The Chinese casino tourism market is poised for significant growth, projected to expand from USD 2.0 billion in 2025 to USD 5.8 billion by 2035. This growth is largely fueled by the increasing global recognition of Macau as an international casino hub, the rise of integrated resorts, and the demand for luxury tourism experiences.
The market, valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2024, has seen a steady climb driven by the combination of gaming and high-end leisure activities. Macau, in particular, has capitalized on its strategic location and extensive tourism offerings to cement its status as one of the world’s premier gambling destinations. As more visitors seek diverse entertainment options, the market’s expansion is expected to accelerate throughout the forecast period.
Baccarat remains the most dominant casino game in China, projected to capture 52.3% of the market share in 2025. The game’s continued popularity is driven by its simplicity and the appeal of high-stakes wagering, making it a favorite among both local patrons and international tourists.
Baccarat’s cultural significance and association with wealth and status contribute to its prominence in Macau’s casino offerings. The game’s ability to attract high-rolling visitors further solidifies its role as a central feature of the casino experience in the region. Commercial casinos will continue to lead the casino type segment, accounting for 60.5% of the market share in 2025.
These establishments provide a comprehensive entertainment package, offering not only gaming but also top-tier entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences. Macau’s commercial casinos cater to a global audience, ensuring sustained growth as both leisure travelers and high-rollers flock to the region. The diverse offerings and luxury appeal of these casinos play a pivotal role in the market's robust expansion, with future growth expected to reflect an ongoing rise in tourism in China.
In December 2022, Sands China unveiled its vision and investment plans for the next decade in Macau, focusing on expanding and enhancing its properties. The company emphasized its ongoing commitment to the region's development, incorporating both gaming and non-gaming initiatives. This strategy aims to further solidify Macau’s position as a global tourism and leisure hub.
The official press release highlighted the company’s dedication to creating sustainable, world-class experiences for visitors, aligning with broader tourism and economic growth objectives in Macau. This was published in the official press release of the company.
Report Summary Table
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Industry Size (2025E) | USD 2.0 billion |
| Projected Global Value (2035F) | USD 5.8 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.8% |
The chart below compares the changes in CAGR for the base year, 2024, and the current year, 2025, reflecting shifts in market dynamics.
CAGR Values for China Casino Tourism Market (2024 to 2025)
The China casino tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 9.4% in the second half. Growth is expected to accelerate to 10.4% in the first half of 2025 and continue climbing to 10.8% in the second half of 2025, as new integrated resorts open in key regions like Macau and Hainan, and existing properties enhance their non-gaming offerings to attract a broader range of tourists.
Growth is expected to accelerate in the first half of 2025, driven by new developments such as the opening of luxury integrated resorts and the continued integration of advanced technology within the gaming experience. As the Chinese government relaxes certain gaming restrictions in nearby regions, new tourist markets are expected to emerge.
The China casino tourism market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing tourism, the expanding popularity of casino games, and the rise of i-Gaming. Baccarat continues to dominate the gaming landscape, while commercial casinos lead the market in terms of overall industry share. The continued investment in gaming resorts and the liberalization of gaming laws are further fueling market expansion.
Baccarat is expected to capture 52.3% of the market share in 2025, making it the dominant game type in China’s casino tourism market. Known for its simplicity and high-stakes appeal, baccarat has become a favored choice among both tourists and high-rollers, particularly in Macau’s iconic casino resorts. Major companies such as Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, Sands China Ltd, and MGM China Holdings Ltd have heavily invested in baccarat-focused gaming areas to attract both international and local tourists.
The game’s wide appeal, combined with its historical popularity in Asia, positions it as a major revenue driver in the casino tourism industry. The ongoing demand for luxury gaming experiences, along with baccarat’s status as a symbol of prestige and sophistication, continues to bolster its dominance. As casino tourism in China grows, baccarat will likely maintain its leadership position, further supported by the ongoing development of gaming resorts and premium casino experiences.
Commercial casinos are projected to account for 60.5% of the casino type segment in 2025, driven by large-scale investments and the rise of integrated resorts. These casinos are attracting a diverse range of tourists seeking not only gaming but also entertainment, luxury accommodations, and shopping.
Companies like Wynn Macau Ltd, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, and SJM Holdings Ltd are key players in the commercial casino segment, with expansive properties that include everything from gaming floors to world-class entertainment venues. As commercial casinos continue to provide comprehensive experiences, including VIP services and international gaming tournaments, they are expected to dominate the market.
Additionally, their focus on high-end clientele and lavish resort-style amenities contributes to their ongoing success in attracting premium tourists. With the growing demand for upscale tourism experiences and the liberalization of gaming laws, commercial casinos will continue to lead the way in China’s booming casino tourism market, offering expansive and immersive leisure experiences.
| Date | Development & Details |
|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Launch of High-roller Suites at Galaxy Macau: Galaxy Macau unveiled a series of exclusive high-roller suites that include private gaming rooms, personalized services, and access to celebrity chef dining experiences. |
| Dec 2024 | Expansion of Non-Gaming Facilities: Sands China announced the expansion of its non-gaming facilities in The Venetian Macao, including additional luxury retail shops, a massive indoor entertainment park, and new shows featuring international performers. |
| Nov 2024 | Introduction of Family-Friendly Casino Packages: MGM Macau launched a family-friendly package offering childcare services, kid-friendly gaming education programs, and special access to non-gaming attractions, targeting family tourists. |
| Oct 2024 | Sports Betting Integration: The Macau Jockey Club introduced an innovative sports betting experience that combines traditional horse racing with integrated casino gaming, attracting a younger, tech-savvy audience. |
| Sept 2024 | Opening of New Luxury Resort in Sanya: A new luxury resort with a casino was opened in Sanya, Hainan, offering an exclusive beachfront gaming experience for international tourists, especially from Southeast Asia. |
Baccarat is among the most profitable and in-demand game varieties in China's casino tourism market, especially in Macau, where its popularity among local as well as foreign players is beyond question. Simple in nature and quick to play, Baccarat involves low barriers to entry, hence appeals to new players without compromising on sophistication and high stakes that experienced players look for. It is this adaptability that enables the game to overwhelm casino floors in the region, with Macau's flagship casinos allocating huge space to Baccarat tables.
