Texas Hold'Em Takes over Macau's Gaming Scene
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:In the ever-evolving world of Macau's gaming industry, Texas Hold'em has emerged as a rising star, captivating the attention of both enthusiasts and industry analysts. According to the latest figures released by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ, for its Portuguese acronym), Texas Hold'em has not only gained popularity but has also significantly contributed to the region's gross gaming revenue (GGR).
Texas Hold’em Roars to Life
Macau, under pressure from China, wants to rely less on gambling for its revenue. However, the money that's coming in from the activity is difficult to ignore, and poker is a huge component of that success.
In the third quarter alone, the game amassed an impressive MOP177 million (US$$22 million). This marks a 17.2% increase from the previous quarter.
Delving into the cumulative data for the first three quarters of the year, Texas Hold'em's GGR reached a substantial MOP418 million (US$51.8 million). While this represents just 0.32% of the overall casino GGR in Macau, which stood at MOP128.95 billion (US$15.96 billion) during the same period, the growth trajectory is undeniably noteworthy.
For the calendar year up to September 30, Texas Hold'em had already achieved 93.7% of its full-year 2019 total, which amounted to MOP446 million (US$55.26 million). This was a record-setting figure according to available data from the DICJ.
With the impressive growth witnessed in the third quarter, Texas Hold'em's presence in Macau is not only solidifying but also proving to be a lucrative venture for the operators involved.
Poker Found Across the City
MGM China has played a pivotal role in the expansion of Texas Hold'em in Macau. The company secured authorization to operate a total of 750 gaming tables and 1,700 gaming machines under its new license, which came into effect in January.
In a strategic move to capitalize on the rising popularity of poker, MGM China launched dedicated poker zones at both its MGM Macau property in June and its MGM Cotai resort. This initiative has undoubtedly contributed to the increased GGR for Texas Hold'em in the region.
The poker craze is not limited to MGM properties; other major players in Macau's gaming scene have also embraced the trend. Texas Hold'em can also be found at casinos such as Wynn Macau, Sands China's Venetian Macao in Cotai and SJM Holdings' Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai.
The surge in Texas Hold'em's popularity highlights a diversification of gaming preferences in Macau, traditionally dominated by games like baccarat. As the city continues to evolve as a global gaming destination, poker enthusiasts and industry observers alike are keen to see how this trend will shape the future of Macau's gaming landscape.
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