TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION

In this annual report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise indicated:

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This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 and as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Certain monetary amounts, percentages, and other figures included in this annual report have been subject to rounding adjustments. Certain other amounts that appear in this annual report may not sum due to rounding. Figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures preceding them.

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GLOSSARY

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements relate to future events, including our future operating results and conditions, our prospects and our future financial performance and condition, all of which are largely based on our current expectations and projections. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors” for a discussion of some risk factors that may affect our business and results of operations. Moreover, because we operate in a heavily regulated and evolving industry where the amended gaming law was adopted and implemented by the Macau government, may become highly leveraged and operate in Macau, a market with intense competition, new risk factors may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of these factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based the forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to:

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The forward-looking statements made in this annual report on Form 20-F relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual report on Form 20-F and the documents that we referenced in this annual report on Form 20-F and have filed as exhibits with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

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EXCHANGE RATE INFORMATION

Our reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and functional currencies are the U.S. dollar, H.K. dollar and Pataca. This annual report on Form 20-F contains translations of certain Pataca, H.K. dollar and Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations of H.K. dollar and Renminbi amounts into U.S. dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at the rates of HK$7.763493 to US$1.00 and RMB7.316092 to US$1.00, respectively.

The H.K. dollar is freely convertible into other currencies (including the U.S. dollar). Since October 17, 1983, the H.K. dollar has been officially linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of HK$7.80 to US$1.00. The market exchange rate has not deviated materially from the level of HK$7.80 to US$1.00 since the peg was first established. However, in May 2005, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority broadened the trading band from the original rate of HK$7.80 per U.S. dollar to a rate range of HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per U.S. dollar. The Hong Kong government has stated its intention to maintain the link at that rate range and, acting through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, has a number of means by which it may act to maintain exchange rate stability. However, no assurance can be given that the Hong Kong government will maintain the link at HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per U.S. dollar or at all.

The Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar at a rate of HK$1.00 to MOP1.03. All translations from Patacas to U.S. dollars and Singapore dollars to U.S. dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at the exchange rate of MOP7.996418 to US$1.00 and SGD1.359573 to US$1.00, respectively.

We make no representation that any Pataca, H.K. dollar, Renminbi, Singapore dollar or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this annual report on Form 20-F could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollar, Pataca, H.K. dollar, Renminbi or Singapore dollar, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

In this annual report, U.S. dollar equivalents of H.K. dollar amounts of indebtedness are based on the prevailing exchange rate on the relevant transaction date, except for the indebtedness balance translations as of the balance sheet date, which are based on the prevailing exchange rate on the applicable balance sheet date.

PART I

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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Studio City International Holdings Limited is a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We are not a mainland China operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by our subsidiaries in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We do not have any operations or maintain any office or personnel in mainland China. All of our current operations, and administrative and corporate functions are conducted in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We conduct our operations in Macau and we do not have any assets or operations in mainland China. Our principal executive offices are located in Singapore and Hong Kong. We have no variable interest entities in our corporate structure.

We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties as a company operating in Macau. Since we derive all of our revenues from our Macau business and a significant number of our customers come from, and are expected to continue to come from, mainland China, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by significant regulatory developments in mainland China. Actions by the mainland China government can also significantly affect our business by, for example, placing limits on the ability of mainland China residents to travel or remit currency outside of mainland China or by restricting gaming-related marketing activities in mainland China. See “— D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the mainland China and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations.”

The legal and operational risks associated with operating in mainland China may also apply to our operations in Hong Kong and Macau. The mainland China government may also intervene or influence our operations in Macau, Hong Kong or elsewhere at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers in China, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. For example, in recent years, the mainland China government has enhanced regulation in areas such as anti-monopoly, anti-unfair competition, cybersecurity and data privacy. See “— Risks Relating to Our Business — Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks” and “— Claims or regulatory actions against us under mainland China’s competition laws may result in fines, constraints on our business and damage to our reputation.” These laws and regulations can be complex and stringent, and many are subject to change and uncertain interpretations, which could result in claims, changes to our data and other business practices, regulatory investigations, penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in customer growth or engagement, or otherwise affect our business. As a result, the trading prices of our ADSs and ordinary shares could significantly decline or become worthless.

Additionally, the mainland China government has in the past made statements indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers and any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. There are risks and uncertainties which we cannot foresee for the time being, and rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little or no advance notice. See “ — Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Changes in laws, regulations and policies in mainland China and uncertainties in the legal systems in mainland China may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice” and “— The mainland China government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.”

We also face risks associated with interpretations of or changes to gaming laws in Macau, including the interpretation of the amended gaming law in Macau, as well as the continued ability by the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, to inspect our auditors.

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On May 4, 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“HFCAA”) and the rules promulgated thereunder because our auditor at that time was Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, which was a PCAOB-Identified Firm as of May 4, 2022. On August 16, 2022, we changed our auditor from Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, to Ernst & Young LLP, located in Singapore, which was not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. In December 2022, the PCAOB announced that it secured complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. On June 7, 2024, we changed our auditor to Deloitte & Touche LLP, located in Singapore, which is also not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. As a result, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not believe we are at risk of being a Commission-Identified Issuer nor at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.

Permissions, Approvals, Licenses, Certificates and Permits Required from Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau Authorities for Our Operations and for the Offering of Our Securities to Foreign Investors

As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained the requisite permissions, approvals, licenses, certificates and permits from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau government authorities that are material for our business operations in those jurisdictions, and none have been denied. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations.”

Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and enforcement practice by mainland China government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings or approvals for our business operations in the future, and may not be able to maintain or renew our current licenses, permits, filings or approvals. In addition, rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice. Uncertainties due to evolving laws and regulations could impede our ability to obtain or maintain certificates, permits or licenses required to conduct business in mainland China. In the absence of required certificates, permits or licenses, governmental authorities could impose material sanctions or penalties on us.

Furthermore, in connection with our issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current mainland China laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this annual report, we do not believe we are currently required to obtain permissions from or complete any filing with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, or required to go through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC. In addition, we have not been asked to obtain such permissions by any mainland China authority or received any denial to do so. However, the mainland China government has in the past made statements indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment by issuers like us and may do so in the future. There remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities.

If (i) we incorrectly conclude that certain regulatory permissions and approvals are not required or (ii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change in a way that requires us to complete such filings or obtain such approvals in the future, and (iii) we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, but fail to receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, we may face sanctions by the CSRC, the CAC or other mainland China regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on us, limit our operations, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of mainland China, limit our ability to list on stock exchanges outside of mainland China or offer our securities to foreign investors or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.

Cash Flows Through Our Organization

Cash from financings and operations is primarily retained by our operating subsidiaries for the purposes of funding our operating activities and capital expenditures. Cash within our group is primarily

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transferred between our subsidiaries through intercompany loan arrangements. Financing raised by Studio City International Holdings Limited has been transferred to our financing and operating subsidiaries through the use of equity capital contributions or intercompany loan arrangements. In 2024, excluding cash transferred for the purpose of the settlement of intragroup charges, no cash has been transferred to our holding company, Studio City International Holdings Limited, from its subsidiaries. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Taxation” and “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy.” There are no regulatory or foreign exchange restrictions or limitations on our ability to transfer cash within our corporate group or to declare dividends to holders of our ADSs, except that our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a specified amount of the entity’s profit after tax as a legal reserve which is not distributable to the shareholders of such subsidiaries. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Restrictions on Distribution of Profits Regulations” and “Item 10. Additional Information — D. Exchange Controls.”

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to repay or refinance our debt, fund our ongoing operations and fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” and note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

You should carefully consider all of the information in this annual report before making an investment in the ADSs.

A. [RESERVED]

B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

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D. RISK FACTORS

Studio City International Holdings Limited is a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We are not a mainland China operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by our subsidiaries in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We do not have any operations or maintain any office or personnel in mainland China. All of our current operations, and administrative and corporate functions are conducted in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We conduct our operations in Macau and we do not have any assets or operations in mainland China. Our principal executive offices are located in Singapore and Hong Kong. We have no variable interest entities in our corporate structure.

We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties as a company operating in Macau. Since we derive all of our revenues from our Macau business and a significant number of our customers come from, and are expected to continue to come from, mainland China, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by significant regulatory developments in mainland China. Actions by the mainland China government can also significantly affect our business by, for example, placing limits on the ability of mainland China residents to travel or remit currency outside of mainland China or by restricting gaming-related marketing activities in mainland China. See “— D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the mainland China and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations.”

The legal and operational risks associated with operating in mainland China may also apply to our operations in Hong Kong and Macau. The mainland China government may also intervene or influence our operations in Macau, Hong Kong or elsewhere at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers in China, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. For example, in recent years, the mainland China government has enhanced regulation in areas such as anti-monopoly, anti-unfair competition, cybersecurity and data privacy. See “— Risks Relating to Our Business — Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks” and “— Claims or regulatory actions against us under mainland China’s competition laws may result in fines, constraints on our business and damage to our reputation.” These laws and regulations can be complex and stringent, and many are subject to change and uncertain interpretations, which could result in claims, changes to our data and other business practices, regulatory investigations, penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in customer growth or engagement, or otherwise affect our business. As a result, the trading prices of our ADSs and ordinary shares could significantly decline or become worthless.

Additionally, the mainland China government has in the past made statements indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers and any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. There are risks and uncertainties which we cannot foresee for the time being, and rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little or no advance notice. See “— Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Changes in laws, regulations and policies in mainland China and uncertainties in the legal systems in mainland China may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice” and “— The mainland China government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.”

We also face risks associated with interpretations of or changes to gaming laws in Macau, including the interpretation of the amended gaming law in Macau, as well as the continued ability by the PCAOB to inspect our auditors.

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On May 4, 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA and the rules promulgated thereunder because our auditor at that time was Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, which was a PCAOB-Identified Firm as of May 4, 2022. On August 16, 2022, we changed our auditor from Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, to Ernst & Young LLP, located in Singapore, which was not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. In December 2022, the PCAOB announced that it secured complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. On June 7, 2024, we changed our auditor to Deloitte & Touche LLP, located in Singapore, which is also not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. As a result, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not believe we are at risk of being a Commission-Identified Issuer nor at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.

Permissions, Approvals, Licenses, Certificates and Permits Required from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau Authorities for Our Operations and for the Offering of Our Securities to Foreign Investors

As of the date of this annual report, we have obtained the requisite permissions, approvals, licenses, certificates and permits from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau government authorities that are material for our business operations in those jurisdictions, and none have been denied. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations.”

Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and enforcement practice by mainland China government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings or approvals for our business operations in the future, and may not be able to maintain or renew our current licenses, permits, filings or approvals. In addition, rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice. Uncertainties due to evolving laws and regulations could impede our ability to obtain or maintain certificates, permits or licenses required to conduct business in mainland China. In the absence of required certificates, permits or licenses, governmental authorities could impose material sanctions or penalties on us.

Furthermore, in connection with our issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current mainland China laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this annual report, we do not believe we are currently required to obtain permissions from or complete any filing with the CSRC or required to go through cybersecurity review by the CAC. In addition, we have not been asked to obtain such permissions by any mainland China authority or received any denial to do so. However, the mainland China government has in the past made statements indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment by issuers like us and may do so in the future. There remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities.

If (i) we incorrectly conclude that certain regulatory permissions and approvals are not required or (ii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change in a way that requires us to complete such filings or obtain such approvals in the future, and (iii) we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, but fail to receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, we may face sanctions by the CSRC, the CAC or other mainland China regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on us, limit our operations, limit our ability to pay dividends outside of mainland China, limit our ability to list on stock exchanges outside of mainland China or offer our securities to foreign investors or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.

Cash Flows Through Our Organization

Cash from financings and operations is primarily retained by our operating subsidiaries for the purposes of funding our operating activities and capital expenditures. Cash within our group is primarily

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transferred between our subsidiaries through intercompany loan arrangements. Financing raised by Studio City International Holdings Limited has been transferred to our financing and operating subsidiaries through the use of equity capital contributions or intercompany loan arrangements. In 2024, excluding cash transferred for the purpose of the settlement of intragroup charges, no cash has been transferred to our holding company, Studio City International Holdings Limited, from its subsidiaries. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Taxation” and “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy.” There are no regulatory or foreign exchange restrictions or limitations on our ability to transfer cash within our corporate group or to declare dividends to holders of our ADSs, except that our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a specified amount of the entity’s profit after tax as a legal reserve which is not distributable to the shareholders of such subsidiaries. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Restrictions on Distribution of Profits Regulations” and “Item 10. Additional Information — D. Exchange Controls.”

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to repay or refinance our debt, fund our ongoing operations and fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” and note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

You should carefully consider all of the information in this annual report before making an investment in the ADSs. The following summarizes some, but not all, of the risks provided below. Please carefully consider all of the information discussed in this Item 3.D. “Risk Factors” in this annual report for a more thorough description of these and other risks.

You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to the other information set forth in this annual report. Our business, financial condition and results of operations can be affected materially and adversely by any of the following risk factors.

Risks Relating to Our Business

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Risks Relating to Operating in the Gaming Industry in Macau

Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Melco Resorts

Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau

Risks Relating to Our Shares and ADSs

Risks Relating to Our Business

Because neither we nor any of our subsidiaries hold a gaming license in Macau, Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator through the Studio City Casino Agreement under the Gaming Operator’s concession. Any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with its obligations as a concessionaire or any failure by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under the Studio City Casino Agreement, including any regulatory requirements thereunder, may have a material adverse effect on the operation of the Studio City Casino.

The Gaming Operator and our subsidiary, Studio City Entertainment, have entered into the Studio City Casino Agreement under which the Gaming Operator has agreed to operate Studio City Casino since we do not hold a gaming license in Macau. Under the Studio City Casino Agreement, the Gaming Operator, among other things, manages the day-to-day operations at the Studio City Casino, including determining the number and mix of gaming tables and gaming machines operated at the Studio City Casino, and recruits all casino staff, including dealers, cashiers, security and surveillance personnel and managers. The Gaming Operator deducts gaming taxes and the costs incurred in connection with its operations from Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues and we receive the residual amount and recognize such residual amount as revenue from the Studio City Casino Agreement. While the Studio City Casino Agreement obligates the Gaming Operator to manage the day-to-day operations of the Studio City Casino in a manner intended to appeal to gaming patrons at a standard of quality of service set by the Gaming Operator in line with the overall development and operational strategy determined by the Company, the Studio City Casino Agreement does not require the Gaming Operator to operate a minimum number of gaming tables or gaming machines at the Studio City Casino or any specified mix of gaming tables and gaming machines. Accordingly, while 259 mass gaming tables and 602 gaming machines are currently available for operation at the Studio City Casino, there is no assurance that such number and mix of gaming tables and gaming machines will be maintained by the Gaming Operator and the number of gaming tables and/or gaming machines may be reduced or increased by the Gaming Operator as it may determine pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Studio City Casino Agreement. For example, the Studio City Casino ceased the VIP rolling chip operations in late October 2024.

The Studio City Casino Agreement was initially approved by the Macau government and was subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions imposed by the Macau government on the Gaming Operator and us in connection with granting its approval.

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Such conditions included but were not limited to Studio City Entertainment being subject to Macau government supervision applicable to gaming concessionaires. Upon the execution of the amendment to the Studio City Casino Agreement on June 23, 2022, such conditions ceased to apply. As a substantial part of our revenues and cash flows are generated from the Gaming Operator’s operation of Studio City Casino, any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with any statutory, contractual or any other duties imposed on it as a concessionaire, or any failure by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under the Studio City Casino Agreement, may have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino, including its suspension or cessation, and may cause the suspension or termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession.

Any changes in Macau’s gaming law or other requirements applicable to the concession granted to the Gaming Operator by the Macau government that necessitate amendments to, or termination of, the Studio City Casino Agreement, would have a material adverse effect on the operation of the Studio City Casino and, in turn, our financial condition and results of operations. If the Studio City Casino Agreement terminates, we may not be able to enter into a new similar agreement. In addition, any amended or replaced terms of the Studio City Casino Agreement may not be comparable to our current arrangements and may not be, totally or partially, acceptable to us. In addition, if the Gaming Operator’s concession terminates, the Gaming Operator will discontinue operating the Studio City Casino and the Studio City Casino Agreement will terminate and we may not be able to enter into an arrangement for the operation of Studio City Casino with another concessionaire on terms that are comparable or acceptable to us or at all, and the Studio City Casino premises and gaming equipment will revert or be transferred to the Macau government without compensation. Furthermore, the Gaming Operator has exclusive access to the customer database of the gaming operations at Studio City Casino and in the event of termination of the arrangement under the Studio City Casino Agreement, we may not be able to gain access to such database.

Any material dispute with the Gaming Operator or any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with its obligations under its concession, or by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under, or any termination of, the Studio City Casino Agreement may have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino and in turn affect our financial condition and results of operations and may also result in a default under the terms of our existing and/or future indebtedness obligations and other agreements.

We have a short operating history for our full operations compared to many of our competitors and are therefore subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Our short operating history may not be indicative of our future operating results and prospects.

We have a short business operating history for our full operations compared to many of our competitors, and there is limited historical information available about us upon which you can base your evaluation of our business and prospects. Studio City commenced operations in October 2015 and Phase 2 progressively opened in April and September of 2023. As a result, you should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks, expenses, uncertainties and challenges that we may face given our short operating history in the intensely competitive market of the gaming business. The historical performance at the other casinos operated by the Gaming Operator should not be taken as an indication of Studio City Casino’s future performance or the performance of our Phase 2 project.

We may encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by companies with early stage operations, and those risks and difficulties may be heightened by challenging market conditions of the gaming business in Macau and other challenges our business faces. Certain of these risks relate to our ability to:

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If we are unable to successfully manage one or more of such risks, we may be unable to operate our businesses in the manner we contemplate and generate revenues in the amounts and at the rate we anticipate. If any of these events were to occur, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We rely on services provided by subsidiaries of Melco Resorts, including hiring and training of personnel for Studio City.

According to the Studio City Casino Agreement, the Gaming Operator, a subsidiary of Melco Resorts, is responsible for the operation of the Studio City Casino facilities, including hiring, employing, training and supervising casino personnel. The Gaming Operator deducts gaming taxes and the costs incurred in connection with its operations, including staff costs from Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues. We expect the Gaming Operator to continue managing all recruitment and training-related matters for staff that have been deployed at Studio City Casino.

In addition, under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, we receive certain services from certain members of the Melco Resorts group. We rely on the Master Service Providers to recruit, allocate, train, manage and supervise a substantial majority of the staff who are all solely dedicated to our property to perform our corporate and administrative functions and carry out other non-gaming activities, including food and beverage management, retail management, hotel management, entertainment projects, mall development and sales and marketing activities, among others. In addition, pursuant to the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, certain shared services staff including certain senior management from the Master Service Providers are not solely dedicated to our property and may not devote all of their time and attention to the operation of Studio City. These shared services staff work for other properties owned by Melco Resorts, which may directly and indirectly compete with us. Any expansion of the business of Melco Resorts, whether effectuated through the Gaming Operator or other companies, could divert the attention and time of these shared services staff from the operations of Studio City and adversely affect us.

With the increase in business volumes, Studio City may need more personnel to cater to a growing market, with a significant portion of these vacancies expected to be filled by non-resident workers for which Macau government-issued quotas are required. If the Gaming Operator or the Master Service Providers are unable to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified staff or to provide satisfactory services to us or the costs of qualified staff increase significantly, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

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The costs associated with the Studio City Casino Agreement and the Management and Shared Services Arrangements may not be indicative of the actual costs we could have incurred as an independent company.

