Macau — The world’s gaming capital is shifting gears once again. In a bold show of support for the city’s diversification strategy, Macau’s six major casino operators have pledged a combined MOP 120 million (≈ US $15 million) to sponsor the upcoming 72nd Macau Grand Prix, headlined this year by the inaugural FIA Formula 4 World Cup.
Each concessionaire — Sands China, Galaxy Entertainment, Melco Resorts, MGM China, SJM Resorts, and Wynn Macau — will contribute MOP 20 million to the event’s total budget of MOP 240 million (≈ US $30.1 million). The four-day spectacle, set for November 13–16, 2025, marks the first time Macau will host the global F4 championship, a move officials hope will position the territory as Asia’s premier destination for motorsport tourism.
“This isn’t just about racing; it’s about redefining Macau’s image,” said Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office. “With F4 and the backing of our casino partners, we are demonstrating that Macau is as much about world-class entertainment as it is about gaming.”
The new F4 World Cup will feature emerging talent from Europe and Asia, including Kean Nakamura-Berta, Rintaro Sato, Tiago Rodrigues (Macau), and Zhang Shimo (Hong Kong). The R-ace GP team will also field Matteo De Palo (Italy), Enzo Deligny (France), and Jin Nakamura (Japan).
The sponsorship aligns with the government’s requirement that all casino concessionaires invest heavily in non-gaming projects. Under their current 10-year licenses, operators have pledged over MOP 108.7 billion (US $13.5 billion) for initiatives tied to culture, tourism, and sports — commitments that grew by 20 percent after gross gaming revenue exceeded MOP 180 billion in 2023.
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Industry analysts say the Grand Prix partnership underscores how casino capital is being used to fuel economic diversification. Hotel occupancy is expected to surge during race week, while retail and hospitality businesses anticipate a strong boost in visitor spending.
For the gaming sector, the Grand Prix sponsorship offers more than publicity — it is a statement of permanence. By backing international motorsport, Macau’s casino giants are betting on a future where the city’s brand extends beyond the roulette wheel, racing full throttle into a new era of sports-driven tourism.
