As per newly released data, the China casino tourism market is estimated at USD 9,609.5 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 20,554.9 million by 2035, at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2035.
The China casino tourism market is a dynamic market shaped by changing business trends, government policies and well operations strategies of the competitors.
Being one of the largest casino tourism markets in the globe, China has positioned its economy on the appeal of integrated resorts which comprises casino, hotel, and entertainment services.
Select leading operators, especially Macau-based operators, have adopted the twin strategy of diversification, with a view of reaching out to new clientele beyond the lucrative yet limited group of big spenders. This entails features that reflect the cultural attributes of domestic tourists and international tourists.
Self-generated behaviour describes an increase in experiential tourism, due to the need of the visitor to try out novelties. Currently, new generations of tourists, millennials and Gen Z especially, have preferences for technological experiences and products which are to be seen in segments like virtual reality gaming or cashless payment systems meaning that casino operators have to innovate.
Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks such as new restrictions covering the gambling industry and the attempts to encourage tourists by offering various attractions besides gambling.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current China Casino Tourism Market Size (2024A) | USD 8,824.1 Million |
| Estimated China Casino Tourism Market Size (2025E) | ~USD 9,609.5 Million |
| Projected China Casino Tourism Market Size (2035F) | ~USD 20,554.9 Million |
| Value CAGR (2025 to 2035) | ~7.9% |
| China Casino Tourism Market Top Players' Share in 2024 | ~55%-60% |
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During the historic period from 2020 to 2025, the sector experienced numerous tough conditions, such as travel limitations, a decrease in the number of visitors, and severe regulation from the authorities to fight money laundering and illegitimate gambling.
Nonetheless, Macau continued to be a leading casino destination helped by a slow stabilization of regional travel and the development of integrated resorts based on associated attractions to offset revenue decline. Other industries, which emerged during this period, included technology including online gaming and systems of digital payments even though their growth faced restrictions from regulators.
Predicting the market to 2025 to 2035, it is set for change and development due to a rise of tourism by middle-income as well as the wealthy population in Asia. While Macau and other second-tier casino cities currently rapidly growing in China are still largely dependent on gambling and associated entertainment, they are increasingly likely to transition to a more versatile format appealing to many different kinds of travellers to supply more cultural experiences and increase their tourism sustainability.
Government promotions in targeting legal and regulated gambling are also improving tourism access facilities such as high-speed rail and better hospitality services which will support market growth.
Some threats to the industry's growth include regulation and geopolitical issues that might act as barriers here, however anticipating for 2025 to 2035, the market looks much stronger and more diversified.
Being a growth-orientated strategic focus area, innovation, sustainability and inclusive tourism, China’s casino tourism sector is poised for exponential expansion into the future and greater competitiveness on the international stage.
On the back of these factors, the target market witnessed a CAGR value of 5.6% during the historic period from 2020 to 2024 and further, the market is poised to register a significant CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
Principal Consultant
New Rules and Regulations in China to Boost the Casino Tourism Market
The legalization of online gambling in China is the main factor driving the industry for casino gambling. To regulate and police online poker, casinos, and sports betting businesses, the government has adopted new rules and regulations. Consumer interactions with domestic and foreign gambling websites and mobile applications are developing as a result of expanding internet access and increased urbanization.
Additionally, during the historic period, the nationwide coronavirus illness (COVID-19) outbreak raised people's interest in online gambling as a form of pleasure while upholding COVID-19 guidelines including social seclusion. Subsequently, this has caused a substantial movement away from traditional land-based betting and toward the online gaming industry which includes various games of roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.
Online Gambling Marketing Trend to Boost the Casino Tourism Market
Real-time streaming of banker games played in-person and digital reproductions of such games are two characteristics of online casino games. These restrictions give the state a monopoly on roulette, blackjack, and baccarat games. As more providers might attempt to use the web and mobile devices to reach a broader audience during the forecast period, the market is anticipated to expand.
Through social media and mobile devices, these marketers struggle to develop a personal, non-intrusive connection with their clients. Because millennials actively avoid advertising and account for a sizable number of mobile users, marketers must produce interesting and enlightening content.
Increased Arrival of Enthusiasts at Casino Has Helped in the Growth of the Market
In Macau, tourism is a significant sector. It is renowned for its fusion of Chinese and Portuguese traditions as well as for its thriving gambling sector, which includes Casino Lisboa, Macau, Sands Macau, The Venetian Macao, and Wynn Macau.
Due to the abundance of casinos present there, Macau has earned the nicknames Monte Carlo of the Orient and Las Vegas of the East. Macau is the only place in China where gambling is allowed; as a result, gambling tourism is the city's main source of income and the industry generates the most money globally.