Under the Studio City Casino Agreement, the Gaming Operator deducts gaming taxes and the costs of operation of Studio City Casino. We receive the residual gross gaming revenues and recognize these amounts as our revenue from casino contract.

Under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, certain of our corporate and administrative functions as well as operational activities are administered by staff employed by certain subsidiaries of Melco Resorts, including senior management services, centralized corporate functions and operational and venue support services. Payment arrangements for the services are provided for in the individual work agreements and may vary depending on the services provided. Corporate services are charged at pre-negotiated rates, subject to a base fee and cap. Senior management service fees and staff costs on operational services are allocated to us based on percentages of efforts on the services provided to us. Other costs in relation to shared office equipment are allocated based on a percentage of usage.

We believe the costs incurred under the Studio City Casino Agreement and the allocation methods under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements are reasonable and the consolidated financial statements reflect our cost of doing business. However, such allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses we would have incurred had we operated as an independent company.

We face concentration risk in relation to our sole operation of Studio City.

We are dependent upon the operation of Studio City to generate our revenue and cash flows. Given that our operations are conducted only at Studio City in Macau, we are subject to greater risks than a company with several operating properties in several markets. These risks include, but are not limited to:

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See also “Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau.”

Any of these developments or events could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flows, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Furthermore, Macau is a limited gaming concession market nearing its land capacity for the development of integrated resorts and there are no opportunities to expand our operations.

If VIP rolling chip operations are re-introduced at the Studio City Casino, Studio City Casino’s VIP rolling chip operations may cause volatility in our financial condition and results of operations due to changes in the economic and regulatory environments and Studio City Casino’s ability to attract and retain VIP rolling chip patrons.

Studio City Casino has historically incurred costs associated with VIP rolling chip operations, while the revenues generated from VIP rolling chip operations were volatile primarily due to high bets and the resulting high winnings and losses. Gross win per VIP table per day were approximately US$17,000, US$8,400 and US$2,000 in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. VIP rolling chip operations are also more vulnerable to changes in the economic environment and therefore inherently more volatile than mass market operations. Moreover, VIP rolling chip operations may involve commissions to gaming promoters, if any are engaged to provide services to Studio City Casino, and, as a result, the margins associated with VIP rolling chip operations are usually lower than the margins for the mass market operations and may be volatile from period to period due to significant variances in winnings and losses. As a result, if rolling chip operations are re-introduced at the Studio City Casino, Studio City Casino’s business, results of operations and cash flows may become more volatile, compared to that of other casinos with only mass market gaming operations.

Further, the VIP rolling chip patrons pool is limited and we cannot assure you that any future VIP rolling chip patrons at Studio City Casino would be recurring players. If Studio City Casino loses its future VIP rolling chip patrons or fails to attract new VIP rolling chip patrons, revenues and cash flows from the revenue from casino contract could become materially and adversely affected. In addition, a VIP rolling chip segment may be particularly susceptible to certain changes in government policies, regulations and enforcement actions. For instance, the anti-corruption campaign of the mainland China government has had a negative effect on the VIP rolling chip segment in Macau. In addition, in November 2021, the Court of Final Appeal in Macau issued a final unappealable decision that a gaming operator is jointly liable with a gaming promoter for the refund of funds deposited with such gaming promoter and the Macau authorities arrested executives from a gaming promoter for alleged illegal overseas gaming related activities. In January 2022, the Macau authorities also arrested an executive from another gaming promoter and certain related individuals and certain of these individuals were sentenced to jail terms in addition to the payment of monetary compensation to the Macau government in January 2023. Any further changes in government policies, regulations and enforcement actions may negatively affect the numbers of VIP rolling chip patrons in Macau and in turn, may materially and adversely affect our business if rolling chip operations are re-introduced at the Studio City Casino.

We have a history of net losses and may not achieve profitability in the future.

Studio City may not be financially successful or generate the cash flows that we anticipate. While we generated net income attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited for the year ended December 31, 2019, we have historically had net losses attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited in each of our other years of operation.

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For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had a net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited in the amount of US$96.7 million.

We expect our costs and expenses to increase in absolute amounts due to the continued growth of our operations, which will cause us to incur increased costs and expenses associated with the operation of our businesses. We also expect that we will continue to incur capital expenditures as we continue to grow our existing operations. These efforts may be more costly than we expect and our revenue may not increase sufficiently to offset these expenses. We may continue to take actions and make investments that do not generate optimal short-term financial results and may even result in increased operating losses in the short term with no assurance that we will eventually achieve the intended long-term benefits or profitability. These factors may adversely affect our ability to achieve profitability and service debt obligations and interest payments under any of our existing or future financing facilities.

We have a substantial amount of existing indebtedness and may incur additional indebtedness, which could have significant effects on our business and future operations.

We have a substantial amount of existing indebtedness. As of December 31, 2024, we had total principal amount of outstanding indebtedness of US$2.17 billion, representing the outstanding principal balances of our existing notes and credit facilities. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness.” Significant interest and principal payments are required to meet our obligations under the existing indebtedness. This substantial indebtedness could have important consequences for you and significant effects on our business and future operations. For example:

Under the terms of the agreements governing our existing indebtedness, we are permitted to incur additional indebtedness if certain conditions are met, some of which may be senior secured indebtedness. If we incur additional indebtedness, certain risks described above will be exacerbated.

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If we are unable to comply with our existing and/or future indebtedness obligations and other agreements, including due to any termination or any substantial or adverse amendment to the terms of the Studio City Casino Agreement, there could be a default under those agreements. If that occurs, lenders could terminate their respective commitments to lend to us or terminate their respective agreements, and holders of our debt securities could accelerate repayment of debt and declare all outstanding amounts due and payable, as the case may be. Furthermore, existing agreements governing our indebtedness contain, and future agreements governing our indebtedness are likely to contain, cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. As a result, our default under any such agreement may cause the acceleration of repayment of other indebtedness or result in a default under agreements governing our other indebtedness. If any of these events occur, our assets and cash flows may not be sufficient to repay in full all of our indebtedness and we may not be able to find alternative financing. Even if we are able to obtain alternative financing, it may not be on terms that are comparable or acceptable to us.

Certain covenants under our agreements governing our existing indebtedness restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions and may impair our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions.

Certain covenants under our agreements governing our existing indebtedness impose operating and financial restrictions on us. The restrictions that are imposed under these debt instruments include, among other things, limitations on our ability to do some or all of the following:

Certain of our indebtedness is secured by mortgages, assignment of land use rights, leases or equivalents, security over shares, charges over bank accounts, security over assets and other customary security over the assets of our subsidiaries. In the event of a default under such agreements governing our existing indebtedness, the holders of such secured indebtedness would first be entitled to payment from their collateral security and only then would holders of certain of our subsidiaries’ unsecured debt be entitled to payment from their remaining assets.

As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we will be limited in how we conduct our business, and we may be unable to raise additional financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. Future indebtedness or other contracts could contain financial or other covenants more restrictive than those contained in the agreements governing the existing indebtedness. In addition, general economic conditions, industry conditions and other events beyond our control may also affect our ability to comply with these provisions. If we fail to abide by such covenants, we may be unable to maintain our current financing arrangements, obtain suitable future financings or avoid an event of default which may adversely impact our cash flows, existing operations and future development.

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We may not be able to obtain adequate financing on satisfactory terms, or at all.

In the past, we have funded our capital investment projects primarily through credit facilities, issuance of debt securities and equity financings. We may require additional funding in the future for our existing business, which may be substantial and which we may raise through a combination of credit, debt and equity financings. We may be required to seek the approval or consent of or notify the relevant government authorities or third parties in order to obtain such financings. We cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain such required approval or consent from the relevant government authorities or third parties with respect to such financing in a timely manner or at all.

Any financing will also be subject to, among others, the terms of our existing and any future financings. In addition, our ability to obtain credit, debt or equity financing on acceptable terms depends on a variety of factors that are beyond our control, including market conditions, investors’ and lenders’ perceptions of, and demand for, bond, bank and equity securities of gaming companies and interest rates. Studio City Company currently has a corporate rating of “B+” with a stable outlook by Standard & Poor’s. Studio City Finance currently has a corporate rating of “B1” by Moody’s Investors Service with a stable outlook. Although many central banks have started reducing interest rates, the direction of global policies remain uncertain. The continued pressure on the mainland China property market since 2022, as well as the deterioration in the mainland China economy post-COVID-19 also negatively impacted the market for high yield bonds of issuers in other sectors connected with mainland China, including those issued by Macau gaming operators and associated entities. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient funding on terms satisfactory to us, or at all, to finance our existing business. If we are unable to obtain such funding, our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. We may, from time to time, seek to obtain new financings or refinance our outstanding debt through the international markets. Any such financing or refinancing, and our evaluation thereof, will depend on the prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

We generate a portion of our revenues from, and are subject to risks in operating, non-gaming offerings.

We generate a portion of our revenues from non-gaming offerings and our financial performance in part depends on our ability to attract new and repeat customers to the non-gaming facilities at Studio City. Both visitation and the level of spending at our themed attractions, hotel towers, retail shops, restaurants and other leisure and entertainment facilities are key drivers of revenues and profitability, and reductions in either could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows. We do not have a long track record in operating some of these non-gaming facilities and may not be able to attract new and recurring customers to our non-gaming facilities at Studio City. Our success in non-gaming offerings depends on, among others, the effectiveness of our advertising and marketing initiatives, the attractiveness and safety of our entertainment facilities as compared to other resorts in Macau, the compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for our retail, entertainment and food and beverage outlets and our continued cooperation with the popular retail brands and restaurants. Moreover, many of our attractions which draw in large numbers of visitors, such as the Golden Reel, may become obsolete in terms of technology or otherwise fail to continue to attract sufficient number of visitors. We cannot assure you that we will be financially successful in our non-gaming offerings or be able to maintain the average daily rate, occupancy rate and REVPAR of Studio City Hotel or visitation to Studio City in general, which may adversely affect our ability to generate the cash flows that we anticipate and impact our operations and financial condition.

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Studio City Casino’s gaming operations could be impacted by the reputation and integrity of the parties engaged in business activities at Studio City Casino and we cannot assure you that these parties will always maintain high standards of conduct or suitability throughout the term of Studio City Casino’s association with them. Failure to do so may potentially cause the Gaming Operator, us and our shareholders to suffer harm to our and our shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators.

The reputation and integrity of the parties who are or will be engaged in gaming activities at Studio City Casino are important to the continued operations of the casino in compliance with Gaming Operator’s concession and our own reputation. For parties that engage in gaming related activities, where relevant, the gaming regulators are expected to undertake their own probity checks and will reach their own suitability findings in respect of the activities and parties with which Studio City Casino may be associated. In addition, we conduct, and we expect that the Gaming Operator will conduct, an internal due diligence and evaluation process prior to the engagement of such parties. However, notwithstanding such regulatory probity checks, the Gaming Operator’s due diligence and our own due diligence, we cannot assure you that the parties with whom Studio City Casino is or will be associated will always maintain the high standards that gaming regulators, the Gaming Operator and we require or that such parties will maintain their suitability throughout the term of Studio City Casino’s association with them. If Studio City Casino were to be associated with any party whose probity was in doubt, this may reflect negatively on the Gaming Operator. A party associated with Studio City Casino may fall below the gaming regulators’ suitability standards.

In particular, the reputation of the gaming promoters that may operate in Studio City Casino from time to time is important to the Gaming Operator’s ability to continue to operate in compliance with its concession and our own reputation. While we expect that the Gaming Operator endeavors to ensure high standards of probity and integrity in any such gaming promoters, we cannot assure you that such gaming promoters will always maintain such high standards. In addition, if the probity of any gaming promoter associated with Studio City Casino was in doubt or such promoter failed to operate in compliance with Macau laws consistently, this may be considered by regulators or investors to reflect negatively on the Gaming Operator’s probity and compliance records. Such a gaming promoter may fall below the Gaming Operator’s or our standards of probity, integrity and legal compliance. There can also be no assurance that any allegation against, or negative publicity relating to, the gaming promoters operating in Studio City Casino from time to time or the Gaming Operator’s or our standards of probity, integrity and legal compliance will not have a material adverse impact on our reputation and business operations.

If any of the above were to occur, we, the Gaming Operator and our shareholders may suffer harm to our, the Gaming Operator’s and our shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators with authority over operations.

Our results of operations are subject to seasonality and other fluctuations.

We are subject to seasonality and other fluctuations in our business. Our revenue is also largely affected by promotional and marketing activities and revenue may increase as a result of these activities. Launch of new promotions or the timing of such promotions may further cause our quarterly results to fluctuate and differ from historical patterns. Our results of operations will likely fluctuate due to these and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to: (i) fluctuations in overall consumer demand for gaming and hospitality, leisure and resort during certain months and holidays; (ii) introduction of new policies or regulatory measures; and (iii) macro-economic conditions and their effect on discretionary consumer spending. Because of these and other factors as well as the short operating history of our business, it is difficult for us to accurately identify recurring seasonal trends in our business. In addition, our rapid growth has masked certain fluctuations that might otherwise be apparent in our results of operations. When our growth stabilizes, the seasonality in our business may become more pronounced. If we fail to accurately identify the seasonal trends in our business and match our customer services and supplies in an effective manner, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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Macau’s infrastructure may not adequately support the development of Macau’s gaming and leisure industry, which may adversely affect our expected performance.

Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands and is connected to mainland China by five land border crossings. Macau has an international airport and connections to mainland China and Hong Kong by road and ferry. To support Macau’s planned future development as a gaming and leisure destination, the frequency of bus, car, air and ferry services to Macau will need to increase. While various projects are under development to improve Macau’s internal and external transportation links, including the expansion of the Macau Light Rapid Transit and capacity expansion of border crossings, these projects may not be approved, financed or constructed in time to handle the projected increase in demand for transportation or at all, which could impede the expected increase in visitation to Macau and adversely affect Studio City. Furthermore, even if constructed, the expected benefits of these projects may not fully materialize, and may not result in significantly increased traffic to Macau and to Studio City. Any further delays or termination of Macau’s transportation infrastructure projects may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Health and safety or food safety incidents at Studio City may lead to reputational damage and financial exposures.

We provide goods and services to a significant number of customers on a daily basis at Studio City. In particular, with the number of attractions, entertainment and food and beverage offerings in Studio City, there are risks of health and safety incidents, personal injury or adverse food safety events, such as food poisoning, physical trauma, slip and fall accidents or surges in crowd flow at popular ingress and egress points. While we have a number of measures and controls in place aimed at managing such risks, we cannot guarantee that our insurance is adequate to cover all losses, which may result in us incurring additional costs or damages, and negatively impact our financial performance. Such incidents may also lead to reduced customer flow and reputational damage to Studio City.

Information technology and other systems that we depend on are subject to cybersecurity risks, including disruptions to systems and operations, misappropriation of customer information, other breaches of information security or other cybercrimes, as well as regulatory and other risks.

We rely on information technology and other systems (including those maintained by third-party service providers, suppliers and customers) to maintain and transmit large volumes of customer information, credit card settlements, credit card funds transmissions, mailing lists and reservations information and other personally identifiable information. We also maintain important internal company data such as personally identifiable information about our staff and information relating to our operations. The systems and processes we have implemented to protect customers, staff and company information are subject to the rapidly changing risks of compromised security and may therefore become outdated. Despite our preventive efforts, we are subject to the risks of compromised security, including cyber and physical security breaches, system failures, computer viruses, technical malfunctions, inadequate system capacities, power outages, natural disasters and inadvertent, negligent or intentional misuses, disclosure or dissemination of information or data by customers, company staff or employees of third-party vendors, ransomware attacks that encrypt, exfiltrate or otherwise render data unusable or unavailable or other forms of cybercrimes that include fraud or extortion. These risks can also be manifested in a variety of other ways, including through methods which may not yet be known to the cybersecurity community, and have become increasingly difficult to anticipate and prevent.

The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful or effective and our insurance coverage for protecting against cybersecurity risks may not be sufficient. The third parties that we engage or conduct business with face risks relating to cyber security similar to ours, and we do not directly control any of such service providers’ information security operations. A significant theft, loss or fraudulent use of customer or company data maintained by us or by a third-party service provider could have an adverse effect on our reputation, cause a material disruption to our operations and management team, and result in remediation expenses, regulatory penalties and litigation by customers and other parties whose information was subject to such attacks, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows.

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In addition to risks related to the theft, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of data, we are also exposed to significant risks related to the availability and functionality of our information technology systems such as resulting from cybercrimes or information technology outages. If our information technology systems become damaged or otherwise cease to function properly, our service and results of operations may be adversely affected and we may have to make significant investments to repair or replace them. Furthermore, any extended downtime from power supply disruptions or information technology system outages which may be caused by cyber security attacks or other reasons at Studio City may lead to an adverse impact on our operating results if we are unable to deliver services to customers for an extended period of time.

Despite the security measures we currently have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, phishing attacks, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors, other cybercrimes and other events. Cybersecurity risks continue to intensify globally, with cybercriminals employing increasingly sophisticated methods of cyber-attack. There were a number of well-publicized attacks on large corporations, including several in our industry. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly more difficult to anticipate and prevent due to their rapidly evolving nature and, as a result, the technology we use to protect our systems could become outdated. The occurrence of any of the cyber incidents described above could cause reputational harm to us, expose us to legal proceedings and have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Any perceived or actual electronic or physical security breach involving the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by a third party, could disrupt our business, damage our reputation and relationships with our customers, suppliers and staff, expose us to risks of litigation, significant fines and penalties and liability, result in the deterioration of our customers’, suppliers’ and staff’s confidence in us, and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information of our staff, customers, suppliers or website visitors could harm our reputation and credibility and reduce our ability to attract and retain staff, customers and suppliers. We are also subject to enactment of new laws or amendments to existing laws with more stringent requirements in relation to cybersecurity. For example, a new Cybersecurity Law was introduced in Macau in 2019 which also applies to our businesses in Macau. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Cybersecurity Regulations.” As any of the above cybersecurity threats develop and grow and our obligations under cybersecurity regulations increase, we may find it necessary to make significant further investments to protect our data and infrastructure, including the implementation of new computer systems or upgrades to existing systems, deployment of additional personnel and protection-related technologies, engagement of third-party consultants, and training of personnel.

Finally, while we have implemented a cybersecurity risk management program, there can be no assurance that our cybersecurity risk management program and processes, including our policies, controls or procedures, will be fully implemented, complied with or effective in protecting our systems and information. See also “Item 16K. Cybersecurity.”

Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks.

Our businesses collect, use and transmit large volumes of data, including credit card numbers and personal information in various information systems relating to our customers, suppliers and staff, and such personal information may be collected and/or used in, and transmitted to or from, multiple jurisdictions.

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We may be subject to a variety of cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection and other laws and regulations related to data, including those relating to the collection, use, sharing, retention, security, disclosure, and transfer of confidential and private information, such as personal information and other data. These laws and regulations apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information within our organization. These laws and regulations may restrict our business activities and increase our compliance costs and efforts. Any breach or non-compliance may subject us to proceedings, damage our reputation, or result in penalties and other significant legal liabilities, and thus may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Our customers, suppliers and staff have a high expectation that we will adequately protect their personal information. Such collection, use and/or transmission of personal information are governed by privacy laws and regulations and such laws and regulations change often, vary significantly by jurisdiction and often are newly enacted. For example, the European Union (EU)’s General Data Protection Regulation, or the GDPR, requires companies to meet new and more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal information. The GDPR may also capture data processing by non-EU firms with no EU establishment if, for example, they conduct direct marketing that specifically targets individuals in the EU. In addition, on November 1, 2023, the mainland China National Information Security Standardization Technical Committee issued the Network Security Standard Practice Guide –Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Cross-Border Personal Information Protection Requirements (Draft for Comment), setting out the basic principles and protection requirements in the personal information cross-border flow in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which requires personal information processors to comply with the local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions concerned. It is likely that this Standard Practice Guide, if effective, will be applicable to companies operating in Hong Kong, like us.

