Macau Gaming Sector Wages Up 6.8% in December, Despite Slight Employment Dip
Recent data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) reveals a noteworthy increase in wages for full-time employees in Macau’s gaming sector, presenting a complex picture of the industry’s current state. In December 2023, the average earnings for these workers rose by 6.8% year-on-year to MOP25,290, excluding exceptional remuneration. This wage growth is particularly significant for dealers, who experienced a 5.4% rise in their earnings to MOP20,870. The increase can be attributed to a low comparison base from 2022 when many were on unpaid leave.
Despite the positive news on wages, the sector experienced a slight decline in employment numbers at the end of 2023, with a 0.8% year-on-year decrease totaling fewer than 403 employees. Dealers saw the biggest drop, with their numbers falling by 362, marking a 1.5% decrease from the previous year. However, job vacancies in the sector saw a year-on-year increase of 387, with 400 open positions at the end of the fourth quarter.
The job market in Macau’s gaming sector has clear preferences for candidates with certain linguistic and educational qualifications. The recent data from DSEC shows that a staggering 97% of job postings required knowledge of Mandarin, while 83.5% sought candidates proficient in English. Furthermore, 84.8% of vacancies were accessible to individuals with senior secondary education or lower, emphasizing the sector’s importance as a local employer without demanding high educational qualifications.
The dynamics of recruitment and turnover within the gaming sector have also shifted. The number of newly recruited employees slightly exceeded those leaving, resulting in a recruitment rate of 2% and a turnover rate of 1.6%. Both rates have increased from the previous year, indicating a slight uptick in demand for workers in the industry.
The changing landscape of Macau’s gaming industry, as reflected by the data from DSEC, raises questions about the delicate balance between wage growth and employment levels. While the increase in average earnings points to a positive trend for employees, the slight decline in overall employment numbers and the specific drop among dealers present ongoing challenges. Additionally, the rise in job vacancies and the specific requirements for these positions highlight the industry’s changing needs and its impact on the local job market.
As Macau’s gaming sector continues its post-pandemic recovery and adjustments, these trends provide valuable insights into its future trajectory as a key employer in the region.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the market for Macau’s gaming sector is likely to experience mixed results in the short term. While the increase in wages is positive for employees, the slight decline in employment numbers and specific drop among dealers pose challenges. The rise in job vacancies indicates some demand for workers, but the sector’s changing needs may impact the local job market. Further observation is needed to determine the sector’s future trajectory.
