Macao slaps new tax on VIP gambling business

Junket operators say 5% levy on casino commissions will 'kill' sector

20230207 Macau

Macao's landmark Casino Lisboa. The city's VIP gambling business suffered a sharp downturn during the pandemic. © Reuters

PAK YIU, Nikkei staff writer

HONG KONG -- Macao is slapping a levy on junket operators that threatens to "kill" the casino hub's once-thriving VIP business, industry insiders say.

The city has started enforcing a 5% tax on the commissions that casino operators pay to junkets, which bring high-roller gamblers, mostly from mainland China, to their venues.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.