In some jurisdictions, including mainland China where we do not currently have operations, the cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection, or other data-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and application may be uncertain. For example, the Cybersecurity Administration of China, or CAC, introduced the Management Measures for Reporting Cybersecurity Incidents (Draft for Comment) in December 2023, which require mandatory reporting within one hour for significant, major, or exceptionally major incidents. On January 4, 2022, the CAC issued the New Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the New Measures, which amended the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Draft Revision for Comments) released on July 10, 2021 and came into effect on February 15, 2022. The New Measures extend the scope of cybersecurity review to network platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security, including overseas listings. Specifically, the New Measures provide that if a network platform operator who possesses personal information of more than one million users plans to be listed in foreign countries, it must apply for cybersecurity review and, in any event, the CAC has the authority to initiate a cybersecurity review if it considers the data processing activities in connection with a proposed listing will or may affect national security. The New Measures do not specify the types of public listings that will be subject to cybersecurity review and do not give sufficient guidance on the specific types of data processing activities that may be subject to cybersecurity review. The mainland China government authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the applicable laws. As such, we cannot predict the impact of the New Measures on us, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess the developments in the rule-making process. If the practical application of the New Measures results in mandated clearance of cybersecurity reviews and other specific actions to be completed by companies operating in Macau like us, we face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. We have not received any formal notice from any mainland China cybersecurity regulator that we should apply for or otherwise be subject to a cybersecurity review, but we cannot be certain that such notifications will not occur in the future.

On September 30, 2024, the Administration Regulations on Cyber Data Security (the “Data Security Regulations”) were published by the State Council, which came into effect on January 1, 2025.

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The Data Security Regulations reiterate and refine the general regulations for cyber data processing activities and rules of personal information protection, important data security protection, cyber data cross-border transfer security management, and the responsibilities of online platform service providers. In particular, the Data Security Regulations provide that cyber data processors whose cyber data processing activities affect or may affect national security shall be subject to national security review in accordance with the relevant regulations. However, the Data Security Regulations provide no further explanation or interpretation for the criteria on determining the risks that “affect or may affect national security.” Also, since the Data Security Regulations are still relatively new, the interpretation and implementation of these regulations may further evolve and develop, we cannot predict the impact of the Data Security Regulations on us.

We do not have any operations or maintain any office or personnel in mainland China. We have not collected, stored, or managed any personal information in mainland China. As such, we currently do not expect the draft measures by the CAC or other recent regulations to have an impact on our business or results of operations. However, we still face uncertainties regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations in the future. Cybersecurity review could result in disruption in our operations, negative publicity with respect to our Company, and diversion of our managerial and financial resources. Therefore, potential cybersecurity review, if applicable to us, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

In addition, the mainland China Data Security Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on June 10, 2021 and took effect on September 1, 2021, requires data collection to be conducted in a legitimate and proper manner, and stipulates that, for the purpose of data protection, data processing activities must be conducted based on data classification and hierarchical protection systems for data security. Furthermore, the recently issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities requires (i) speeding up the revision of the provisions on strengthening the confidentiality and archives management relating to overseas issuance and listing of securities and (ii) improving the laws and regulations relating to data security, cross-border data flow, and management of confidential information. The mainland China Personal Information Protection Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on August 20, 2021 and took effect on November 1, 2021, integrates the various rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and applies to the processing of personal information within mainland China as well as certain personal information processing activities outside mainland China, including those for the provision of products and services to natural persons within mainland China or for the analysis and assessment of acts of natural persons within mainland China. Although we have not collected, stored or managed any personal information in mainland China, given that there remain uncertainties regarding the further interpretation and implementation of those laws and regulations, if they are deemed to be applicable to companies operating in Macau, like us, we cannot assure you that we will be compliant with such new regulations in all respects, and we may be ordered to rectify and terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by the government authorities and become subject to fines and other government sanctions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, we must also comply with other industry standards such as those for the credit card industry and other applicable data security standards.

Compliance with applicable privacy laws, regulations and standards may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to our customers and guests. For example, these laws, regulations and standards may restrict information sharing in ways that make it more difficult to obtain or share information concerning at risk individuals. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy laws, regulations and standards by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third parties engaged by us) may result in damage of reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, payment of damages, lawsuits, criminal liability or restrictions on our use or transfer of data. Failure to meet the GDPR requirements, for example, may result in penalties of up to four percent of worldwide revenue.

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Any failure to keep pace with and successfully incorporate technological developments into our operations may impair our ability to compete effectively.

Sophisticated information technology and systems is used in the gaming operations at Studio City Casino and our non-gaming operations and corporate functions. Technological developments in tools and solutions which can be incorporated into our operations and processes, including at Studio City Casino, are rapidly evolving, such as the recent incorporation by the Gaming Operator and other gaming operators of gaming tables utilizing radio frequency identification which permit enhanced monitoring of wagers and other gaming table activities. Furthermore, developing, acquiring and maintaining such tools and solutions may require significant capital and result in higher costs than anticipated. If we or the Gaming Operator fail to keep pace with, or successfully incorporate, technological developments in such tools and solutions into the operations and processes at Studio City, our ability to compete may be impaired.

Negative press or publicity about us or our directors, officers or affiliates may lead to government investigations, result in harm to our business, brand or reputation and have a material and adverse effect on our business.

Unfavorable publicity regarding us or our directors, officers or affiliates, whether substantiated or not, may have a material and adverse effect on our business, brand and reputation. Such negative publicity may require us to engage in a defensive media campaign, which may divert our management’s attention, result in an increase in our expenses and adversely impact our results of operations, financial condition, prospects and strategies. The prevalence of social media compounds the potential scope of the negative publicity that could be generated. Any negative press or publicity could also lead to government or other regulatory investigations, including causing regulators to take action against us or the Gaming Operator, including actions that could affect the ability or terms upon which the Gaming Operator holds its concession, its or our suitability to continue as a shareholder of certain subsidiaries and/or the suitability of key personnel to remain with the Gaming Operator. If any of these events were to occur, it could cause a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

If qualified management and personnel cannot be retained at Studio City, our business could be significantly harmed.

We place substantial reliance on the gaming, project development and hospitality industry experience and knowledge of the Macau market possessed by members of our board of directors, our senior management team as well as other management personnel who serve Studio City under the Studio City Casino Agreement and the Management and Shared Services Arrangements. We may experience changes in our key management in the future for reasons beyond our control. Loss of Mr. Lawrence Ho’s services or the services of the other members of our board of directors or key management personnel could hinder our ability to effectively manage our business and implement our growth and development strategies. Finding suitable replacements for members of our board of directors or senior management could be difficult, and competition for personnel of similar experience could be intense in Macau. In addition, we do not currently carry key person insurance on any members of our senior management team.

Operation of Studio City also requires extensive operational management and staff. The supply of experienced skilled personnel in Macau is severely limited. Many of the personnel occupy sensitive positions requiring qualifications sufficient to meet gaming regulatory and other requirements or are required to possess other skills for which substantial training and experience may be needed. Competition to retain qualified personnel is likely to continue as competition in the Macau integrated resort market increases. In addition, concessionaires are not currently allowed under the Macau government’s policy to hire non-Macau resident dealers and supervisors. We cannot assure you that a sufficient number of qualified individuals will be attracted and retained to operate Studio City or that costs to recruit and retain such personnel will not increase significantly. In addition, the Gaming Operator has previously been subject to certain labor demands.

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The inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified staff and to continuously optimize our workforce based on changing business demands by the Gaming Operator and Master Service Providers could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, recruitment efforts for the operations of Studio City may be adversely impacted by Macau government’s policies with respect to the approval and renewal of work permits for non-resident workers. The Macau government has signaled a tighter control on the employment of non-resident workers and submits applications for employment of non-resident workers to a rigorous review and seeks to stimulate the promotion of local workers to management positions in the gaming industry. Further, in policy addresses in recent years, the Macau government has continuously stressed that it will continue to monitor the proportion of management positions held by local workers in gaming operators and implement measures to ensure that such proportion is kept at a percentage not lower than 85% for senior and mid-management positions.

Construction is subject to hazards that may cause personal injury or loss of life that expose us to liabilities and possible losses.

The construction of large-scale properties can be dangerous. Construction workers at such sites are subject to hazards that may cause personal injury or loss of life, thereby subjecting the contractors and us to liabilities, possible losses, delays in completion of the projects and negative publicity. For example, in December 2021, there was a fatality at the Studio City Phase 2 construction site and certain façade related works were suspended for approximately two weeks. We believe, and require that, our contractors take safety precautions that are consistent with industry practice, but these safety precautions may not be adequate to prevent serious personal injuries or loss of life, damage to property or delays. However, if accidents occur during construction at our property, there may be serious delays, including delays imposed by regulators, liabilities and possible losses which may not be covered by insurance, and our business, prospects and reputation may be materially and adversely affected.

Our contractors may face difficulties in finding sufficient labor at an acceptable cost, which could cause delays and increase construction costs.

The contractors we retain to construct our projects may face difficulties and competition in finding qualified construction labor and managers as more projects commence construction in Macau and as substantial construction activity continues in mainland China as well as due to the imposition of travel restrictions. Immigration and labor regulations as well as travel restrictions in Macau or mainland China may cause our contractors to be unable to recruit sufficient laborers from mainland China to make up for any shortage in available labor in Macau and to help reduce the costs of construction, which could cause delays and increase our construction costs.

The possible infringement of key intellectual property used in our business, the dissemination of proprietary information used in our business or the infringement or alleged infringement of intellectual property rights belonging to third parties could adversely affect our business.

As part of our branding strategy, we have applied for or registered a number of trademarks (including “Studio City” trademarks) in Macau, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions for use in connection with Studio City. Where possible, we intend to continue to register trademarks as we develop, review and implement our branding strategy for Studio City. We intend to take steps to safeguard our intellectual property from infringement by third parties, such as taking actions against trademark and copyright violations, if and when necessary, and our staff and/or staff of the Gaming Operator or its affiliates or its designees are subject to confidentiality provisions in their employment agreements. Despite such measures, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in defending against the infringement of intellectual property to be used in our business or that any proprietary information to be used in our business will not be disseminated to our competitors, which could have an adverse effect on our future results of operations. In addition, our current and any future trademarks are subject to expiration and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to renew all of them prior to expiration.

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Our inability to renew the registration of certain trademarks and the loss of such trademarks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We face the potential risk of claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties, which could be expensive and time-consuming to defend, cause us to cease using certain intellectual property rights or selling or providing certain products or services, result in us being required to pay significant damages or to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property rights (if available at all), any of which could have a negative impact on the operation of Studio City and harm our future prospects. Furthermore, if litigation were to result from such claims, our business could be interrupted.

We may not have sufficient insurance coverage.

We currently have various insurance policies providing certain coverage typically required by gaming and hospitality operations in Macau. These insurance policies provide coverage that is subject to policy terms, conditions and limits. Certain of these policies have been obtained by us and certain of these policies have been obtained by Melco Resorts. We cannot assure you that we or, in the case of policies obtained by Melco Resorts, Melco Resorts will be able to renew such insurance coverage on equivalent premium costs, terms, conditions and limits upon their expiration. Certain events, such as typhoons and fires, have increased our premium costs and reduced policy limits. The cost of coverage may in the future become so high that insurance policies we deem necessary for the operation of our projects may not be obtainable on commercially practicable terms, or at all, or policy limits may need to be reduced or exclusions from our coverage expanded. Our cyber insurance may not cover all expenses and losses arising from any cybersecurity incidents and, accordingly, such breaches or other compromises of our or Melco Resorts’ information security or that of ours or its third-party service providers or business partners may have an adverse impact on our operating results and financial condition.

We cannot assure you that any such insurance policies we or Melco Resorts obtained or may obtain will be adequate to protect us from material losses. Certain acts and events, including any pandemic, epidemic of infectious diseases, earthquakes, hurricanes and floods, terrorist acts, or cybersecurity attacks could expose us to significant uninsured losses that may be, or are, uninsurable or too expensive to justify obtaining insurance. As a result, we, or Melco Resorts, may not be successful in obtaining insurance without increases in cost or decreases in coverage levels. In addition, in the event of a substantial loss, the insurance coverage we carry or benefit from may not be sufficient to pay the full market value or replacement cost of our lost investment or in some cases could result in certain losses being totally uninsured. In addition to the damages caused directly by a casualty loss (such as fire or natural disasters), infectious disease outbreaks, terrorist acts or cybersecurity attacks, we may suffer a disruption of our business as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties who may be injured or harmed. As an example, COVID-19 outbreaks resulted in many governments around the world, including in Macau, placing quarantines disallowing residents to travel into or outside of the quarantined area, enforcing business closures and other restrictions. While we intend to continue carrying business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, such insurance may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and, in any event, may not be adequate to cover any losses that may result from such events.

There is limited available insurance in Macau and insurers in Macau may need to secure reinsurance in order to provide adequate cover for our property and development projects. Our credit agreements, the Gaming Operator’s Concession Contract and certain other material agreements require a certain level of insurance to be maintained, which must be obtained in Macau, unless otherwise authorized by the respective counter-parties. Failure to maintain adequate coverage could be an event of default under our credit agreements or the Gaming Operator’s Concession Contract and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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Studio City Entertainment’s tax exemption from complementary tax on income received from the Gaming Operator under the Studio City Casino Agreement expired in 2021.

Companies in Macau are subject to complementary tax of 12% of taxable income, as defined in relevant tax laws. The Macau government granted to Studio City Entertainment, one of our subsidiaries, a Macau complementary tax exemption until 2021 on profits generated from income received from the Gaming Operator, to the extent that such income results from gaming operations within Studio City Casino and has been subject to gaming taxes. Studio City Entertainment applied for an extension of the complementary tax exemption for the period from January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 and further for the period from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2032. The application for 2023 to 2032 was rejected and an objection to such decision was denied in a notice dated September 4, 2024. As the tax exemption has not been extended, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

From time to time, we may be involved in legal and other proceedings arising out of our operations.

We may be involved in disputes with various parties involved in the operation of Studio City, including contractual disputes with contractors, consultants, suppliers, retailers, food and beverage operators and construction workers. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal and Administrative Proceedings.” Regardless of the outcome, these disputes may lead to legal or other proceedings and may result in substantial costs, delays in our schedules and the diversion of resources and management’s attention. In addition, we may be involved in a variety of litigation, regulatory proceedings and investigation arising out of our business, which are inherently unpredictable. Ultimate judgments or settlements for such proceedings could increase our costs and thereby lower our profitability or have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain the appropriate and sufficient types or levels of insurance for Studio City. We may also have disagreements with regulatory bodies in the course of our operations, which may subject us to administrative proceedings and unfavorable decisions that result in penalties, suspension or restrictions on our operations or closure of outlets at Studio City that are currently in operation. In such cases, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, claims and proceedings against us, including but not limited to any claims alleging that we received, misappropriated or misapplied funds, or violated any anti-corruption law or regulation, may result in our business operations being subject to greater scrutiny from relevant regulatory authorities and requiring us to make further improvements to our existing systems and controls and business operations, all of which may increase our compliance costs. No assurance can be provided that any provisions we have made for such matters will be sufficient. Litigation and regulatory proceedings and investigation are inherently unpredictable and our results of operations or cash flows may be adversely affected by an unfavorable resolution of any pending or future litigation, disputes and regulatory investigation.

Any failure or alleged failure to comply with anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”), could result in penalties, which could harm our reputation and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to various anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. The FCPA prohibits companies and any individuals or entities acting on their behalf from offering or making improper payments or providing things of value to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business. The FCPA also requires companies to maintain accurate books and records and to devise and maintain a system of internal accounting controls. There has been a general increase in FCPA enforcement activities in recent years by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice. Both the number of FCPA cases and sanctions imposed have risen significantly.

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While we and our affiliated companies have adopted and implemented an anti-corruption compliance program covering both commercial bribery and public corruption which includes internal policies, procedures and training aimed to prevent and detect anti-corruption compliance issues and risks, and procedures to take remedial action when compliance issues are identified, we cannot assure you that our employees, consultants, contractors and agents, and those of our affiliates, will adhere to the anti-corruption compliance program, or that any action taken to comply with, or address compliance issues, will be considered adequate by the regulatory bodies with jurisdiction over us and our affiliates. Any violation of our compliance program or applicable law by us or our affiliates could subject us or our affiliates to investigations, prosecutions and other legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administrative remedies and criminal sanctions, any of which may result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, cause us to lose customer relationships or lead to other adverse consequences on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a U.S. listed company, certain U.S. laws and regulations apply to our operations and compliance with those laws and regulations increases our cost of doing business.

Fluctuation in the value of the H.K. dollar, U.S. dollar, Pataca or RMB may adversely affect our indebtedness, expenses and profitability.

Although the majority of the revenues from the operation of Studio City are denominated in H.K. dollars, we have certain expenses and revenues denominated in Patacas. In addition, a significant portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, and the costs associated with repaying such debt and servicing interest payments are denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of the H.K. dollar and Patacas against the U.S. dollar may fluctuate and may be affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Although the exchange rate between the H.K. dollar and the U.S. dollar has been pegged since 1983 and the Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar, we cannot assure you that the H.K. dollar will remain pegged to the U.S. dollar and that the Pataca will remain pegged to the H.K. dollar. In addition, the currency market for Patacas is relatively small and undeveloped and therefore our ability to convert large amounts of Patacas into U.S. dollars over a relatively short period of time may be limited. As a result, we may experience difficulty in converting Patacas into U.S. dollars, which could hinder our ability to service a portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses denominated in U.S. dollars. On the other hand, to the extent that we are required to convert U.S. dollar financings into H.K. dollars or Patacas for our operations, fluctuations in the exchange rates between H.K. dollars or Patacas against the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the amounts we receive from the conversion.

Furthermore, the depreciation of RMB against U.S. dollar or H.K. dollar will affect the purchasing power of visitors from mainland China, which in turn may affect the visitation and level of spending at Studio City. To date we have not engaged in hedging transactions with respect to foreign exchange exposure of our revenues and expenses in our day-to-day operations. However, we may occasionally enter into foreign exchange transactions as part of financing transactions and capital expenditure. We will consider our overall policy on hedging for foreign exchange risk from time to time. Any significant fluctuations in the exchange rates mentioned above may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition.

Furthermore, mainland China has tightened currency exchange controls and restrictions on the export and conversion of the Renminbi, the currency of mainland China, in recent years. Restrictions on the export of the Renminbi, as well as the increased effectiveness of such restrictions, may impede the flow of patrons from mainland China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in those markets and negatively impact our gaming operations.

Economic or trade sanctions and a heightened trend towards trade and technology “de-coupling” could negatively affect the relationships and collaborations with our suppliers, service providers, technology partners and other business partners, which could materially and adversely affect our competitiveness and business operations.

The United Nations and a number of countries and jurisdictions, including mainland China, the United States and the EU, have adopted various economic or trade sanction regimes.

