checks, with opening scheduled for some borders also reduced.
Last week it was revealed that authorities in mainland China have stopped issuing individual travel visas (ITV) for visits to Macau and Hong Kong by mainland residents, effectively barring solo travel to the SARs, and with most VIP players usually recurring to this scheme to come to the city.
Analysts from Morningstar and Fitch Ratings also indicated to Macau News Agency (MNA) today that the coronavirus outbreak and respective travel restrictions imposed to contain it will likely have a significant but short-term impact on the local gaming sector results.
Secretary Lei announced yesterday some measures to ease the impact on the local economy by the novel coronavirus, with annual individual cash handouts to be provided earlier while rents paid to the Macau government will be wavered for three months starting from February 1.
At present, there are seven confirmed patients in Macau still being treated and in medical isolation at the Conde S. Januário Hospital, all from Wuhan and only showing symptoms.
Macau has not seen a new case of confirmed coronavirus infection since January 27.
As of 3:00pm January 31, a total of 19 people identified as having had close contact with at least one of the seven confirmed patients were still under medical observation.
