MGM China Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary of MGM Resorts International, is set to invest $1.9 billion in non-gaming projects at its Macau casino resorts by 2032.
This investment, a condition of their 10-year gaming license extension granted by the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government in December 2022, will focus on enhancing wellness offerings and expanding hotel accommodations.
MGM China has already announced plans to build an art museum and wellness center at MGM Macau, located in the historic downtown area. Additionally, there are plans to create a similar wellness retreat at MGM Cotai, featuring spas and health treatment services. The Cotai Strip, often compared to the Las Vegas Strip, is home to Macau’s most luxurious casino resorts.
The investment also includes expanding the number of hotel rooms at both MGM Macau and MGM Cotai. Currently, MGM Macau has about 600 rooms, and MGM Cotai has around 1,400. With a total of 2,000 rooms, MGM is the smallest hotel operator among Macau’s six licensed casino operators. In comparison, Sands China Ltd., a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands, leads the market with approximately 12,400 rooms.
This expansion and focus on wellness align with the shift in Macau’s tourism and gaming sector. The region has seen a decrease in VIP high rollers, accelerated by Beijing’s crackdown on junket operators. These junkets previously facilitated high-stakes gambling, but their decline has prompted Macau’s casinos to attract premium mass market tourists—general consumers willing to spend significantly on both gaming and non-gaming activities.
The integrated resort model, which combines casinos with hotels, convention centers, entertainment venues, luxury retail, and fine dining, has become a cornerstone of the industry. Wellness services have always been part of the integrated resort experience, but the focus on comprehensive wellness retreats is growing.
For example, Sands has proposed including a Canyon Ranch wellness retreat in its Long Island destination as part of its bid for a casino license in downstate New York. Canyon Ranch is known for its holistic wellness services, covering spa treatments, fitness, nutrition, health, mind, and spirit. The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas already features a Canyon Ranch, highlighting the increasing importance of wellness in the integrated resort sector.
MGM China’s $1.9 billion investment in non-gaming projects at its Macau resorts represents a strategic shift aimed at broadening its appeal and attracting a diverse clientele. By focusing on wellness offerings and expanding hotel capacity, MGM China is enhancing its competitive edge in the evolving Macau market.
This initiative aligns with the broader industry trend towards integrated resort experiences and underscores MGM’s commitment to innovation and community engagement. As Macau transitions from a high-roller hub to a destination for premium mass market tourists, MGM China’s strategic investments are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the region’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
Related topics:
- City of Bryan Grants $100,000 for New Women-Owned Wellness Hub
- McGill Students’ SimpliCITY Project Addresses Housing Insecurity Crisis
- Improving Mental Health Among Colorado Youth: Insights from the Healthy Kids Survey