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In particular, economic and trade sanctions have been threatened and/or imposed by the U.S. government on a number of mainland China-based technology companies, including ZTE Corporation, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., or Huawei, Tencent Holdings Limited, certain of their respective affiliates, and other mainland China-based technology companies. These mainland China technology conglomerates manufacture and/or develop telecommunications and other equipment, software, mobile Apps and devices that are popular and widely used globally, including by us and by our customers, especially those in mainland China. The United States has also in certain circumstances threatened to impose further sanctions, trade embargoes, and other heightened regulatory requirements on mainland China and mainland China-based companies. The U.S. government has brought enforcement actions against ZTE Corporation and Huawei and related persons, as well as companies who engaged in unauthorized transactions with Huawei.

These restrictions, and similar or more expansive restrictions that may be imposed by the U.S. or other jurisdictions in the future, though may not be directly applicable to us, may materially and adversely affect our suppliers, service providers, technology partners or other business partners’ abilities to acquire technologies, systems, devices or components that may be critical to our relationships or collaborations with them. In addition, if any of our suppliers, service providers, technology partners or other business partners that have collaborative relationships with us or our affiliates were to become subject to sanctions or other restrictions, this might restrict or negatively impact our ongoing relationships or collaborations with them, which could materially and adversely affect our competitiveness and business operations. Media reports on alleged uses of the technologies, systems or innovations developed by business partners or other parties not affiliated with or controlled by us, even on matters not involving us, could nevertheless damage our reputation and lead to regulatory investigations, fines and penalties against us.

Climate change, environmental, social and governance and sustainability related concerns could have a negative impact on our business and results of operations.

Various jurisdictions are adopting or considering new laws and regulations that expand mandatory disclosure, reporting and diligence requirements with respect to environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters, and expectations of investors, customers, employees and other stakeholders in this area continue to evolve.

There are also risks associated with the chronic and acute physical effects of climate change (including changes in sea levels, water shortages, droughts, typhoons and other extreme weather phenomena and natural disasters). Inability to maintain reliable energy supplies due to climate change disruptions may also impact our business continuity and an increase in frequency of extreme weather events could leave us vulnerable to increased insurance costs or limit or ability to obtain sufficient coverage. See “— Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Macau is susceptible to typhoons and heavy rainstorms that may damage our property and disrupt our operations.”

The criteria by which our ESG and sustainability practices are assessed may also change due to the evolution of the sustainability landscape, which could result in greater expectations of us and cause us to undertake costly initiatives to satisfy such new criteria. We have potentially high exposure to net zero transition-related policies and carbon prices that could result in energy inflationary pressures. Implicit carbon costs could also affect us where investments are required to meet building efficiency requirements and emissions regulations that are introduced as part of net zero transition plans. In addition, we have exposure to potential commodity price increase pressures on energy intensive goods and construction materials procured as a result of net zero transition-related regulations. If we are unable to satisfy such new criteria, stakeholders may conclude our policies and/or actions with respect to ESG and sustainability matters are inadequate. In addition, we utilize a significant amount of energy and water and produce a considerable amount of waste in our operations and any failure in our efforts to use materials efficiently or reduce waste may not meet the expectations of our stakeholders. Compliance with future climate-related legislation and regulation, and our efforts to achieve emissions reduction targets, could also be difficult and costly. Consumer travel and consumption preferences may also shift due to sustainability related concerns or costs.

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Moreover, stakeholders (including those in support of or in opposition to ESG principles) may have a negative view of us to the extent we are perceived to have not responded appropriately to their ESG concerns or take positions that are contrary to their views or expectations. As a result of the foregoing, we may experience significantly increased operating and compliance costs, operating disruptions or limitations, reduced demand, and constraints on our growth, all of which could adversely affect our profits.

Claims or regulatory actions against us under mainland China’s competition laws may result in fines, constraints on our business and damage to our reputation.

In recent years, the mainland China government has stepped up enforcement against concentration of undertakings, cartel activities, monopoly agreements, unfair pricing, abusive behaviors by companies with market dominance and other anti-competitive activities. In December 2020, the mainland China government announced that strengthening anti-monopoly measures and preventing the disorderly expansion of capital has become one of its focuses, and that it intended to improve digital regulations and legal standards for the identification of platform enterprise monopolies for the gathering, usage and management of data, and for the protection of consumer rights.

For example, the mainland China government has enhanced its anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition laws and regulations, such as the enactment of the Online Trading Measures, which took effect on May 1, 2021, and the amended Anti-monopoly Law, which came into effect on August 1, 2022 and significantly increased the consequences of liability for violations, including for failing to notify the State Administration for Market Regulation prior to implementing transactions if certain thresholds are met.

As of the date of this annual report, mainland China’s statements and regulatory actions related to anti-monopoly concerns have not impacted our business, our ability to accept foreign investments or our ability to issue our securities to foreign investors. However, in the future, we may become subject to these or similar laws and regulations and compliance with such laws and regulations, as well as administrative guidance and requirements by regulators from time to time, may require significant resources and efforts, including changing our operations and pricing practices, restructuring our operations and adjusting our investment activities, which may materially and adversely affect our operations growth prospects, reputation and the trading prices of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs.

Risks Relating to Operating in the Gaming Industry in Macau

The Macau government may terminate the concession under certain circumstances without compensation to the Gaming Operator and may, pursuant to the Gaming Operator’s concession, determine that Studio City Casino may not continue to operate under the Studio City Casino Agreement, which would prevent the operation of Studio City Casino.

Under the Gaming Operator’s concession, the Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate the concession in the event of non-compliance by the Gaming Operator with its basic obligations under the concession and applicable Macau laws. If such a termination were to occur, the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate gaming in Macau, including at Studio City Casino. Termination events include, among others, endangerment to the national security of mainland China or Macau; the operation of gaming without permission or operation of a business which does not fall within the business scope of the concession; abandonment of approved business or suspension of operations of its gaming business in Macau without reasonable grounds; transfer of all or part of the Gaming Operator’s operation in Macau in violation of the relevant laws and administrative regulations governing the operation of games of fortune or chance and other casino games in Macau and without Macau government approval; failure to pay taxes, premiums, levies or other amounts payable to the Macau government; systematic non-compliance with the Macau Gaming Operations Law’s basic obligations; for reasons of public interest; and for failure to meet probity standards or failure to meet the investment amount and other criteria set in the Concession Contract within the period set by the Macau government.

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These events could lead to the termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession without compensation and the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate gaming in Macau, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in defaults under our indebtedness agreements and a partial or complete loss of our investments in Studio City. In many of these instances, the Concession Contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, the Gaming Operator would rely on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to remedy any such violation.

Under the terms of the Studio City Casino Agreement to which Studio City Entertainment, one of our subsidiaries, is a party, the Gaming Operator has agreed to operate Studio City Casino. If, upon termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession, or under the gaming law, Studio City Entertainment were not able to continue the same arrangements or enter into similar arrangements, Studio City Casino may not be able to continue to operate in the same manner or at all, and the casino and gaming equipment operated by the Gaming Operator under its concession will revert or be transferred to the Macau government without compensation.

Under the Gaming Operator’s concession, the Macau government is allowed to request various changes in its investment plans and to make various other decisions and determinations. The Macau Gaming Operations Law also grants the Macau government authority to require for changes and specifications to be made to properties operated by concessionaires, including the Gaming Operator. In addition, the Chief Executive of Macau has the right to require an increase of the Gaming Operator’s share capital or that the Gaming Operator provides certain deposits or other guarantees of performance with respect to its obligations in any amount determined by the Macau government to be necessary. The Gaming Operator also needs to first obtain the approval of the Macau governmental authorities before raising certain financing and must notify the Macau government before taking significant financial decisions. The Gaming Operator’s ability to incur indebtedness or raise equity may be further restricted by its existing and any future financings. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator will be able to comply with these requirements or any other requirements of the Macau government or with the other requirements and obligations imposed by the concession or the law amending the gaming law or other related regulations.

The Concession Contract also contains various covenants and other obligations as to which the determination of compliance is subjective, and any failure to comply with any such covenant or obligation could result in the termination of the concession. For example, requirements of compliance with general and special duties of cooperation and special duties of information may be subjective, and we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator will always be able to operate gaming activities in a manner satisfactory to the Macau government. The Macau Gaming Operations Law also contemplates various covenants and obligations the determination of which is discretionary or subjective. Accordingly, we will be impacted by the Gaming Operator’s continuing communications and good faith negotiations with the Macau government to ensure that the Gaming Operator is performing its obligations under the concession and applicable law in a manner that would avoid any violations.

Furthermore, pursuant to the Concession Contract, the Gaming Operator is obligated to comply not only with the terms of that agreement, but also with laws, regulations, rulings and orders that the Macau government might issue or enact in the future. We cannot assure you that it will be able to comply with all such laws, regulations, rulings or orders or that any such laws, regulations, rulings or orders would not adversely affect its ability to operate the Studio City Casino. If any disagreement arises between the Gaming Operator and the Macau government regarding the interpretation of, or its compliance with, a provision of the Concession Contract or then applicable law, we will be relying on its consultation and negotiation process with the Macau government as described above. During any such consultation, however, the Gaming Operator will be obligated to comply with the terms of the Concession Contract or law, as interpreted by the Macau government.

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Upon the expiration or termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession by the Macau government, the Studio City Casino’s gaming area and equipment will revert or be transferred to the Macau government without compensation to the Gaming Operator.

Studio City Casino faces intense competition in the gaming industry of Macau and elsewhere in Asia, and it may not be able to compete successfully.

The gaming industry in Macau and elsewhere in Asia is highly competitive. Our competitors include many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and resort companies in the world. Some of these current and future competitors are larger than us and may have more diversified resources, better brand recognition and greater access to capital to support their developments and operations in Macau and elsewhere. In particular, in recent years, competitors have opened new properties, expanded operations and/or announced their intention for further expansion and developments in Cotai, where Studio City is located. For example, Galaxy Casino, S.A., or Galaxy, progressively opened phase 3 of the Galaxy Macau Resort from the second quarter of 2023, while phase 4 is currently under development and is expected to open in 2027. In addition, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., or SJM, opened Grand Lisboa Palace in July 2021 and opened two additional hotels in 2023, while Sands Cotai Central in Cotai has been rebranded and redeveloped into The Londoner Macau, which opened in February 2021, with further renovations ongoing in the second phase of The Londoner Macau, which is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2025.

Studio City Casino will also compete to some extent with casinos located in other countries, such as Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere in the world, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the United States, and in the future, proposed developments in Sri Lanka, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, among others. Certain other markets may in the future legalize casino gaming, including Taiwan and Thailand. Certain of these gaming markets may not be subject to as stringent regulations as the Macau market. Studio City Casino will also compete with both legal and illegal online gaming and sports-betting websites, cruise ships operating out of Hong Kong and other areas of Asia that offer gaming. The proliferation of gaming venues in Asia could significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

Currently, Macau is the only region in the China area offering legal casino gaming. Although the mainland China government has strictly enforced its regulations prohibiting domestic gaming operations, there may be casinos in parts of mainland China that are operated illegally and without licenses. In addition, there is no assurance that the mainland China government will not in the future permit gaming operations in mainland China. Competition from casinos in mainland China, legal or illegal, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

Furthermore, Melco Resorts, as well as the Gaming Operator, may take action to construct and operate new gaming projects or invest in such projects, located in other countries in the Asia region (including new gaming projects in Macau) or outside the Asia region, which, along with their current operations, such as City of Dreams and Altira Macau, may increase the competition Studio City Casino will face. See “— Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Melco Resorts — We may have conflicts of interest with Melco Resorts and, because of Melco Resorts’ controlling ownership interest in our Company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on favorable terms for us.”

Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and adverse changes or developments in gaming laws or regulations could be difficult to comply with or significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful.

Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and is subject to the risk of changes in laws and policies. Current laws, such as licensing requirements, tax rates and other regulatory obligations, including those for anti-money laundering, could change or become more stringent resulting in additional regulations being imposed upon gaming operations in Macau as well as increased audits and inspections by regulators, including the Studio City Casino.

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Any such adverse developments in the regulation of the gaming industry could be difficult to comply with and could significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful and adversely affect our financial performance.

While the Gaming Operator does not currently have gaming promoters arrangements at the Studio City Casino following their cessation in December 2021, if the Gaming Operator decides to enter into new arrangements with gaming promoters in the future, such arrangements and related activities will be subject to the requirements under the applicable laws and regulations. In September 2009, the Macau government set a cap on commission payments to gaming promoters of 1.25% of net rolling. Such cap on commission payments was confirmed by the Macau government in 2022. On June 22, 2022, Law no. 7/2022, which amends Law no. 16/2001, or the Macau Gaming Operations Law, was published and on December 19, 2022, Law no. 16/2022, the new Gaming Activities Law, which replaces Administrative Regulation no. 6/2022, or the Gaming Promoter Regulation, was published. These laws set additional requirements applicable to the Studio City Casino. Any failure to comply with these regulations, as they may be applicable, may result in the imposition of liabilities, fines and other penalties and may materially and adversely affect the Gaming Operator’s concession or the operation of the Studio City Casino. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Gaming Activities Regulations.”

In addition, the Macau government imposed regulations and restrictions that affect the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau, entry into casinos by off-duty gaming-related employees, location requirements for sites with gaming machine lounges, data privacy and other matters. Any such legislation, regulation or restriction which is being or may in the future be imposed by the Macau government may have a material adverse impact on our operations, business and financial performance. Furthermore, our inability to address any of these requirements or restrictions imposed by the Macau government could adversely affect our reputation and result in criminal or administrative penalties, in addition to any civil liability and other expenses. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Gaming Operation Regulations.”

Also, smoking on the premises of casinos is only permitted in authorized segregated smoking lounges with no gaming activities, and such segregated smoking lounges are required to meet certain standards determined by the Macau government. Studio City Casino currently has a number of segregated smoking lounges. We cannot assure you that the Macau government will not enact more stringent smoking control legislation. Such limitations imposed on smoking have and may deter potential gaming patrons who are smokers from visiting casinos in Macau, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Smoking Regulations.”

Under the Macau Gaming Operations Law, the Macau government has set a cap on gaming tables and gaming machines that may be operated in Macau at 6,000 gaming tables and 12,000 gaming machines. In addition, gaming tables and gaming machines previously allocated to a concessionaire may also be revoked if the minimum average annual gross gaming revenue of MOP7 million (equivalent to approximately US$875,392) for gaming tables and MOP300,000 (equivalent to approximately US$37,517) for gaming machines are not met for two consecutive years or the tables or gaming machines are not fully utilized without reason within a certain period.

Current Macau laws and regulations concerning gaming and gaming concessions and matters such as prevention of money laundering are fairly recent or there is little precedent on the interpretation of these laws and regulations. While we expect that the Gaming Operator will operate Studio City Casino in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations of Macau, these laws and regulations are complex and a court or an administrative or regulatory body may in the future render an interpretation of these laws and regulations or issue new or modified regulations that differ from our or the Gaming Operator’s interpretation, which could have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino and on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

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Our activities in Macau are subject to administrative review and approval by various departments of the Macau government. For example, our business activities and Studio City Casino are subject to the administrative review and approval by the DICJ, Macau Health Bureau, Macau Labor Bureau, Macau Construction Works Bureau, Macau Fire Department, Macau Finance Department and Macau Government Tourism Office. We cannot assure you that we or the Gaming Operator will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary approvals, which may materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Macau law permits redress to the courts with respect to administrative actions. However, such redress is largely untested in relation to gaming regulatory issues.

Studio City Casino is subject to operational risks commonly faced by other gaming facilities in Macau.

Studio City Casino faces operational risks commonly experienced in the gaming industry in Macau. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

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Any of these risks has the potential to materially and adversely affect Studio City Casino and our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

The Macau government could grant additional rights to conduct gaming in the future, which could significantly increase competition in Macau and cause Studio City Casino to lose or be unable to gain or maintain market share.

Pursuant to the terms of the Macau Gaming Operations Law, the maximum number of gaming concessions is six. Concessionaires are prohibited from entering into a subconcession agreement. Notwithstanding, the policies and laws of the Macau government may change and could result in the grant of additional concessions or subconcessions, which could significantly increase competition in Macau and also cause Studio City Casino to lose or be unable to maintain or gain market share and, as a result, adversely affect our business.

We cannot assure you that anti-money laundering policies that have been implemented at Studio City Casino and its compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws will be effective to prevent Studio City Casino from being exploited for money laundering purposes.

Macau’s free port, offshore financial services and free movement of capital create an environment whereby Macau’s casinos could be exploited for money laundering purposes. Melco Resorts’ and the Gaming Operator’s anti-money laundering policies, which we believe to be in compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Macau, are applied to the operation of Studio City Casino. However, we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator, our contractors, agents or the staff performing services at Studio City Casino will continually adhere to such policies or any such policies will be effective in preventing Studio City Casino operations from being exploited for money laundering purposes, including from jurisdictions outside of Macau. We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to any accusation or investigation related to any possible money laundering activities despite the anti-money laundering measures we have adopted and undertaken or that we will adopt and undertake in the future.

The Gaming Operator also deals with significant amounts of cash in Studio City Casino’s operations and is subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations as well as audits and inspections by regulators. Any incidents of money laundering, accusations of money laundering or regulatory investigations into possible money laundering activities involving Studio City Casino, its staff, gaming promoters, if any, or customers or others with whom it is associated could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, cash flow, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. Any serious incident of, or repeated violation of, laws related to money laundering or any regulatory investigation into money laundering activities may cause a revocation or suspension of the concession held by the Gaming Operator. For more information regarding anti-money laundering regulations in Macau, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regulations.”

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Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Melco Resorts

We are heavily dependent on our shareholder, Melco Resorts, and expect to continue to be dependent on Melco Resorts.

Melco Resorts is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe, and our business has benefited significantly from Melco Resorts’ strong market position in Macau and its expertise in both gaming and non-gaming businesses. We cannot assure you we will continue to receive the same level of support from Melco Resorts in the future.

Melco Resorts has provided us with substantially all of our financial, administrative, sales and marketing, human resources and legal services and has also provided us with the services of a number of its staff pursuant to the Management and Shared Services Arrangements. Other than our property general manager, all of the Studio City dedicated staff are employed by the Master Service Providers under such arrangements. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Management and Shared Services Arrangements.” We expect Melco Resorts to continue to provide us with such support services in the future. However, there is no assurance that employees of Master Service Providers, who also support our financial, management, administration and other corporate functions, will be able to carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of Studio City or provide sufficient support for us to operate as an independent public company in compliance with the relevant financial reporting, internal control and other legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, to the extent Melco Resorts does not continue to provide us with such support, we may need to create our own support systems and may encounter operational, administrative and strategic difficulties. Having to create our own support systems due to lack of support from Melco Resorts may cause us to react more slowly than our competitors to industry changes and may divert our management’s attention from running our business, increase our operating costs or otherwise harm our operations.

Our business has benefited significantly from our relationship with Melco Resorts. Any negative development in Melco Resorts’ market position or brand recognition may materially and adversely affect our marketing efforts and the strength of our brand.

We are a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and have benefited significantly from our relationship with Melco Resorts in marketing our brand. For example, we have benefited by providing services to Melco Resorts’ long-term customers. We also benefit from Melco Resorts’ strong brand recognition in Macau, which has provided us credibility and a broad marketing reach. If Melco Resorts loses its market position, the effectiveness of our marketing efforts through our association with Melco Resorts may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any negative publicity associated with Melco Resorts will likely have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our marketing as well as our reputation and our brand.

We may have conflicts of interest with Melco Resorts and, because of Melco Resorts’ controlling ownership interest in our Company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on favorable terms for us.

