Retendering21-22

set25 Macau’s dependence on gaming fuels persistent skilled worker gap: US report Foreign businesses operating in Macau have identified a persistent shortage  of skilled workers as one of the biggest obstacles to their operations and expansion, according to the  2025 Macau Investment Climate Statement  released by the US Department of State. The shortage, closely tied to the city’s heavy reliance on tourism and gaming, has raised concerns about Macau’s long-term competitiveness. The statement noted that ‘foreign businesses cite a constant shortage of skilled workers – a result of the city’s dependence on tourism and gaming – as a top constraint on their operations and future expansion.’ Macau’s gaming sector, which generated $28.3 billion in casino gross gaming revenue in 2024, continues to dominate the economy. The government collected $11 billion in gaming tax revenue last year, accounting for 81 percent of total government revenue of $13.7 billion. This overwhelming de...

 set25 Over one fifth of the investment projects pledged by casino operators have been completed, as per the Asia Pacific Association for Gambling Studies. The estimate comes in a fresh update from the group of scholars and experts on the gaming sector, which they believe generated MOP70.8 billion (US$8.84 billion) in non-gaming revenue between 2023 and 2024. The association is headed by Zeng Zhonglu, an emeritus professor at the Macao Polytechnic University. It is believed that last year alone, non-casino revenue exceeded 2019 levels by 12 per cent. When it came to contributions to public finances, 2023–2024 tax revenue from these casino operators reached MOP164 billion, accounting for 76 per cent of current revenue and capital income. On local employment, the group estimates that these gaming companies hired 77,951 locals between 2023 and 2024 — or approximately 27.3 per cent of the city’s entire workforce. Other positive contributions outlined by the group included these compani...