In early September, Macau was braced for a potentially devastating storm which compelled the local authorities to enforce a temporary closure of its six casino resorts. Despite Typhoon Saola barely leaving a scratch on the casino haven, the forced suspension of operations resulted in a significant dent in their revenue.
Typhoon Saola, characterized by winds exceeding 120 mph, was a fierce and unpredictable tropical cyclone. It roared towards the Chinese mainland from the Philippine Sea, prompting Macau’s government to demand non-crucial ventures, including its sprawling casino resorts, to suspend operations before the tempest made landfall on the 1st of September.
Macau and Guangdong bore the brunt of the cyclone’s wrath; however, the former, one of two Special Administrative Regions of China alongside Hong Kong, escaped with minimal structural damage. While one fatality was reported in Shenzhen, Macau reported no casualties.
After the cyclone passed and lost its power by Sunday, Macau permitted its casinos to resume operations on September 2. Nevertheless, the temporary closure, along with travel changes resulting from the typhoon, led to considerable financial setbacks for the casinos.
The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of Macau today disclosed the September earnings for the six casino operators in town. The total gross gaming revenue (GGR) capped at MOP14.93 billion or US$1.85 billion, reflecting a decline of over 13% from the previous month’s record of $2.13 billion in winnings.
The typhoon also disrupted travel and border entries, deterring potential visitors. The following week’s heavy rainfall sabotaged any hopes of recouping the losses.
Gaming analysts speculate that October might provide a clearer insight into Macau’s gaming industry. Before the pandemic, Macau had a flourishing gaming market, only to be overtaken by Las Vegas and Nevada last year. As October commences with the Chinese Golden Week, the analysts eagerly anticipate the revival of the peak period that once drew almost half a million people to Macau’s resorts.
As we review the impact of these catastrophic events on the global gaming industry, we cannot ignore the role of online casinos in providing a sustainable avenue for those eager to indulge in their casino favourites amid changing circumstances. Our team at the West Island Blog is equipped to guide you through the maze of online casino operators.
If you’re located in Canada and interested in exploring this growing trend, check out our in-depth rundown of the top online casinos for this month](https://www.westislandblog.com/online-casinos/). As the landscape of gaming changes, we are here to keep you updated and informed. Trust the West Island Blog to be your reliable guide in this evolving world of online gaming.