Conflicts of interest may arise between Melco Resorts and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships. Potential conflicts of interest include:

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We expect to operate, for as long as Melco Resorts is our controlling shareholder, as a subsidiary of Melco Resorts. Melco Resorts may from time to time make strategic decisions that it believes are in the best interests of its business as a whole, including our Company. These decisions may be different from the decisions that we would have made on our own. Melco Resorts’ decisions with respect to us or our business may be resolved in ways that favor Melco Resorts and therefore Melco Resorts’ own shareholders, which may not coincide with the interests of our other shareholders. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with a non-controlling shareholder.

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Even if both parties seek to transact business on terms intended to approximate those that could have been achieved among unaffiliated parties, this may not succeed in practice.

Certain of our directors and executive officers hold a substantial amount of share options, restricted shares and ordinary shares of Melco Resorts, which could create an appearance of potential conflicts of interests.

Certain of our directors and executive officers hold a substantial amount of share options, restricted shares and ordinary shares of Melco Resorts, and the value of such share options and restricted shares are related to the value of the ordinary shares of Melco Resorts. In addition, our directors and executive officers are eligible to participate in the share incentive plan of Melco Resorts. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers — Share Incentive Plan.” The direct and indirect interests of our directors and executive officers in the ordinary shares of Melco Resorts and the presence of certain directors and executive officers of Melco Resorts on our board of directors or senior executive team could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving both Melco Resorts and us that could have different implications for Melco Resorts and us. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute between Melco Resorts and us, or the affiliates of Melco Resorts and us, regarding the terms of the arrangements we have with Melco Resorts or its affiliates. These arrangements include the Studio City Casino Agreement, the Management and Shared Services Arrangements and any commercial agreements between Melco Resorts and us, or the affiliates of Melco Resorts and us. Potential conflicts of interest may also arise out of any commercial arrangements that Melco Resorts and us may enter into in the future. Similar potential conflicts may also arise related to the pursuit of certain opportunities, including growth opportunities in Macau or elsewhere.

Changes in Melco Resorts’ share ownership, including a change of control of its subsidiaries’ shares, could result in our inability to draw loans or cause events of default under our indebtedness, or could require us to prepay or make offers to repurchase certain indebtedness.

Credit facility agreements relating to certain of our indebtedness contain change of control provisions, including in respect of Melco Resorts’ obligations relating to the control and/or ownership of certain of its and our subsidiaries including their and our assets. Under the terms of such credit facility agreements, the occurrence of certain change of control events, including a decline below certain thresholds in the aggregate direct or indirect shareholdings in certain of Melco Resorts’ subsidiaries, including Studio City Holdings Five Limited, Studio City Finance and Studio City Investments, may result in an event of default and/or a cancelation of committed amounts as well as a requirement to prepay the credit facilities in relation to such indebtedness in full.

The terms of the agreement of certain indebtedness also contain change of control provisions whereby the occurrence of a relevant change of control event will require us to offer to repurchase the securities at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and, if any, additional amounts and other amounts specified under such indebtedness to the date of repurchase.

Any occurrence of these events could be outside our control and could result in events of default and cross-defaults which may cause the termination and acceleration of our credit facilities and other indebtedness and potential enforcement of remedies by our lenders or note holders (as the case may be), which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by any economic slowdown in Macau, mainland China and nearby Asia regions as well as globally.

All of our operations are in Macau. Accordingly, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by significant political, social and economic developments in Macau and mainland China.

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A slowdown in economic growth in mainland China could adversely impact the number of visitors from mainland China to Studio City as well as the amount they are willing to spend in our hotel towers, restaurants and other facilities as well as at Studio City Casino, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of the operations and financial condition. Various factors have negatively impacted economic growth in mainland China in recent years, including the government’s efforts to cool mainland China’s housing market and disruptions caused by COVID-19, leading to reduced consumer discretionary budget and ultimately affecting their spending on travel and leisure. Moreover, mainland China’s common prosperity drive which started in 2021 aims to narrow the nation’s wealth gap by reducing wealth inequality. Any changes in the income tax rate or government policy which discourages conspicuous consumption may affect the spending patterns of our patrons. All of these measures as well as a number of measures taken by the mainland China government in recent years to control the rate of economic growth, including those designed to tighten credit and liquidity, may have contributed to a slowdown of mainland China’s economy. According to preliminary estimates from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, mainland China’s GDP growth rate was 5.0% in 2024, which was lower than the 5.4% in 2023. Any slowdown in mainland China’s future growth may have an adverse impact on financial markets, currency exchange rates and other economies, as well as the spending of visitors in Macau and Studio City. There is no guarantee that economic downturns, whether actual or perceived, any further decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in mainland China will not occur or persist in the future, that they will not be protracted or that governments will respond adequately to control and reverse such conditions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the global macroeconomic environment continues to face significant challenges, such as the continuation of international trade conflicts, including the trade disputes between the United States and mainland China and the recent escalation of trade tariffs and related retaliatory measures between these two countries and globally.

Tensions between the United States and mainland China have continued to escalate in connection with ongoing trade disputes as well as other political factors. Continued rising political tensions globally could reduce levels of trade, investment, technological exchanges and other economic activities between these two major economies, which would have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. The introduction of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the U.S. Department of State’s statements in reaction to it have resulted in a further deterioration in the Sino-U.S. bilateral relationship, which could negatively affect the mainland China economy and its demand for gaming and leisure activities.

Elevated inflation rates globally and in places where we operate may not only weaken discretionary spending of our customers but also increase our operating costs due to possible hikes in salary payments for our staff or key expenditures in our business. In September 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered the benchmark federal-funds rate for the first time in four years to 5.00% and has continued to lower interest rates in 2024 to the current rate of 4.50%. The direction that the U.S. Federal Reserve will take with regards to its monetary policies is uncertain. Interest rate hikes from one or more central banks across the world to address inflation or other macroeconomic factors would increase the cost of credit throughout global economies, impacting cashflows for both businesses and consumers as they spend more on interest payments which, in turn, reduces the amount available for capital investments and for discretionary consumption. Any developments that adversely impacts global liquidity, heighten market volatility and increase U.S. dollar funding costs resulting in tightened global financial conditions and a prolonged period of volatile and unstable market conditions would likely increase our funding costs and negatively affect our market risk mitigation strategies.

The continued pressure on the mainland China property market since 2022, as well as the deterioration in the mainland China economy post-COVID-19, also negatively impacted the market for high yield bonds of issuers in other sectors connected with mainland China, including those issued by Macau gaming operators and associated entities. Other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including amounts of disposable consumer income, fears of recession, lack of consumer confidence in the economy, change in consumer preferences, high energy, fuel and other commodity costs and increased cost of travel may negatively impact our business.

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An extended period of reduced discretionary spending and/or disruptions or declines in travel have had and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Considerable uncertainty remains over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and mainland China. There have been concerns over conflicts, unrest and terrorist threats in the Ukraine, Middle East, Europe and Africa, including, but not limited to, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and the continuing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine leading to sanctions and export controls being imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other countries targeting Russia, its financial system and major financial institutions and certain Russian entities and persons. Such sanctions and measures and the Israel-Hamas conflict have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our business and our ability to accept certain customers. These conflicts have also caused volatility in global financial markets as well as a rise in prices of oil, gas and other commodities. In addition, concerns over conflicts involving the United States and Iran and potential conflicts involving the Korean peninsula persist. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global economy or increase in international trade or political conflicts may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access capital markets to meet liquidity needs.

Studio City Casino’s operations could be adversely affected by foreign exchange restrictions on the Renminbi.

Gaming operators in Macau are currently prohibited from accepting wagers in Renminbi, the currency of mainland China. There are currently restrictions on the export of the Renminbi outside of mainland China, including to Macau. For example, a mainland China citizen traveling abroad is only allowed to take a total of RMB20,000 (equivalent to approximately US$2,734) plus non-RMB currency with an amount equivalent of up to US$5,000 out of mainland China. Moreover, an annual limit of RMB100,000 (equivalent to approximately US$13,668) on the aggregate amount that can be withdrawn overseas from mainland China bank accounts was set by the mainland China government. In addition, the mainland China government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has led to tighter monetary transfer regulations, including real-time monitoring of certain financial channels, reducing the amount that mainland China-issued ATM cardholders can withdraw in each withdrawal, imposing a limit on the annual aggregate amount that may be withdrawn and the launch of facial recognition and identity card checks with respect to certain ATM users, which could disrupt the amount of money visitors can bring from mainland China to Macau. Furthermore, the Macau government performs identity card checks with respect to certain ATM users and recommended banks perform adequate due diligence and monitoring of merchants with respect to usage of point-of-sales machines, such as cash registers where a customer is charged for goods or services purchased. These measures may limit liquidity availability and curb capital outflows. In addition, all individuals entering Macau with an amount in cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer equal to or higher than the amount of MOP120,000 (equivalent to approximately US$15,007) as determined by the Chief Executive of Macau are required to declare such amount to the customs authorities. For further details, please refer to “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Control of Cross-border Transportation of Cash Regulations.” The adoption of digital currency by the mainland China government may also cause more restrictions on the export of the Renminbi out of mainland China, which may impede the flow of customers from mainland China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in Macau and negatively impact the operation of Studio City Casino.

Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the mainland China and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations.

Our operating results may be adversely affected by:

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A significant number of the customers of Studio City Casino come from, and are expected to continue to come from, mainland China. Any travel restrictions imposed by mainland China, such as the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, could negatively affect the number of patrons visiting Studio City from mainland China. Under the Individual Visit Scheme, or IVS, mainland China citizens from certain cities have been able to travel to Macau individually instead of as part of a tour group. Mainland China also banned “zero fare tours,” popular among visitors to Macau from mainland China, whereby travelers avail the services of tour guides at minimal or no cost if they agree to shop in designated areas in exchange. While the mainland China government has restricted and then loosened IVS travel frequently, it has indicated its intention to maintain tourism development by opening the IVS to more mainland China cities to visit Macau. For example, the IVS was further expanded to Qingdao and Xi’an beginning in March 2024. It is unclear whether these and other measures will continue to be in effect or become more restrictive in the future. For instance, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the mainland China government suspended the issuance of group and individual travel visas from mainland China to Macau. The IVS program was resumed by the mainland China government on September 23, 2020, with e-Visa applications being accepted from November 1, 2022. A decrease in the number of visitors from mainland China could adversely affect Studio City’s results of operations.

In addition, certain policies and campaigns implemented by the mainland China government may lead to a decline in the number of patrons visiting Studio City and the amount of spending by such patrons. The strength and profitability of our business depends on consumer demand for integrated resorts in general and for the type of luxury amenities that a gaming operator offers. Initiatives and campaigns undertaken by the mainland China government in recent years have resulted in an overall dampening effect on the behavior of mainland China consumers and a decrease in their spending, particularly in luxury good sales and other discretionary spending. For example, the mainland China government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has had an overall dampening effect on the behavior of mainland China consumers and their spending patterns both domestically and abroad. In addition, the number of patrons visiting Studio City may be affected by the mainland China government’s focus on deterring marketing of gaming to mainland China citizens and its initiatives to tighten monetary transfer regulations, increase monitoring of various transactions, including bank or credit card transactions, reduce the amount that mainland China-issued ATM cardholders can withdraw in each withdrawal and impose a limit on the annual aggregate amount that may be withdrawn. For example, certain staff of a foreign casino were convicted in mainland China in connection with gaming-related promotional activities in mainland China which created regulatory uncertainty on marketing activities in mainland China. Amendments to mainland China’s criminal laws, which provide that anyone that organizes trips for mainland China citizens for the purpose of gambling outside of mainland China, including Macau, may be deemed to have conducted a criminal act, came into effect on March 1, 2021. Furthermore, in November 2021, the Court of Final Appeal in Macau issued a final unappealable decision that a gaming operator is jointly liable with a gaming promoter for the refund of funds deposited with such gaming promoter and the Macau authorities arrested executives from a gaming promoter for alleged illegal overseas gaming related activities. In January 2022, the Macau authorities also arrested an executive from another gaming promoter and certain related individuals and certain of these individuals were sentenced to jail terms in addition to the payment of monetary compensation to the Macau government in January 2023.

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The mainland China government has also developed its digital currency and has performed certain test trials in its application within mainland China. If a digital currency is adopted by the Macau government for gaming operations in Macau, there could be a material and adverse impact on Studio City Casino’s operations if limitations on transactions per player are also introduced in conjunction with the adoption of the digital currency. A wide interpretation, application or enforcement of these laws and regulations by the mainland China governmental authorities could have a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations in Macau are also exposed to the risk of changes in laws and policies that govern operations of Macau-based companies. Tax laws and regulations may also be subject to amendments or different interpretations and implementation, thereby adversely affecting our profitability after tax. For example, the Macau gaming law amended in 2022 requires the payment of a special premium if gross gaming revenue falls below the gross gaming revenue threshold set by the Macau government. As Studio City Entertainment is expected to fund such premium for the operation of Studio City Casino, increased premium could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Significantly increased regulatory scrutiny of gaming promoters in Macau has resulted, and may continue to result, in the cessation of business of many gaming promoters. In December 2021, the Gaming Operator terminated the arrangements with gaming promoters at Studio City Casino. Notwithstanding, the Gaming Operator may enter into arrangements with gaming promoters at Studio City Casino in the future.

Changes in laws, regulations and policies in mainland China and uncertainties in the legal systems in mainland China may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice.

We are based in and have all of our operations in Hong Kong and Macau. In addition, as a significant number of our customers come from, and are expected to continue to come from, mainland China, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by significant regulatory developments not only in Macau but also in mainland China. Gaming related activities in mainland China, including marketing activities, are strictly regulated by the mainland China government and subject to various mainland China laws and regulations. The mainland China legal system continues to rapidly evolve and the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. Rules and regulations in mainland China can change quickly with little advance notice. In addition, the mainland China legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all. As a result, we may not be aware of all policies and rules imposed by the mainland China authorities which may affect or relate to our business and operations. There is also no assurance that our interpretation of the laws and regulations that affect our activities in mainland China is or will be consistent with the interpretation and application by the mainland China governmental authorities. These uncertainties may impede our ability to assess our legal rights or risks relating to our business and activities. Any changes in the laws and regulations, or in the interpretation or enforcement of these laws and regulations, which affect gaming-related activities in mainland China could require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations and have a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We may incur penalties for any failure to comply with mainland China laws and regulations.

In addition, mainland China administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory terms. Such discretion of the mainland China administrative and court authorities increases the uncertainties in the mainland China legal system and makes it difficult to evaluate the likely outcome of any administrative and court proceedings in mainland China and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in other legal systems. Any litigation or proceedings in mainland China may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention. Any such litigation or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

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The mainland China government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.

The mainland China government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the mainland China economy through evolving development, interpretation and implementation of applicable laws and regulations. The mainland China government may also enact new laws, rules or regulations which may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere at any time as the mainland China government deems appropriate to further regulatory, political and societal goals, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in mainland China-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. Additionally, the mainland China government has in the past made statements indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings by mainland China-based issuers that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in mainland China-based issuers and any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. See also “— Risks Relating to Our Business — Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks” for discussions relating to the mainland China Data Security Law.

For example, on February 17, 2023, the CSRC released a set of regulations, including the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Administrative New Measures, and related guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023, and the Notice on the Arrangements for the Recordation Management of Overseas Issuances and Listings of Domestic Enterprises, or the Notice, on Overseas Issuance and Listing.

Under the first paragraph of Article 15 of the Trial Administrative New Measures, overseas offerings and listings of a listing applicant by a mainland China company must conduct and complete the relevant filing procedures with the CSRC if (i) more than 50% of its operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets were derived from its mainland China entities based on the audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent financial year, and (ii) the main parts of its business activities are conducted in the mainland China, its principal places of business are located in mainland China, or the majority of senior management in charge of its business operations are mainland China citizens or domiciled in mainland China. Furthermore, the second paragraph of Article 15 of the Trial Administrative New Measures provides that a “substance over form” principle, or the Principle, shall be followed when determining whether an issuer is subject to the filing requirements under the Trial Administrative New Measures. In addition, according to the Notice on Overseas Issuance and Listing, companies which have completed overseas listings or offerings prior to March 31, 2023 are not required to complete any filing procedures immediately, but may be required to file with the CSRC for any follow-on offerings.

We do not believe that our previous or any future offshore offerings are or will be subject to the filing procedures under the Trial Administrative New Measures and related guidelines as (i) we do not and do not expect to have any subsidiaries in mainland China, and none of our operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as recorded in our audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent financial year is being accounted for by any mainland China domestic subsidiaries; (ii) the main parts of the Company’s business activities are not and are not expected to be conducted in mainland China; (iii) the Company’s principal places of business are not and are not expected to be located in mainland China; (iv) the senior management in charge of the Company’s business operation are not mainland China citizens and the management does not and is not expected to be domiciled in mainland China; and (v) the risk factors disclosed in the offering document of any future offshore offerings are not expected to be predominately related to mainland China as compared to other countries and regions.

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However, significant uncertainties exist as to how the Trial Administrative New Measures and the related guidelines will be interpreted and implemented since they are newly published. Particularly, the Principle is subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or interpretations and implementations in any form relating to the filing requirements under the Trial Administrative New Measures at the discretion of the mainland China government authorities.

If (i) we incorrectly conclude that certain regulatory permissions and approvals are not required or (ii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change in a way that requires us to complete such filings or obtain such approvals in the future, and (iii) we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, but fail to receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, we may face sanctions by the CSRC, the CAC or other mainland China regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on us, limit our operations, limit our ability to list on stock exchanges outside of mainland China or offer our securities to foreign investors or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.

Terrorism, violent criminal acts, the uncertainty of war, widespread health epidemics or pandemics, political developments and other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending and leisure travel may reduce visitation to Macau and harm our operating results.

The strength and profitability of our business will depend on consumer demand for integrated resorts and leisure travel in general. Terrorist and violent criminal activities in Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, the Israel-Hamas conflict, the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine and other conflicts in the Middle East, and/or social events and natural disasters such as typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes, and outbreaks of widespread health epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19 outbreaks, among other things, have negatively affected travel and leisure expenditures. Terrorism, other criminal acts of violence or social events and widespread health epidemics or pandemics could have a negative impact on international travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. We cannot predict the extent to which such acts may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future. See also “— Risks Relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — An outbreak of widespread health epidemics or pandemics, contagious disease or other outbreaks may have an adverse effect on the economies of affected countries or regions and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations” and “— Risks relating to Our Business — Economic or trade sanctions and a heightened trend towards trade and technology “de-coupling” could negatively affect the relationships and collaborations with our suppliers, service providers, technology partners and other business partners, which could materially and adversely affect our competitiveness and business operations.”

In addition, other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including amounts of disposable consumer income, fears of recession, lack of consumer confidence in the economy, change in consumer preferences, high energy, fuel and other commodity costs and increased cost of travel may negatively impact our business. An extended period of reduced discretionary spending and/or disruptions or declines in airline travel could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

An outbreak of widespread health epidemics or pandemics, contagious disease or other outbreaks may have an adverse effect on the economies of affected countries or regions and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations could be, and in certain cases, such as COVID-19 outbreaks, have been adversely affected by the outbreak of widespread health epidemics or pandemics, such as swine flu, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Zika and Ebola. The occurrence of such health epidemics or pandemics, prolonged outbreak of an epidemic illness or other adverse public health developments in mainland China or elsewhere in the world could materially disrupt our business and operations. Such events could significantly impact our industry and cause severe travel restrictions between mainland China and Macau as well as temporary or prolonged closures of the facilities we use for our operations and disruptions to public transportation, which could severely disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

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Such events may also indirectly and materially adversely impact our operations by negatively impacting the outlook, growth or business sentiment in the global, regional or local economy.

