Macau's latest licensing agreements reflect a strategic move away from gaming toward other forms of economic development. Six local casinos have committed $15 billion over the next decade, with much of that money going toward non-gaming uses like healthcare and convention centers. This is a major change in approach, as non-gaming costs will now be more than ten times those of gaming.

Signed last month, the new licensing deals come as Macau works to recoup from the financial effect of Covid-19. Reduced tourism, reduced capacity, and more security measures have all led to a drop in casino earnings in the region.

The 2018 Macau Millions poker event, for example, attracted a record-breaking 2,499 competitors to Macau. Since the number of gambling tables in Macau has been limited, poker has taken a second seat to baccarat and other games. In order to address this problem, the government might make an exception for poker during big tournament series.