Macau Casino Exclusion Requests Jump Nearly 68%
Data released by Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) shows a sharp rise in casino exclusion applications last year, with total requests increasing by 67.9 percent compared with 2024. By year-end, 952 applications had been filed, up from 567 the previous year, excluding cases mandated by the courts.
Voluntary self-exclusion accounted for the majority of requests, reaching 828 cases an increase of 74.3 percent from 475 in 2024. Applications submitted by third parties, typically family members such as spouses or close relatives, also rose, climbing 34.8 percent year-on-year to 124 from 92. These third-party requests require confirmation by the individual concerned before taking effect.
Self-Exclusion Dominates Applications
Most exclusions stemmed from individuals choosing to restrict their own access to casinos, highlighting a growing use of voluntary measures to step away from gambling activity. Under Macau’s framework, self-exclusion allows individuals to bar themselves from all casinos or selected venues for periods of up to two years per application, subject to approval by the DICJ director.
Third-party requests serve as an additional protective measure for families but only become enforceable once the affected individual provides consent. Current data does not differentiate between Macau residents and non-residents among applicants, leaving nationality trends unclear.
Since the introduction of Law No. 10/2012, which governs entry controls, employment restrictions and gambling activity within casinos, a total of 5,789 exclusion-related cases have been recorded. This cumulative figure continues to grow as new applications are processed.
Pandemic Periods Show Lower Activity
Exclusion figures were significantly lower during the peak years of COVID-19 restrictions, when travel limitations sharply reduced visitor numbers. In 2020, total applications stood at 283, rising to 426 in 2021 before dropping again to 345 in 2022 amid continued disruptions to travel.
As restrictions eased in 2023, exclusion requests increased to 494, setting the stage for the substantial jump recorded last year. These fluctuations illustrate the close link between visitor volumes, casino activity and the demand for responsible gambling measures. The surge in 2025 coincided with Macau’s gaming revenue recovery, when higher participation levels often translate into increased use of exclusion tools.
Legal Structure and Ongoing Controls
Law No. 10/2012 provides the legal basis for exclusion measures, authorizing DICJ to impose bans following valid requests. Amendments introduced in December 2019 further strengthened controls, including a prohibition on casino employees gambling anywhere in the city.
Exclusion periods are capped at two years per application, offering a balance between impact and flexibility. Individuals may apply for revocation during the exclusion period if circumstances change. Long-term data since 2012 highlights the system’s role in managing risk within one of the world’s most active casino markets.
Responsible Gaming Use Rises with Market Growth
The jump to 952 applications last year stands in stark contrast to pandemic-era lows and reflects increased engagement with responsible gaming tools as Macau’s casinos regained momentum. The dominance of self-exclusion suggests greater personal accountability among players, while the rise in third-party filings points to growing family involvement.
Although demographic breakdowns remain unavailable, the overall trend aligns with a more mature approach to responsible gambling. As DICJ continues to monitor these figures, the data underscores both the strength of Macau’s gaming recovery and the parallel efforts to mitigate its social impact.