There can be no assurance that any further outbreak of COVID-19 or an outbreak of swine flu, avian influenza, SARS, MERS, Zika, Ebola or other contagious disease or any measures taken by the governments of affected countries against such potential outbreaks will not seriously interrupt our gaming operations. The perception that an outbreak of any health epidemic or contagious disease may occur may also have an adverse effect on the economic conditions of countries in Asia. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if any of our facilities or employees or others involved in our operations were suspected of having COVID-19, swine flu, avian influenza, SARS, MERS, Zika or Ebola as this could require us to quarantine some or all of such employees or persons or disinfect the facilities used for our operations. Furthermore, any future outbreak may restrict economic activities in affected regions, which could result in reduced business volume and the temporary closure of our facilities or otherwise disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our results of operations. Our revenues and profitability could be materially reduced to the extent that a health epidemic or other outbreak harms mainland China or global economy in general.

Macau is susceptible to typhoons and heavy rainstorms that may damage our property and disrupt our operations.

Macau’s subtropical climate and location on the South China Sea renders it susceptible to typhoons, heavy rainstorms and other natural disasters. In the event of a major typhoon or other natural disasters in Macau, Studio City may be severely damaged, our operations may be materially and adversely affected and Studio City Casino may even be required to temporarily cease operations by regulatory authorities. Any flooding, unscheduled cessation of operations, interruption in the technology or transportation services or interruption in the supply of public utilities is likely to result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenues due to a shutdown of Studio City, including operations at Studio City Casino. Although we benefit from certain insurance coverage with respect to these events, our coverage may not be sufficient to fully indemnify us against all direct and indirect costs, including loss of business, which could result from substantial damage to, or partial or complete destruction of, Studio City or other damages to the infrastructure or economy of Macau.

Risks Relating to Our Shares and ADSs

We are a Cayman Islands holding company. Our sole material asset is our equity interest in MSC Cotai and we will be accordingly dependent upon distributions from MSC Cotai to pay dividends and cover our corporate and other expenses.

We are a Cayman Islands holding company and have no material assets other than our equity interest in MSC Cotai. We have also undertaken that we will not own equity interests in any other entity other than MSC Cotai and that we will contribute to MSC Cotai all net proceeds received by us from sales of equity securities and sales of assets. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions.” Because we will have no independent means of generating revenue, our ability to pay dividends, if any, and cover our corporate and other expenses is dependent on the ability of MSC Cotai to generate revenue to pay such dividends and expenses. This ability, in turn, may depend on the ability of MSC Cotai’s subsidiaries to make distributions to it. The ability of MSC Cotai and its subsidiaries to make such distributions will be subject to, among other things, (i) the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdictions that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution, (ii) restrictions in the Participation Agreement or relevant debt instruments issued by MSC Cotai or its subsidiaries in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest and (iii) the availability of funds to distribute. For example, if COVID-19 outbreaks return and disrupt our operations or escalates, it may have a material adverse effect on the availability of funds for MSC Cotai and its subsidiaries to distribute.

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To the extent that we need funds and MSC Cotai or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions or payments under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of any financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, we are not a mainland China operating company and investors may never directly hold equity interests in our operating subsidiaries. This organizational structure involves unique risks to investors, including the possibility of mainland China or Macau regulatory authorities disallowing our organizational structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and/or value of our ADSs making them significantly decline or worthless.

Participation by certain of our principal shareholders in our equity offerings has reduced the available public float for our ADSs.

MCO Cotai, our controlling shareholder, and certain funds managed by Silver Point Capital, L.P., one of our principal shareholders, participated in our initial public offering and were allocated 25,550,000 ADSs, or 77.3%, of the total amount of ADSs offered in our initial public offering at the initial public offering price. In addition, MCO Cotai, New Cotai and certain funds managed by Silver Point Capital, L.P. also participated in the series of private offers we announced in July 2020 and February 2022 and purchased 121,304,652 Class A shares and 369,645,292 Class A shares, respectively, or 94.4% and 92.4% of the total amount of Class A shares purchased in such offerings. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders.”

Such purchases and ownership reduced the otherwise available public float for our ADSs and the liquidity of our ADSs relative to what it would have been had these ADSs been purchased by other investors and thereby may adversely impact the trading price of our ADSs.

We may be unable to remain in compliance with the New York Stock Exchange requirements for continued listing and as a result our ADSs may be delisted from trading on the New York Stock Exchange, which would have a material effect on us and the liquidity of our ADSs and Class A ordinary shares.

On February 20, 2020, we announced that we received a notice from the New York Stock Exchange notifying us that we were not in compliance with Section 802.01A of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, or the NYSE Manual, which requires the number of total shareholders of the Company’s capital stock be no less than 400 shareholders, or the NYSE Notice. Pursuant to the NYSE Notice, the Company became subject to the procedures set forth in Sections 801 and 802 of the NYSE Manual and was requested to submit a business plan within 90 days of receipt of the NYSE Notice that demonstrated how we expected to return to compliance with the minimum total shareholder requirement within a maximum period of 18 months of receipt of the notice.

In accordance with the timing requirement under the NYSE Notice, we submitted a business plan in May 2020, or the NYSE Business Plan. On July 2, 2020, we were notified the NYSE Business Plan was accepted by the New York Stock Exchange. In such notification, the New York Stock Exchange also notified us that we were not in compliance with the requirement under Section 802.01A of the NYSE Manual which requires the number of total shareholders of the Company’s capital stock to be no less than 1,200 shareholders if the average monthly volume of its ADSs is less than 100,000 for the most recent 12 months, or the Additional NYSE Non-Compliance, and subject to the procedures set forth in Sections 801 and 802 of the NYSE Manual for the Additional NYSE Non-Compliance. The NYSE Business Plan addressed both the non-compliance contained in the NYSE Notice and the Additional NYSE Non-Compliance.

On May 7, 2021, the NYSE notified the Company that it had regained compliance with the continued listing requirement contained in the initial NYSE Notice. Subsequently on July 30, 2021, the NYSE further notified the Company that it had regained compliance with the Additional NYSE Non-Compliance.

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We cannot assure you that we can or will continually adhere to all of the continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange, including those required to maintain our listing on the New York Stock Exchange, or that the New York Stock Exchange will not take any other action in the course of monitoring our compliance with the continued listing requirements of the New York Stock Exchange. If we are delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, our ADSs or ordinary shares may be eligible for trading on an over-the-counter market in the United States. In the event that we are not able to obtain a listing on another U.S. stock exchange or quotation service for our ADSs, it may be extremely difficult for holders of our ADSs and shareholders to sell their ADSs or ordinary shares. Moreover, if our ADSs are delisted from the New York Stock Exchange but listed elsewhere, it will likely be on a market with less liquidity and more price volatility than experienced on the New York Stock Exchange. Holders of our ADSs and our shareholders may not be able to sell their ADSs or ordinary shares on any such substitute market in the quantities, at the times or at the prices that could potentially be available on a more liquid trading market. In addition, following a delisting from the New York Stock Exchange, as direct or indirect holders of 5% or more of our shares are subject to suitability and financial capacity reviews by the DICJ, any direct or indirect sales of our ADSs or ordinary shares representing 5% or more of our outstanding share capital may require prior approval by the Macau government. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Regulations — Gaming Operation Regulations” and “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — The Gaming Operator’s Concession.” As a result of these factors, if our ADSs are delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, the price and liquidity of our ADSs and ordinary shares may be materially and adversely affected.

The trading price of our ADSs has been volatile since our ADSs began trading on The New York Stock Exchange and may be subject to fluctuations in the future, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

The trading price of our ADSs has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Since our listing on October 18, 2018 to March 14, 2025, the trading prices of our ADSs ranged from US$1.52 to US$28.59 per ADS and the closing sale price on March 14, 2025 was US$3.75 per ADS. The trading price of our ADSs may be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in Macau or mainland China that have listed their securities in the United States. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:

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In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. For example, in connection with COVID-19 outbreaks, securities markets across the globe experienced significant volatility. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.

In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our ADSs depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our ADSs or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our Company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.

Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our ADSs.

Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is in the short seller’s interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.

Public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud.

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As a result, many of these companies are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subject to shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.

It is not clear what effect such negative publicity could have on us. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we could have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves. While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming and could distract our management from growing our business. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact our business operations, and any investment in our ADSs could be greatly reduced or even rendered worthless.

Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights of our shareholders and may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares of the depositary and in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Advance notice of at least seven days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders meetings. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ADSs. The depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to convene a shareholder meeting.

Your rights to pursue claims against the depositary as a holder of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement. In addition, parties to the Participation Agreement have agreed to resolve any disputes by arbitration.

As a holder of our ADSs, you are a party to the deposit agreement under which our ADSs are issued. Under the deposit agreement, any action or proceeding against or involving the depositary arising out of or based upon the deposit agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby or by virtue of you owning the ADSs may only be instituted in a state or federal court in New York, New York. In addition, under the deposit agreement, you, as a holder of our ADSs, will have irrevocably waived any objection which you may have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding and irrevocably submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such action or proceeding. The depositary may, however, in its sole discretion, require that any dispute or difference arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement be referred to and finally settled by an arbitration proceeding to be conducted under the terms described in the deposit agreement, which may include claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws and claims not in connection with our initial public offering, although the arbitration provisions do not preclude you from pursuing claims under the U.S. federal securities laws in federal courts. Furthermore, we may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the terms and subject to the conditions of the deposit agreement as amended.

In addition, the Participation Agreement, pursuant to which MSC Cotai granted the Participation Interest to New Cotai, provides that all disputes arising out of the Participation Agreement must be resolved through arbitration proceedings subject to certain limited exceptions and such provision will affect the manner by which New Cotai or any other parties to the Participation Agreement may pursue any claim or action arising out of the Participation Agreement.

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For more information, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions — Participation Agreement.”

ADSs holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares provides that, subject to the depositary’s right to require a claim to be submitted to arbitration, the federal or state courts in the City of New York have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine claims arising under the deposit agreement and in that regard, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws.

If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable state and federal law. The enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, based on past court decisions, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs.

If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under the U.S. federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and/or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us and/or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver provision is not enforced, to the extent a court action proceeds, it would proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement as a jury trial.

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings, and you may not receive cash dividends if it is unlawful or impractical to make them available to you.

We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

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In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is unlawful, inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. Also, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property and you will not receive such distribution. Except as otherwise provided under the Registration Rights Agreement, we have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Registration Rights Agreement.” We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs.

Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs, ordinary shares or other equity securities in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline significantly.

As of December 31, 2024, New Cotai owned 31,149,140 ADSs, representing approximately a 14.8% voting and economic interest in our Company, and 72,511,760 Class B ordinary shares, representing approximately a 8.6% voting, non-economic interest in our Company. New Cotai also has a Participation Interest, which entitles New Cotai to receive from MSC Cotai an amount equal to approximately 9.4% of the amount of any distribution, dividend or other consideration paid by MSC Cotai to us, subject to adjustments, exceptions and conditions. Under the Participation Agreement, New Cotai and its permitted transferees will be entitled to exchange its Participation Interest for Class A ordinary shares. We have granted registration rights with respect to the Class A ordinary shares delivered in exchange for Participation Interests. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions” and “— Registration Rights Agreement.”

In addition, certain funds managed by Silver Point Capital, L.P., as of September 30, 2024, beneficially owned 400 Class A ordinary shares and another 114,757,256 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs, representing 13.6% of our outstanding ordinary shares, while Melco International beneficially owned 463,095,592 Class A ordinary shares, representing 54.9%, of our outstanding ordinary shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders.”

Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market, including upon the exchange of all or part of the Participation Interest by New Cotai or its permitted transferees, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. We also cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities fur future sales will have on the market price of our ADSs. ADSs held by holders who are not affiliates of our Company will be freely tradeable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, and shares and ADSs held by our affiliates (in each case, to the extent such holders are deemed to be affiliates of the Company) may also be sold in the public market subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and any applicable lock-up agreements. The ADSs represent interests in our Class A ordinary shares. We would, subject to market forces, expect there to be a close correlation in the price of our ADSs and the price of the Class A ordinary shares and any factors contributing to a decline in one market is likely to result to a similar decline in another.

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The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders’ meetings, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.

Under the deposit agreement for our ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings if you do not give voting instructions to the depositary, unless:

The effect of this discretionary proxy is that, if you fail to give voting instructions to the depositary, you cannot prevent our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence our management. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to repay or refinance our debt, fund our ongoing operations and fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” and note 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.

Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of the laws of the Cayman Islands. Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.

You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs.

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays.

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The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we deem or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

You may have difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against us.

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. All of our current operations are conducted in Macau. Due to the lack of reciprocity and treaties between the United States and some of these foreign jurisdictions, together with cost and time constraints, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. In particular, while none of our directors or officers spend a significant amount of time physically located in mainland China, all of our directors and officers, other than Ms. Mielle and Messrs. Sullivan, Dean, Reganato and Black, spend a significant amount of time physically located in Hong Kong and/or Macau, and it will be more difficult to enforce liabilities and enforce judgments on those individuals.

It may also be difficult for you to enforce in the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our officers and directors. For instance, judgments of United States courts may not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, the common law permits an action to be brought upon a foreign judgment. Similarly, the judgment of United States courts may not be directly enforced in Macau. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Macau and the United States. However, Macau’s civil procedure law permits an action to be brought to the Macau Second Instance Court for the recognition of a judgment obtained in a foreign jurisdiction. However, a separate legal action for enforcement of the foreign judgment must be commenced in Macau in order to recover a debt from the judgment debtor, in case the debtor does not make voluntary payment of its debt upon recognition of the foreign judgment by the Courts in Macau.

In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such individuals predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. It is also uncertain whether such Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore courts would be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong or Singapore against us or such individuals predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to domestic public companies in the United States.

Because we are a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including: (i) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (iii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and (iv) the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

We will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we currently publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K.

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However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers.

As a foreign private issuer, we are subject to New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. However, the New York Stock Exchange rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country, including with respect to board and committee composition and shareholder approval requirements with respect to issuances of equity securities. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. For instance, shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. In addition, we rely on this “home country practice” exception and do not have a majority of independent directors serving on our board and we are not required to obtain shareholder approval prior to issuances of ordinary shares or ADSs under New York Stock Exchange rules. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

As a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, we are eligible to, and, in the event we no longer qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to elect not to comply with certain of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of directors on our board of directors be independent directors.

Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. To the extent we choose to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

We incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.

As a public company, we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. These rules and regulations have increased our legal and financial compliance costs and have made some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. We have also incurred significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we have increased the number of independent directors and adopted policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. As a public company, it may be more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers.

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, you may have less protection for your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Act (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, or Companies Act, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.

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The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands (except for those decisions handed down from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council to the extent that these have been appealed from the Cayman Islands courts). The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association, a list of the current directors and the register of mortgages and charges) or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. public company. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Act (as amended) of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Differences in Corporate Law.”

If we are a “passive foreign investment company” for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, United States holders of our ADSs could be subject to adverse United States federal income tax consequences.

A non-United States corporation will be a “passive foreign investment company,” or a “PFIC,” for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if, applying applicable look-through rules, either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for such taxable year is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (generally based on an average of the quarterly values) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Based on the value of our assets and the composition of our income and assets, we do not believe we were a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2024. However, the determination of whether or not we are a PFIC according to the PFIC rules is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets from time to time. Therefore, changes in the composition of our income or assets or the value of our assets may cause us to become a PFIC. The determination of the value of our assets (including goodwill not reflected on our balance sheet) may be based, in part, on the quarterly market value of our ADSs, which is subject to change and may be volatile.

The classification of certain of our income as active or passive, and certain of our assets as producing active or passive income, and hence whether we are or will become a PFIC, depends on the interpretation of certain United States Treasury regulations as well as certain United States Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) guidance relating to the classification of assets as producing active or passive income. Such regulations and guidance are potentially subject to different interpretations. If due to different interpretations of such regulations and guidance the percentage of our passive income or the percentage of our assets treated as producing passive income increases, we may be a PFIC in one or more taxable years.

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If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a “United States person” holds ADSs, certain adverse United States federal income tax consequences could apply to such United States person. See “Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

If a “United States person” is treated as owning at least 10% of our shares, such holder may be subject to adverse United States federal income tax consequences.

If a “United States person” is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our stock (including our ordinary shares and ADSs), such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to us. A United States shareholder of a “controlled foreign corporation” may be required to report annually and include in its United States taxable income its pro rata share of “subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income” and investments in “United States property” by controlled foreign corporations, regardless of whether we make any distributions. An individual that is a United States shareholder with respect to a controlled foreign corporation generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a United States shareholder that is a United States corporation. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may subject you to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of limitations with respect to your United States federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due from starting. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether we are a controlled foreign corporation or whether such investor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to us or furnish to any United States shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. A United States investor should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in the stock.

Changes in tax law relating to multinational corporations could adversely affect our tax position.

The member countries of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), with the support of the G20, initiated the base erosion and profit shifting (“BEPS”) project in 2013 in response to concerns that changes were needed to international tax laws. In November 2015, the G20 finance ministers adopted final BEPS reports designed to prevent, among other things, the artificial shifting of income to low-tax jurisdictions, and legislation to adopt and implement the standards set forth in such reports has been enacted or is currently under consideration in a number of jurisdictions. In May 2019, the OECD published a “Programme of Work,” which was divided into two pillars. Pillar One focused on the allocation of group profits among taxing jurisdictions based on a market-based concept rather than the historical “permanent establishment” concept. Pillar Two, among other things, introduced a global minimum tax. On October 10, 2021, 137 member jurisdictions of the G20/OECD Inclusive Framework on BEPS (including Israel) joined the “Statement on a Two-Pillar Solution to Address the Tax Challenges Arising from the Digitalisation of the Economy” which sets forth the key terms of such two-pillar solution, including a reallocation of taxing rights among market jurisdictions under Pillar One and a global minimum tax rate of 15% under Pillar Two. The agreement reached by 137 of the 140 members of the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on BEPS calls for law enactment by OECD and G20 members in 2022 to take effect in 2023 and 2024. On December 20, 2021, the OECD published model rules to implement the Pillar Two rules and released commentary to the Pillar Two model rules in March 2022 and published administrative guidance in 2023 and 2024. The model rules and commentary allow the OECD’s Inclusive Framework members to begin implementing the Pillar Two rules in accordance with the agreement reached in October 2021. Pillar Two has been enacted or substantively enacted in certain jurisdictions where we operate and the timing and ultimate impact of additional enactments and implementation on our tax obligations is uncertain. These changes, when enacted, by various countries in which we do business may increase our taxes in these countries in the future. The foregoing tax changes and other possible future tax changes may have an adverse impact on us, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

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A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

We were established as an international business company, limited by shares, under the laws of the British Virgin Islands as CYBER ONE AGENTS LIMITED on August 2, 2000 and subsequently re-registered as a business company, limited by shares, under the British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004. New Cotai acquired a 40% equity interest in us on December 6, 2006. MCO Cotai acquired a 60% equity interest in us on July 27, 2011. Melco Resorts is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the Companies Act (as amended) of the Cayman Islands and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market in the United States. On January 17, 2012, our name was changed from CYBER ONE AGENTS LIMITED to STUDIO CITY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED.

In October 2001, we were granted a land concession in Cotai by the Macau government for the development of Studio City, a cinematically-themed integrated resort. Studio City commenced operations on October 27, 2015. We conduct our principal activities through our subsidiaries, which are primarily located in Macau. We currently operate the non-gaming operations of Studio City. The Gaming Operator operates the Studio City Casino. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions.”