Further, Macau has a big selection of hotels, ranging from cheap to luxurious, as well as a wide range of dining establishments, entertainment alternatives, and historical sites to visit. Given its tiny size and "dense population," Macau has seen tremendous tourism flows on the back of a higher number of casinos that are set up at the location.
Hassle-free Services on Online Platforms to Boost the Revenue Generation
As more operators are allegedly using online platforms to circumvent the nation's anti-gambling regulations, Chinese authorities have said they are focusing on online casinos.
Due to the growing adoption of digital and mobile payments, online users and gamers now have more practical payment options. Online payment solutions are increasingly popular in the online gaming sector since they provide a safe and secure way to conduct business.
Additionally, the easier and more convenient payment options lure players into the gambling sector. Online gamblers have a wide range of alternatives for boosting and enhancing cash flow due to the simplicity of remote payments.
Companies like PayPal and Neteller also provide online gaming e-wallet services. Neteller now offers cost-free transactions in 26 other currencies. Therefore, it is projected that the availability of safe online payment solutions will boost interest in virtual gaming.
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Baccarat is the Most Preferred Game Type in the China Casino Tourism Market
The prioritized product type for the China casino tourism market is table games, with baccarat being preferred in both the VIP and the premium mass segments. For Chinese tourists, baccarat is easily connected with luck, fortune, and simplicity, which has cultural meanings. It also provides a low house edge together with social entertainment, which makes it a favourite destination.
Specifically, baccarat is the main product in the key casinos and has the highest share of GGR: for example, in Macau, baccarat accounts for more than 50% of the total. The VIP segment which consists of the high-rollers seems to generate most of its revenue from this game, although the premium mass segment also seems to play table games more often.
The biggest emphasis for casinos looking for Chinese clientele should be baccarat. Hence, high priority should be on exclusive VIP experience type of features as well as hi-roller tables. Further, cultural marketing approaches such as using money symbols should also be adopted in casinos.
Commercial Casinos Lead the China Casino Tourism Market
Commercial casinos in Macau and other locations control China’s casino tourism. Mass market-based gaming establishments of Macau encompass integrated resorts with gaming, accommodation, food, and beverage, retail outlets and entertainment facilities targeting high rollers from China.
These casinos earn significant amounts of revenue; gaming is one of the biggest sources of income in Macau with the figures usually above $30 billion for each year before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some include tribal and limited-stakes casinos which are not as suitable for Chinese tourists. Integrated resort facilities are not present in tribal casinos, the latter remaining attractive to this market segment more for the convenience of ‘one-stop shopping,’ whereas limited-stakes casinos do not correspond to the extravagant play need of Chinese players, particularly when it comes to baccarat.
Furthermore, the category of I-gaming is still restrained due to strict rules regarding online gambling in China to support the preference for physical casino locations. For businesses that wish to exploit this market, the integrated resort model is most advantageous.
Owned by and catering to high-rolling guests, luxury commercial casinos offering a diverse form of entertainment are most likely to attract the spending abilities of Chinese casino visitors.
By providing all-inclusive bundles and creating strategies, businesses like PayPal and Neteller also provide services for online gaming and gambling e-wallets. As a result, it is anticipated that the availability of safe online payment options would increase demand for virtual gaming because it spares users the burden of having to travel across many channels for their trips.
Government policies and regulations have aided businesses in modernising their service offerings, which has led to an expansion of the industry as a result of these market updates.
For Instance:
To investigate Macau's quarterly VIP baccarat revenue, non-VIP baccarat revenue, and slot machine income, auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) with intervention time-series analysis was used.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2020 to 2024 |
| Market Analysis | USD Million for Value |
| Key Regions Covered | East Asia |
| Key Countries Covered | China |
| Key Segments Covered | Game Type, Casino Type, End Users, Tour Type, and Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Sands China Ltd.; Galaxy Entertainment Group; Melco Resorts & Entertainment; MGM China Holdings; Wynn Macau; SJM Holdings; The Venetian Macao; City of Dreams; Studio City Macau; The Parisian Macao; Other (as per request) |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The China casino tourism market is currently valued at USD 8,824.1 million in 2024.
The China casino tourism market is currently projected to grow at a rate of 7.9% during the forecast period.
The China casino tourism market grew at a CAGR of 5.6% during the historic period from 2020 to 2024.
Leading players operating in the China casino tourism market are Sands China Ltd., Galaxy Entertainment Group, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, MGM China Holdings, Wynn Macau, SJM Holdings, The Venetian Macao, City of Dreams, Studio City Macau, and The Parisian Macao, among others.
Travel and Tourism
March 2024
REP-GB-3172
326 pages
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China Casino Tourism Market