Casinos such as The Venetian Macao and Wynn Palace offer VIP high-limit Baccarat areas for their high-roller guests, which offer a luxurious and intimate gaming experience. The Venetian Macao, for example, has private Baccarat rooms with luxurious facilities and personalized services for its high-roller guests. Wynn Palace, too, has designed its gaming floors to accommodate the tastes of high-roller players, with opulent Baccarat salons in which players can experience a high-end atmosphere and the excitement of big bets.
Baccarat's influence on Macau casino tourism is not limited to the casino floor. Large casinos often host high-stakes Baccarat tournaments, like those at the Grand Lisboa, which appeal to both local and foreign tourists. These tournaments, combined with generous bonuses for high-rollers, make Baccarat a significant revenue earner. The game's connection to China's traditional gambling culture and glamour only adds to its popularity, and it stands as a staple of Macau's casino tourist scene. Baccarat basically continues to attract tourists in great numbers, becoming the focal point of Macau's gambling industry.
Macau's commercial casinos will still dominate China's casino tourism sector with not only comprehensive gaming amenities but also luxurious resort experiences. These casinos, such as Wynn Palace and The Venetian Macao, offer an end-to-end experience that merges gaming with luxurious stays, quality dining, and global-class shopping.
For instance, The Venetian Macao is more than a casino, evolving into an entire vacation resort. Visitors can walk along a replica of Venice's famous canals, eat in celebrity chef restaurants like Wolfgang Puck's, and shop at high-end labels in a vast retail area. The resort also hosts global performances, including Cirque du Soleil and Broadway productions, appealing to visitors who want an upscale entertainment experience. This one-of-a-kind mix attracts hardcore gamblers as well as individuals seeking a high-end vacation, further solidifying the commercial casinos' grip on the area.
Aside from its varied offerings, Macau's business casinos are also embracing cutting-edge technology to improve the visitor experience. The Venetian Macao, for example, has embraced mobile gaming platforms, enabling visitors to bet on-the-go, in addition to its conventional casino alternatives. Further, cashless payment systems have been implemented across some properties, streamlining transactions and providing a seamless experience for international tourists. These advances in technology draw younger, technologically savvy tourists and further solidify the position of Macau's commercial casinos as all-encompassing entertainment centers. By continuing to innovate and diversify their products, commercial casinos in Macau will continue to lead China's casino tourism market.
The China casino gambling market is very competitive, spearheaded by big operators such as Sands China, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Macau. They control the market, while local casinos in regions such as Hainan are creating niche markets.
2025 Market Share of China Casino Tourism Players
The China casino tourism industry is dominated by the large players, where Galaxy Entertainment controls 35% share, Sands China controls 30% of the market, followed by MGM Resorts at 11%, and Wynn Resorts Macau at 7%. Other significant players, like Galaxy Entertainment Group and Melco Resorts, also have important roles to play, providing distinctive luxury experiences for both local and international visitors. Sands China, with its signature properties such as The Venetian Macao and Sands Cotai Central, remains in high demand by high-rollers due to its luxury gaming and entertainment. Meanwhile, MGM Resorts, with its luxury and diversified experiences, has a strong lead with resorts including MGM Cotai. These top operators offer a combination of high-stakes gaming, culinary delights of international standards, and premium entertainment to ensure a competitive and dynamically changing market in China's casino tourism industry.
| Report Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Total Market Size (2025) | USD 2.0 billion |
| Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 5.8 billion |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 10.8% |
| Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
| Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
| Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
| Quantitative Units | USD billion for dollar sales |
| Game Types Analyzed (Segment 1) | 3 Card Poker, Roulette, Baccarat, Other Casino Games |
| Casino Types Analyzed (Segment 2) | Commercial, Tribal, Limited Stakes, I-Gaming Casinos |
| Participant Types Analyzed (Segment 3) | Gambling Enthusiasts, Social Exuberants, Others |
| Tour Types Analyzed (Segment 4) | Independent Travelers, Package Travelers, Tour Groups |
| Key Players influencing the China Casino Tourism Market | Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd, Sands China Ltd, MGM China Holdings Ltd, Wynn Macau Ltd, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd, SJM Holdings Ltd, Studio City International Holdings Ltd, Melco International Development Ltd |
| Additional Attributes | dollar sales, CAGR trends, game type segmentation, casino type distribution, participant behavior trends, tour type demand, competitor dollar sales & market share, regional tourism patterns |
The industry is segmented into 3 Card Poker, Roulette, Baccarat, and Other casino games.
The market is categorized into Commercial, Tribal, Limited Stakes, and I-Gaming casinos.
Segmentation includes Gambling Enthusiasts, Social Exuberants, and Others.
The industry includes Independent Travelers, Package Travelers, and Tour Groups.
The China casino tourism market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 5.8 billion by 2035.
Key drivers include the expansion of luxury integrated resorts, increasing popularity of high-roller experiences, and the rising demand for world-class entertainment and leisure services.
Major players include Sands China, MGM Resorts, Wynn Macau, and Galaxy Entertainment Group, who are all heavily involved in the development of integrated resorts and luxury casinos.
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China Casino Tourism Market
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