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, we engaged in a series of organizational transactions, or the Organizational Transactions, through which substantially all of our assets and liabilities were contributed to our subsidiary, MSC Cotai, a business company limited by shares incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, in exchange for newly-issued shares of MSC Cotai. For more information on the Organizational Transactions, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions.” In connection with such Organizational Transactions, we redomiciled by way of continuation as an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands on October 15, 2018.

In October 2018, we completed the initial public offering of our ADSs, each of which represents four Class A ordinary shares, and listed our ADSs on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MSC.” For more information on our corporate structure, see “— C. Organizational Structure.”

On May 4, 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the HFCAA and the rules promulgated thereunder because our auditor at that time was Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, which was a PCAOB-Identified Firm as of May 4, 2022. On August 16, 2022, we changed our auditor from Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, to Ernst & Young LLP, located in Singapore, which was not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. In December 2022, the PCAOB announced that it secured complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. On June 7, 2024, we changed our auditor to Deloitte & Touche LLP, located in Singapore, which is also not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. As a result, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not believe we are at risk of being a Commission-Identified Issuer nor at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.

Our principal executive offices are located at 71 Robinson Road, #04-03, Singapore 068895 and 38th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong. Our telephone number is 852-2598-3600 and our fax number is 852-2537-3618. Our registered office is located at Walkers Corporate Limited, 190 Elgin Avenue, George Town, Grand Cayman, KY1-9008, Cayman Islands. Our website is www.studiocity-macau.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

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B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Overview

Studio City is a world-class integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau and its principal operating activities are the provision of services pursuant to a casino contract and the hospitality business in Macau. The gaming operations of Studio City Casino are focused on the mass market and target all ranges of mass market patrons. Pursuant to the Studio City Casino Agreement, the Studio City Casino currently has 259 mass gaming tables and 602 gaming machines available for operation. The Gaming Operator operated an average of approximately 251 gaming tables and 709 gaming machines in 2024 at the Studio City Casino, compared to an average of approximately 246 gaming tables and 661 gaming machines in 2023 and an average of approximately 277 gaming tables and 700 gaming machines in operation in 2022. Our cinematically-themed integrated resort is designed to attract a wide range of customers by providing highly differentiated non-gaming attractions, including the world’s first figure-8 Ferris wheel, a deluxe night club and karaoke, a 5,000-seat live performance arena and an outdoor and an indoor water park. Studio City features approximately 2,493 luxury hotel rooms, diverse food and beverage establishments, a nine-screen cineplex and approximately 38,500 square meters of complementary retail space.

Studio City is strategically located in Cotai, as one of the few dedicated Cotai hotel-casino resort stops on the Macau Light Rapid Transit Line, with an access bridge leading to Studio City.

Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator, one of the subsidiaries of Melco Resorts and a holder of a gaming concession, and we operate the non-gaming businesses of Studio City.

We generated all of our revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 from our operations in Macau, the sole market in which we compete to operate. For further information on the Macau gaming market, see “— Market and Competition — Macau Gaming Market.”

Gaming

Studio City Casino currently consists of mass market table gaming and gaming machine areas, with a total operating gross floor area of 28,784.3 square meters, located on the ground, first and second floors of Studio City. Studio City Casino catered exclusively to mass market patrons until it launched its VIP rolling chip operations in November 2016. VIP rolling chip operations ceased in late October 2024. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues was US$1.31 billion, US$0.91 billion and US$0.17 billion, respectively.

Studio City Casino had an average of approximately 251 gaming tables and 709 gaming machines in operation in 2024, compared to an average of approximately 246 gaming tables and 661 gaming machines in operation in 2023. These gaming tables offer gaming patrons a variety of options including baccarat, three card baccarat, blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud poker, roulette, sic bo, fortune 3 card poker and other games. We currently expect our business strategy going forward to continue to focus on cultivating further growth in the premium mass and mass market segments at the Studio City Casino and enhancing our differentiated non-gaming amenities to complement our gaming operations.

Mass Market Segment

The mass market gaming area caters to mass market patrons and offers a full range of games, 24 hours daily. The layout of the gaming floor is organized based on the different market segments that Studio City Casino targets, namely the mainstream mass market and the premium mass market. The premium mass market gaming area has decorations and features distinctive from the mainstream mass market gaming area.

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Studio City Casino’s mass market table games drop and hold percentage were US$3.68 billion and 30.6% in 2024, respectively, US$2.87 billion and 27.3% in 2023, respectively, and US$0.46 billion and 28.5% in 2022, respectively. As a result, Studio City Casino had gross gaming revenue from mass market table games of US$1.13 billion, US$0.78 billion and US$0.13 billion in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Studio City Casino’s gaming machine handle and gaming machine win rate were US$3.41 billion and 3.3% in 2024, respectively, US$2.48 billion and 3.3% in 2023, respectively, and US$0.66 billion and 2.8% in 2022, respectively. As a result, Studio City Casino had gross gaming revenue from gaming machine of US$111.7 million, US$82.8 million and US$18.6 million in 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Average net win per gaming machine per day in 2024, 2023 and 2022 was US$431, US$343 and US$75, respectively.

Studio City Casino will continue to re-examine the mass market gaming areas to maximize table utilization, to innovate gaming products and to invest in technologies and analytical capability to enhance table productivity and customer retention.

VIP Rolling Chip Segment

VIP rolling chip operations at the Studio City Casino ceased in late October 2024. Studio City Casino’s VIP rolling chip volume, VIP rolling chip win rate and VIP rolling chip gross gaming revenue were US$2.00 billion, 3.85% and US$77.1 million, respectively, in 2024, US$2.79 billion, 1.65% and US$46.0 million, respectively, in 2023 and US$0.84 billion, 2.56% and US$21.4 million, respectively, in 2022.

Hotel

Studio City includes luxury hotel facilities with approximately 2,493 hotel rooms, all elegantly furnished and complete with services and amenities to match. The hotel facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beauty salon, spa, fitness centers and other amenities. The Studio City Hotel features four distinct towers, enabling it to provide a variety of accommodation selections to visitors. The W Macau hotel tower offers 557 rooms with nine room types which range in size from 37 square meters to 257 square meters, while Epic Tower offers 338 suites with eight room types which range in size from 67 square meters to 550 square meters. The premium all-suite Star Tower offers approximately 600 suites complete with lavish facilities and dedicated services for a luxury retreat. There are six types of suites which range in size from the Star Premier King Suite at 62 square meters to the Star Grand Deluxe Suite at 211 square meters which includes a living room, dining room and a separate bedroom. Personalized check-in, private indoor heated pool and health club can be enjoyed by all Star Tower guests. The Celebrity Tower with approximately 1,000 rooms brings a deluxe hotel experience to a broad range of travelers, which includes access to all of the entertainment facilities offered by Studio City. It offers eleven different room types ranging from the Celebrity King at 42 square meters to the Celebrity Deluxe Suite at 95 square meters. The following table sets forth certain data with respect to our hotel for the years indicated:

In 2025, Studio City’s Star Tower garnered the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition for the eighth consecutive year, while Epic Tower and The Spa at Epic Tower earned their inaugural Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition.

Dining

We believe that our selection of dining options that include restaurants, bars and lounges offering a diverse selection of local, regional and international cuisine attracts more visitors to Studio City. Studio City offers both high-end and casual dining restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges to cater to the tastes and preferences of our patrons.

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A wide range of food and beverage outlets are located throughout Studio City, including traditional Cantonese, northern Chinese, South East Asian, Japanese, Italian and other western and international cuisines as well as local Macau cuisine. Studio City offers gourmet dining with a range of signature restaurants including the one MICHELIN-starred Pearl Dragon.

Retail

Studio City has approximately 38,500 square meters of themed and innovative retail space at the lower levels of the property. The retail mall showcases a variety of shops and food and beverage offerings including a small portion of our self-operated retail outlets.

The Boulevard at Studio City provides a unique retail experience to visitors. The immersive retail entertainment environment at Studio City enables visitors to shop in a streetscape environment with featured streets and squares inspired by iconic shopping and entertainment locations, including New York’s Times Square. Studio City’s retail space offers a mix of fashion-forward labels and internationally-renowned brands.

Entertainment

Macau is an increasingly popular tourist destination and in order to attract more tourists and locals, Studio City incorporated many entertainment themes and elements which appeal to the mainstream mass consumer. Our diverse, immersive and entertainment-driven experiences and innovative venues cater to a wide range of demographic groups, including young professionals and families with children. As a major tourist attraction in Macau, Studio City’s premier entertainment offerings help to drive visitation to our property. Studio City’s entertainment offerings include:

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Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions

Studio City offers over 4,000 square meters of indoor event space with flexible configurations and customization options, which can accommodate a variety of events from an exclusive banquet to an international conference. The Grand Ballroom space of 1,820 square meters can be configured into three separate ballrooms with a banquet capacity of 1,200 seats or a cocktail reception for 1,500 people. Eight individual salons, together with the Grand Ballroom, provide a banquet seating capacity of up to 1,200 seats or meeting and break-out spaces with extensive pre-function areas for up to 1,800 people. Many of the salons offer views of the pool deck and have private outdoor terraces for coffee and lunch breaks.

MICE events typically take place on weekdays, thereby drawing traffic during the portion of the week when hotels and casinos in Macau normally experience lower demand relative to weekends and holidays when occupancy and room rates are typically at their peak due to leisure travel.

Customers

We seek to cater to a broad range of customers with a focus on mass market patrons through the diverse gaming and non-gaming facilities and amenities at Studio City. The loyalty programs, which are operated by the Gaming Operator jointly with other Gaming Operator casinos and properties, at Studio City ensures that each customer segment is specifically recognized and incentivized in accordance with their revenue contribution. The gaming loyalty program is segmented into several tiers. Members earn points for their gaming spending which may be redeemed for a range of retail gifts and complimentary vouchers to be used in our restaurants, bars, shows, hotel and Studio City Casino. Members also receive other benefits such as discounts, parking entitlement and invitations to member-only promotional events. Dedicated customer hosting programs provide service to our most valuable customers and these customers enjoy exclusive access to private luxury gaming salons. In addition, we utilize sophisticated analytical programs and capabilities to track the behavior and spending patterns of our patrons. We believe these tools will help deepen our understanding of our customers to optimize yields and make continued improvements to our Studio City property.

Gaming Patrons

Gaming patrons currently include mass market patrons.

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Mass market patrons come to Studio City Casino for a variety of reasons, including our brand, the quality and comfort of the mass market gaming offerings. Mass market patrons are classified as mainstream mass market and premium mass market patrons. Our premium mass market patrons are offered a variety of premium mass market amenities and loyalty programs, such as reserved space on the regular gaming floor and various other services, that are generally unavailable to mainstream mass market patrons. Mass market patrons play table games and gaming machines for cash stakes that are typically lower than those of VIP rolling chip patrons.

Prior to the cessation of VIP rolling chip operations at the Studio City Casino in late October 2024, VIP rolling chip patrons were patrons who participated in Studio City Casino’s in-house rolling chip programs at dedicated VIP gaming areas. These patrons included premium direct players sourced through the marketing efforts of the Gaming Operator. VIP rolling chip patrons were eligible to earn a variety of gaming related cash commissions and complimentary products and services, such as rooms, food and beverage and retail products provided by the Gaming Operator.

Non-Gaming Patrons

We provide non-gaming patrons with a broad array of accommodations and leisure and entertainment offerings featured at Studio City, including interactive attractions, rides and attractive retail offerings and food and beverage selections.

We assess and evaluate our focus on different market segments from time to time and adjust our operations accordingly.

Advertising and Marketing

The Gaming Operator holds various promotions and special events at Studio City and operates loyalty programs for patrons. In addition, Studio City participates in cross marketing and sales campaigns developed by the Gaming Operator. We believe this arrangement helps reduce marketing costs through scale synergies and enhances cross-revenue opportunities.

Moreover, we seek to attract customers to Studio City and to grow our customer base over time by undertaking a variety of advertising and marketing activities.

There are public relations and marketing and branding teams dedicated to Studio City that cultivate media relationships, promote Studio City’s brands and directly liaise with customers within target Asian and other countries in order to explore media opportunities in various markets. Advertising activities at Studio City are rolled out through a variety of local and regional media platforms, including digital, social media, print, television, online, outdoor as well as collateral and direct mail pieces. We also engage celebrities for marketing activities. We believe that these marketing and incentive programs will increase our brand awareness and drive further visitation to Studio City.

Awards

Studio City has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

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Market and Competition

Macau Gaming Market

Gaming in Macau is administered through concessions awarded by the Macau government to six different concessionaires: SJM, MGM Grand Paradise S.A., or MGM Grand Paradise, Galaxy, Venetian Macau, S.A., Wynn Resorts Macau and Melco Resorts Macau.

SJM is a subsidiary of SJM Holdings Ltd., a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in which family members of Mr. Lawrence Ho, the chairman of our Company and the chairman and chief executive officer of Melco Resorts, have shareholding interests. SJM currently operates multiple casinos throughout Macau. SJM (through its predecessor Tourism and Entertainment Company of Macau Limited) commenced its gaming operations in Macau in 1962 and opened Grand Lisboa Palace in Cotai in July 2021 and opened two additional hotels in 2023.

MGM Grand Paradise is a subsidiary of MGM China Holdings Limited, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. MGM Grand Paradise was originally formed as a joint venture by MGM-Mirage and Ms. Pansy Ho, sister of Mr. Lawrence Ho. MGM Grand opened MGM Macau on the Macau Peninsula in December 2007 and MGM Cotai in February 2018.

Galaxy currently operates multiple casinos in Macau, including StarWorld, a hotel and casino resort in Macau’s central business and tourism district. The Galaxy Macau Resort opened in Cotai in May 2011 and the opening of Phase 2 of the Galaxy Macau Resort took place in May 2015. Galaxy progressively opened phase 3 of the Galaxy Macau Resort from the second quarter of 2023, while phase 4 is currently under development and is expected to open in 2027.

Venetian Macau, S.A. is a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corporation and Sands China Limited, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, respectively. Las Vegas Sands Corporation is the developer of Sands Macao, The Venetian Macau, Sands Cotai Central and Parisian Macao. Venetian Macau, S.A. operates Sands Macao on the Macau peninsula, together with The Venetian Macau and the Plaza Casino at The Four Seasons Hotel Macao, which are located in Cotai. Venetian Macau, S.A. also operated Sands Cotai Central in Cotai, which has been rebranded and redeveloped into The Londoner Macau, which opened in February 2021, with further renovations ongoing in the second phase of The Londoner Macau which is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2025. Sands China Ltd. opened the Parisian Macao in Cotai in September 2016.

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Wynn Resorts Macau, is a subsidiary of Wynn Macau, Limited, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and of Wynn Resorts Limited, which is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Wynn Resorts Macau opened Wynn Macau in September 2006 on the Macau Peninsula and an extension called Encore in 2010. In August 2016, Wynn Resorts Macau opened Wynn Palace, in Cotai.

Melco Resorts Macau, in addition to Studio City Casino, also operates Mocha Clubs, Altira Macau (located in Taipa Island), which opened in May 2007, and City of Dreams located in Cotai, which opened in June 2009. Phase 3 of City of Dreams, which includes the Morpheus Hotel, opened in June 2018.

In addition to facing competition from existing operations of these concessionaires, we will face increased competition when any of them constructs new, or renovates pre-existing, hotels and casinos in Macau or enters into leasing, services or other arrangements with hotel owners, developers or other parties for the operation of casinos and gaming activities in new or renovated properties.

Under the amended gaming law, the Macau government has set a cap on gaming tables and gaming machines that may be operated in Macau at 6,000 gaming tables and 12,000 gaming machines. In addition, gaming tables and gaming machines previously allocated to a concessionaire may also be revoked if the minimum average annual gross gaming revenue of MOP7 million (equivalent to approximately US$875,392) for gaming tables and MOP300,000 (equivalent to approximately US$37,517) for gaming machines are not met for two consecutive years or the tables or gaming machines are not fully utilized without reason within a certain period.

Law no. 7/2022, which amends the Macau Gaming Operations Law (Law no. 16/2001), came into force in June 2022. Principal changes under the amended law include, among others, the following:

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Other Regional Markets

Studio City may also face competition from casinos and gaming resorts located in other Asian or European destinations together with cruise ships. Casinos and integrated gaming resorts are becoming increasingly popular in Asia, giving rise to more opportunities for industry participants and increasing regional competition. In the Philippines, there are four major gaming facilities in metro Manila, including City of Dreams Manila, with a fifth gaming facility scheduled to open in late 2025. There are two major gaming facilities in Singapore located on Sentosa and at Marina Bay and an international gaming resort in Malaysia located approximately a one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. South Korea has allowed gaming for some time but these offerings are available primarily to foreign visitors. There are also casinos in Vietnam and Cambodia, although they are relatively small compared to those in Macau, and major gaming facilities in Australia located in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

In Japan, a proposed project in Osaka was awarded to MGM Resorts International and its joint venture partner Orix Corporation which is currently slated to open in 2030. In addition, several other Asian countries are considering or are in the process of legalizing gambling and establishing casino-based entertainment complexes, including Thailand and Sri Lanka.

We may also face competition from hotels and resorts, including many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and resort companies in the world.

Seasonality

Macau, which is our principal market of operation, experiences many peaks and seasonal effects. The “Golden Week” and “Chinese New Year” holidays are generally the key periods where business and visitation increase considerably in Macau. While we may experience fluctuations in revenues and cash flows from month to month, we do not believe that our business is materially impacted by seasonality.

Land and Properties

Land Concession

We entered into a land concession contract with the Macau government for the land on which Studio City is located. The granted land is located in Cotai, Macau, with a total area of approximately 130,789 square meters. The gross construction area of our granted land is approximately 657,879.4 square meters, of which approximately 28,784.3 square meters, or 4.38%, comprises the gaming and gaming support area and is owned by the Macau SAR. Effective from January 1, 2023, the Macau government has transferred this area to the Gaming Operator for usage in its operations of the Studio City Casino during the duration of the concession for a fee of MOP750.00 (equivalent to approximately US$94) per square meter for years 1 to 3 of the Concession Contract, subject to consumer price index increase in years 2 and 3 of the concession. The fee will increase to MOP2,500.00 (equivalent to approximately US$313) per square meter for years 4 to 10 of the concession, subject to consumer price index increase in years 5 to 10 of the concession. The Gaming Operator deducts the fees paid by the Gaming Operator to the Macau government as costs of operation pursuant to the terms of the Studio City Casino Agreement.

The land concession contract has a term of 25 years commencing on October 2001 and is renewable for further consecutive periods of ten years, subject to applicable legislation in Macau. Under the land concession contract, the Macau government may exercise its termination rights under certain conditions.

Prior to our completion of the Phase 2 development, land use fees of approximately MOP3.9 million (equivalent to approximately US$487,718) per annum were payable to the Macau government. The annual land use fees payable to the Macau government following our completion of the Phase 2 development are MOP9.1 million (equivalent to approximately US$1.1 million). The amounts may be adjusted every five years using the applicable rates in effect at the time of the rent adjustment.

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Certain gaming and gaming support equipment utilized at the Studio City Casino on or before December 31, 2022 is owned by the Macau SAR and has been transferred to the Gaming Operator and held for the Gaming Operator at Studio City Casino during the duration of the Concession Contract, including the main gaming equipment to support the Gaming Operator’s table games and gaming machines operations, cage equipment, security and surveillance equipment, casino fittings and equipment. The Gaming Operator owns the remaining gaming and gaming support equipment utilized at the Studio City Casino and we own the equipment utilized in the Studio City Hotel.

