Macau said its casino revenues rose by almost a quarter in 2024.

Data from the SAR's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau showed gaming revenue last year coming in at 227 billion patacas, 23.9 percent higher than in 2023.

That topped the government's estimate of 216 billion patacas, but trailed the 292.5 billion logged prior to the pandemic in 2019.

Macau, the world's biggest gambling hub, is now looking to diversify its economy through new industries and increased integration with the Greater Bay Area.

Its economy has been heavily reliant on casinos, which contribute about 80 percent of tax revenues. (Additional reporting by Reuters)