Macau Continues to Reduce Economic Dependence on Casinos as Non-Gaming Sectors Target 60% of GDP

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Macau authorities plan to continue reducing the region’s economic dependence on casinos and increase the share of non-gaming industries to around 60% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030, according to the Chinese special administrative region’s new five-year development plan for 2026–2030.

The role of the non-gaming sector in Macau’s economy has already grown significantly in recent years. In 2019, industries unrelated to gambling accounted for 48.9% of GDP. According to the latest official data for 2024, their share had risen to 56.7%, an increase of 7.8 percentage points over five years.

Over the next five years, authorities aim to raise the share of non-gaming industries to around 60%.

To achieve this, Macau plans to develop technology, education, healthcare, financial services, the exhibition industry, culture and other sectors in an effort to increase their contribution to the economy and reduce reliance on casinos.

Around MOP 130 billion ($16 billion) is provisionally earmarked for major projects supporting these sectors between 2026 and 2030. The plans include the development of a technology park, a university cluster, cultural and tourism infrastructure, and an airport cargo complex.

Casinos, however, remain one of Macau’s key industries. The new strategy is not aimed at abandoning the gaming sector, but at gradually increasing the role of other industries in the region’s economy.

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