Macau Keeps Junket License Cap at 50 for 2026

The 2026 cap was established by the city’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, with the announcement published on the local gaming regulator’s official website. This decision maintains the status quo for the special administrative region’s junket operator licensing framework. It is also worth noting that the junket cap mechanism was first introduced in 2023, following the implementation of the new gaming law that came into effect in 2022. The 50 cap for junkets has remained unchanged since it was established.

The government has also preserved the individual limits on junket partnerships for each of Macau’s six casino operators for 2026. These caps vary by operator and are set at the discretion of Macau authorities.

Sands China Ltd and SJM Holdings Ltd hold the largest allocations, with 12 junkets each permitted to operate with their respective casinos. MGM China Holdings Ltd and Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd are each authorized to work with eight junkets. Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd has a cap of five junket partners, while Wynn Macau Ltd maintains the same limit.

Despite the 50-license ceiling, current utilization remains significantly below capacity. Recent DICJ data shows 29 actively licensed gaming promoters operating in Macau, representing 58 percent of the permitted maximum. This figure reflects an increase of four junkets compared to data available in May.

It is also worth noting that Macau’s junket sector has suffered a long-term decline. The number of licensed junkets in Macau fell to as low as 18 in early 2024. Macau’s casinos reached their peak in 2014, with gaming revenue exceeding $45 billion, three times that of Las Vegas. At that time, 235 junket operators had registered to operate under licenses in Macau, collectively contributing around 60 percent of casino revenues.

The junket sector has undergone substantial regulatory changes in recent years. Historically, licensed junkets served a crucial commercial function by issuing credit to VIP players and managing associated credit risks for casino operators.

However, regulatory reforms have fundamentally altered this landscape. Since August 1st, 2024, the Legal Regime of Credit Concession for Games of Chance in Casinos has been in effect, restricting the provision of gambling credit exclusively to casino concessionaires. This regulation eliminates the traditional credit-issuing role previously performed by junket operators, marking a significant shift in Macau’s gaming ecosystem.

In addition, a separate law that came into force on January 1st, 2023, prohibits junkets from sharing in casino revenues. Instead, they are only entitled to receive a fixed commission of 1.25 percent on rolling turnover.