Last month, Macau casinos reported one of the largest year-over-year increases in gross gaming revenue in the region's history.

According to data published by Gaming Inspection & Coordination, casinos in the former Portuguese colony won $1.1 billion from players in a month. These numbers represent a whopping 1.054% year-on-year growth.

This is the third month with a revenue jump after operators reported 58% growth in March, but analysts Bloomberg predicted a much larger increase in April. However, they expect huge revenue growth as global travel becomes easier.

In April 2020, the Macau casino market was facing tough times as the region was in the midst of a fight against COVID – 19th pandemic.

The market will likely continue to grow for the rest of the year as year-on-year comparisons will always be against a suppressed market as the government deliberately made travel difficult to mitigate the spread of the virus.

Officials continue to hamper domestic travel to some extent by forcing potential mainland visitors to complete more steps to obtain a visa and prove a negative result COVID-19 test to go to Macau.

A year ago, Macau casinos reported less than $58 million in gross gambling revenue. It was the worst month in the region's history.

Operators continued to underperform compared to the April 2019 figures, when the market was in full swing. Numbers are down on the 65% compared to the same period two years ago.

There are optimistic signs regarding the immediate future of the Macau market. According to Bloomberg daily visitor arrivals showed a further upward trend in April and is at its highest point since the beginning of the pandemic.

The industry has another sign of inflated revenues in the near future, with the Golden Week celebration falling in May. Several major casino companies have said in earnings talks that they anticipate high numbers over the holiday season.