Properties

Apart from the property site for Studio City, we do not own or lease any other properties.

Intellectual Property

As part of our branding strategy, we have applied for or registered a number of trademarks (including “Studio City” trademarks) in Macau, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions for use in connection with Studio City. Where possible, we intend to continue to register trademarks as we develop, review and implement our branding strategy for Studio City. However, our current and any future trademarks are subject to expiration and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to renew all of them upon expiration.

Our trademarks and other intellectual property rights distinguish our services and products from those of our competitors and contribute to our ability to compete in our target markets. To protect our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws. To protect our intellectual property rights, we monitor any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property rights, and staff working at Studio City are generally subject to confidentiality obligations. For our license agreements that are required for our operations, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.”

Insurance

We maintain and benefit from, and expect to continue to maintain and benefit from, insurance of the types and in amounts that are customary in the industry and which we believe will reasonably protect our interests. This includes commercial general liability (including product liability and accidental pollution liability), automobile liability, workers compensation, property damage and machinery breakdown, cybersecurity and business interruption insurances. We also require certain contractors who may perform work on Studio City, as well as other vendors, to maintain certain insurances. In each case, all such insurances are subject to various caps on liability, both on a per claim and aggregate basis, as well as certain deductibles and other terms and conditions. We do not maintain key-man life insurance. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We may not have sufficient insurance coverage.”

Environmental Matters

We are committed to environmental awareness and have developed built-in innovative and energy saving green technologies for operations at Studio City. Currently, we are not aware of any material environmental complaints having been made against us.

Our Internal Control Policies

We have adopted our own governance policies and internal control measures in order to achieve operations in a professional manner in compliance with our, and Melco Resorts’, internal control requirements and applicable laws.

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The FCPA and Macau laws prohibit us and the staff and agents participating in the operations in Studio City from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any government official. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or the Code, includes provisions relating to compliance of all applicable anti-corruption laws including FCPA and the relevant Macau laws. Our Ethical Business Practices Program covers our approach to avoid corruption in both public and private sectors. It also covers the activities of our shareholders (to the extent they act or take actions on our behalf), directors, officers, employees and dedicated staff members performing services solely at Studio City.

Studio City Casino is managed and operated by the Gaming Operator guided by requirements under the Concession Contract and applicable laws and Melco Resorts’ governance policies, including a set of anti-money laundering policies and procedures, or AML Policy, approved by the DICJ, addressing requirements issued by the DICJ and the DICJ’s instructions on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and other applicable laws and regulations in Macau.

There are training programs in place with the aim that all relevant staff involved in gaming operations managed by the Gaming Operator understand such AML Policy and the related procedures. The Gaming Operator also uses an integrated IT system to track and automatically generate significant cash transaction reports and, if permitted by the DICJ and the Finance Information Bureau, has the capability to submit those reports electronically.

Regulations

Gaming Operation Regulations

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Macau are subject to the general civil and commercial laws and specific gaming laws, in particular, Law no. 16/2001, as amended in June 2022 pursuant to Law no. 7/2022, or the Macau Gaming Operations Law. Macau’s gaming operations are also subject to the grant of a concession by, and regulatory control of, the Macau government. See “— The Gaming Operator’s Concession” below for more details.

The DICJ is the supervisory authority and regulator of the gaming industry in Macau. The core functions of the DICJ are:

Below are the main features of the Macau Gaming Operations Law, including amended provisions, as supplemented by Administrative Regulation no. 26/2001 (as amended in July 2022 pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 28/2022), that are currently applicable to our business.

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Non-compliance with these obligations could lead to the revocation of the Gaming Operator’s Concession Contract and could materially and adversely affect gaming operations at the Studio City Casino.

The Macau government has also enacted other gaming legislation, rules and policies. Further, it imposed policies, regulations and restrictions that affect the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau, location requirements for sites with gaming machine lounges, supply and requirements of gaming machines, equipment and systems, instructions on promoting responsible gambling, restrictions on the reallocation of gaming tables between properties and other matters. In addition, the Macau government may consider enacting new regulations that may adversely affect the gaming operations at the Studio City Casino. The Gaming Operator’s inability to address the requirements or restrictions imposed by the Macau government under such legislation or rules could adversely affect the gaming operations at the Studio City Casino.

Gaming Activities Regulations

Macau Law no. 16/2022 regulates, among other things, the exercise of the gaming promotion activity. Such activity is subject to a gaming promoter license. Licenses are subject to annual renewal and a list of licensed gaming promoters is published in the DICJ’s website and is subject to regular updates. The issuance, renewal and cancelation of gaming promoter licenses are the responsibility of the Secretary for Economy and Finance, who also determines the maximum annual number of gaming promoters which each concessionaire may engage as published on the DICJ’s website.

The granting or renewal of a gaming promoter license may be requested by a commercial company that fulfills certain cumulative requirements, such as having its registered office in Macau, being a limited liability company by shares with the activity of gaming promotion as its exclusive business purpose, having a registered capital of not less than MOP10 million (equivalent to approximately US$1.3 million) fully paid up in cash, and net assets of not less than such amount during the license period, having as shareholders individuals only, having 50% or more of its registered capital being held by permanent residents of Macau who have completed 21 years of age, having agreed with one concessionaire the provision of gaming promotion services to the same, having provided a security deposit, not having any debts or fines imposed for breach of legal provisions relating to gaming under tax enforcement proceedings, having adequate financial capacity, not having the company and its shareholders, directors and key employees been declared insolvent or bankrupt, nor being responsible for debts arising from the insolvency or bankruptcy of third parties, and the company and its shareholders, directors and key employees being deemed suitable.

Each gaming promoter can only conduct the gaming promotion activity with one concessionaire, and only for a commission.

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Gaming promoters are prohibited from resorting to the support of entities that are not their directors, employees or collaborators, in the exercise of the gaming promotion activity; from sharing, by any means, the revenues from the casinos with the concessionaire; from making, through the sharing of revenues from the casinos, the payment of commissions to any entity with which it cooperates; from cooperating with those who are prohibited from carrying out the activity of gaming promotion or of collaborator; and from depositing, by themselves or through third parties, chips or funds from third parties. The DICJ and the Macau Financial Services Bureau monitor each gaming promoter and its staff and collaborators. In October 2015, the DICJ issued specific accounting related instructions applicable to gaming promoters and their operations. Any failure by the gaming promoters to comply with such instructions may impact their license and ability to operate in Macau.

In addition, concessionaires are jointly and severally liable for administrative fines and civil liability arising from the exercise in their casinos of the authorized gaming promotion activity by gaming promoters, their directors and key employees, as well as their collaborators. Such joint and several liability may be excluded when it is proved that the concessionaire has responsibly fulfilled its supervision duty. Law no. 16/2022 also clarified that under Macau Administrative Regulation no. 6/2002 concessionaires may only be jointly and severally liable for the acceptance, in their casinos, of the deposit of funds or chips from third parties, by gaming promoters, their directors and their collaborators, as well as by the employees of the gaming promoters who exercise duties in the casinos, if such funds or chips were used in games of chance in their casino or were earned in these games. When assessing whether the funds or chips deposited were used in games of chance in casino or were earned in these games, the law provides that it shall be taken into account, in particular, the concessionaire’s records.

Furthermore, gaming promoters, including their shareholders, directors, and key employees, are subject to verification of suitability based on criteria such as reputation, tendency to take on excessive risks in view of how they usually conduct business or the nature of their professional activities, their economic and financial situation, existence of well-founded suspicions on the legality of the origin of the funds to be used in the gaming promotion activity or regarding the true identity of the holder of such funds, existence of improper transactions with criminal groups, and indictment or conviction for crime punishable by imprisonment of three years or more.

In addition to the licensing and suitability assessment process performed by the DICJ, all of the Gaming Operator’s gaming promoters (if any) undergo thorough vetting procedures by the Gaming Operator. The Gaming Operator conducts background checks and also conducts periodic reviews of the activities of each gaming promoter (if any), its employees and its collaborators for possible non-compliance with Macau legal and regulatory requirements. Such reviews generally include investigations into compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations as well as tax withholding requirements.

Concessionaires are required to report periodically on commissions paid to their gaming promoters. A 5% tax must be withheld on commissions paid by a concessionaire to its gaming promoters. Under Law no. 16/2022 and in accordance with the Secretary for Economy and Finance Dispatch no. 90/2022, a commission cap of 1.25% of net rolling has been in effect. Any advantages or liberalities offered or provided, in Macau or abroad, directly or indirectly, to the gaming promoter by the concessionaire, a company in which the concessionaire holds participation, or others with which the concessionaire is in a group relationship, shall be considered and calculated as commission and be within such commission cap. The commission cap regulations impose fines, ranging from MOP2,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$250,112) up to MOP5,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$625,280) on concessionaires that do not comply with the cap and other fines, ranging from MOP600,000 (equivalent to approximately US$75,034) up to MOP1,500,000 (equivalent to approximately US$187,584) on concessionaires that do not comply with their reporting obligations regarding commission payments. If breached by the concessionaire, the legislation on commission caps has a sanction enabling the relevant government authority to determine the closure, in whole or in part, of the areas for games of chance, for a period of one month to one year, and/or to make public a government decision imposing a fine on a concessionaire, by publishing such decision on the DICJ website and in two Macau newspapers (in Chinese and Portuguese respectively). We believe the Gaming Operator has implemented the necessary internal control systems to ensure compliance with the commission cap and reporting obligations in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

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The exercise of the activity of collaborators and managing companies is also governed under Macau Law no. 16/2022. Collaborators, managing companies, as well as managing companies’ shareholders holding an amount equal to or greater than 5% of their registered capital, directors, and key employees are subject to suitability assessment process performed by the DICJ.

The issuance and renewal of the authorization of collaborator are the responsibility of the DICJ and may be requested by those who fulfill certain requirements, including having completed 21 years of age, being deemed suitable, having agreed to collaborate with, at least, one gaming promoter, and having provided a security deposit. The maximum annual total number of collaborators is set out by the DICJ and published on its website. Collaborators shall not perform operations of credit concession for gaming or betting in casino, on behalf of any person, and shall be prohibited from depositing, by itself or through third parties, chips or funds from third parties.

A concessionaire that intends to engage a managing company to provide casino management services must obtain authorization from the Chief Executive of Macau and submit the draft management agreement for approval. The business purpose of the managing company is limited to the management of the concessionaires’ casinos. A managing company can only enter into a managing agreement with one concessionaire, and can only receive management fees from the concessionaire, with casino revenue sharing or payment of commissions not being permitted. Managing companies are prohibited from managing the financial activities of casinos, including in matters of accounting or settlement of chips and gaming funds, as well as from depositing, by themselves or through third parties, chips or funds from third parties.

Macau Law no. 16/2022 further established the crime of unlawful deposit and the crime of disobedience. The crime of unlawful deposit is applicable to concessionaires, gaming promoters or managing companies, their directors or representatives, or persons under their authority, in the exercise of their duties, or collaborators, in the exercise of their activity, who deposit funds from third parties not intended for gaming, and is punishable by imprisonment from 2 to 5 years in case of individuals, or fines up to MOP18 million (equivalent to approximately US$2.3 million) or judicial dissolution in case of legal persons. The crime of disobedience is applicable to whoever refuses to fulfill the access and presence of the DICJ and Macau Financial Services Bureau supervisory personnel in the areas subject to supervision until the conclusion of the supervisory action, or the presentation or provision of the documents, data and assets required under the terms of the law by the supervisory personnel, or to whoever does not comply with the measure of preventive suspension of activity, with individuals being subject to imprisonment from 1 to 2 years and legal persons being punishable by fines up to MOP9 million (equivalent to approximately US$1.1 million) or judicial dissolution. In addition to such penalties, certain accessory penalties may be applied, including closure of gaming areas, prohibition of the exercise of the activity of gaming promotion, collaborator or management of casinos, for a period of 1 month to 2 years, interdiction on applying for a gaming promoter license or collaborator authorization for a period of 1 to 2 years, judicial injunction or publication of the decision in two Macau newspapers (in Chinese and Portuguese, respectively) and through public notice.

Gaming Credit Regulations

Macau Law no. 7/2024, which came into effect on August 1, 2024, and replaced the previous Gaming Credit Regulation (Macau Law no. 5/2004), regulates the granting of credit for gaming activities in Macau. This law defines gaming credit granting as the transfer of casino gaming chips by concessionaires to patrons without immediate payment. Only gaming concessionaires can grant gaming credit, and they cannot delegate this activity to other entities. In particular, the new law restricts the role of gaming promoters to acting solely as agents of concessionaires in credit granting activities, eliminating their previous ability to extend credit independently. However, concessionaires can enter into representation contracts with gaming promoters, allowing them to perform legal acts related to credit granting on behalf of and in the interest of the concessionaire.

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The law also mandates that concessionaires implement a credit risk management system, conduct credit assessments of patrons, and ensure compliance with these duties by gaming promoters.

Members of concessionaires’ corporate bodies and employees must perform their duties with integrity and in accordance with laws and professional conduct rules. Confidentiality regarding credit activities and relationships must be maintained, except under specific circumstances. The DICJ oversees compliance, and concessionaires must cooperate with inspections and provide necessary documents and information. Administrative penalties for violations include fines, suspension of credit granting activities, and public disclosure of sanctions. The law also allows the DICJ to process personal data necessary for enforcing the law and grants DICJ personnel public authority powers to request assistance from police and administrative authorities during inspections.

Illegal Gambling Crimes Regulations

Macau Law no. 20/2024, which came into effect on October 29, 2024, establishes the legal framework for combating illegal gaming crimes and replaced the previous Illegal Gaming Law (Law no. 8/96/M). This law clarifies that illegal gaming crimes include side betting activities and increased the penalties applicable to illegal gaming crimes, with imprisonment of up to eight years and fines calculated in days, with each day corresponding to an amount between MOP250 (equivalent to approximately US$31) and MOP15,000 (equivalent to approximately US$1,876). It prohibits the operation, promotion, and organization of online gaming in Macau, even if the servers or IT equipment are located outside Macau. The law also introduces several measures to enhance investigations, such as the use of undercover agents and the protection of informants’ identities.

In addition to natural persons, legal entities are also subject to this law and may face penalties including judicial dissolution or daily fines ranging from MOP250 (equivalent to approximately US$31) to MOP15,000 (equivalent to approximately US$1,876) for a period of 100 to 1,200 days (i.e., up to MOP18,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$2.3 million)). Representatives of legal entities may be jointly and severally responsible for paying such fines. Other sanctions include prohibition from attending certain establishments, prohibition or suspension from exercising certain professions or activities, deportation or prohibition from entering Macau for non-residents, and prohibition from entering casinos.

The law addresses gaming related crimes such as illegal granting of credit for gaming, fraudulent gaming, falsification of gaming chips, the operation of illegal currency exchange for gaming purposes, or the illegal operation of mah-jong games. It grants the DICJ the authority to oversee compliance and apply penalties, including the ability to request assistance from police and administrative authorities.

Access to Casinos and Gaming Areas Regulations

Under Law no. 10/2012, as amended pursuant to Law no. 17/2018, the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau is 21 years of age. The director of the DICJ may authorize employees under 21 years of age to temporarily enter casinos or gaming areas, after considering their special technical qualifications. In addition, off-duty gaming related employees of concessionaires and gaming promoters may not, starting from December 2019, access any casinos or gaming areas, except during the Chinese New Year festive season or under specific circumstances.

Smoking Regulations

Under the Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Law, as amended pursuant to Law no. 9/2017, smoking on casino premises is only permitted in authorized segregated smoking lounges with no gaming activities and such smoking lounges are required to meet certain standards determined by the Macau government.

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Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Regulations

In conjunction with current gaming laws and regulations, the Gaming Operator is required to comply with the laws and regulations relating to anti-money laundering activities in Macau. Law no. 2/2006 (as amended pursuant to Law no. 3/2017), the Administrative Regulation no. 7/2006 (as amended pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 17/2017) and the DICJ Instruction no. 1/2016 in effect from May 13, 2016 (as amended pursuant to DICJ Instruction no. 1/2019), govern the Gaming Operator’s compliance requirements with respect to identifying, reporting and preventing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing crimes at its casinos in Macau. Under these laws and regulations, the Gaming Operator is required to:

Under Article 2 of Administrative Regulation no. 7/2006 (as amended pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 17/2017) and the DICJ Instruction no. 1/2016 (as amended pursuant to DICJ Instruction no. 1/2019), the Gaming Operator is required to track and report transactions and granting of credit that are of MOP500,000 (equivalent to approximately US$62,528) or above. Pursuant to the legal requirements above, if the customer provides all required information, after submitting the reports, the Gaming Operator may continue to deal with those customers that were reported to the DICJ and, in case of suspicious transactions, to the Macau Finance Information Bureau.

The Gaming Operator employs internal controls and procedures designed to help ensure that its gaming and other operations are conducted in a professional manner and in compliance with internal control requirements issued by the DICJ set forth in its instruction on anti-money laundering, the applicable laws and regulations in Macau, as well as the requirements set forth in the Concession Contract.

The Gaming Operator has developed a comprehensive anti-money laundering policy and related procedures covering its anti-money laundering responsibilities, which have been approved by the DICJ, and has training programs in place to ensure that all relevant employees understand such anti-money laundering policy and procedures.

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The Gaming Operator also uses an integrated IT system to track and automatically generate significant cash transaction reports and, as permitted by the DICJ and the Macau Finance Information Bureau, submit those reports electronically.

Responsible Gambling Regulations

On October 18, 2019, the DICJ issued Instruction no. 4/2019, which came into effect on December 27, 2019, setting out measures for the implementation of responsible gambling principles, which was amended by Instruction no. 3/2024 issued by the DICJ, which came into effect on May 28, 2024. Under this instruction, concessionaires are required to implement certain measures to promote responsible gambling, including making information available on the risks of gambling, responsible gambling and odds, both inside and outside the casinos and gaming areas and through electronic means; creation of information and counseling kiosks and a hotline; adequate regulation of lighting inside casinos and gaming areas; self-exclusion and exclusion at third party request procedures, off-duty gaming related employees entry restriction procedures, physical entry requirements, preventive measures for restricted access by persons under 21 years of age; public exhibition of time; creation and training of teams and a coordinator responsible for promoting responsible gambling.

Law no. 16/2001, as amended in June 2022 pursuant to Law no. 7/2022, or the Macau Gaming Operations Law, also sets out responsible gambling obligations, including the obligation of the concessionaires to prepare a plan for the promotion of responsible gambling, as well as to adopt measures that allow the public, including tourists, to have sufficient information to assume a responsible, moderate and controlled posture towards gaming. These measures include providing players with information about responsible gambling behaviors, as well as about gaming dependency and addiction issues, including the information on responsible gambling; adequate measures to ensure the prohibition of entry into casinos of those to whom access is prohibited; information on the dissemination of the measure of interdiction of entry in casino upon request, as well as the means of submitting such request; creation of a specialized gaming group to provide adequate assistance and counseling services to those in need; and training and recycling actions on responsible gambling aimed at employees, as well as counseling services. Furthermore, the concessionaires must annually submit to the DICJ a report on the execution of the plan for the promotion of responsible gambling of such year, as well as a plan for the promotion of responsible gambling for the subsequent year.

Control of Cross-border Transportation of Cash Regulations

On June 12, 2017, Law no. 6/2017 with respect to the control of cross-border transportation of cash and other negotiable instruments to the bearer, was enacted. Such law came into effect on November 1, 2017. In accordance with such law, all individuals entering Macau with an amount in cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer equal to or higher than the amount determined by the order of the Chief Executive of Macau at MOP120,000 (equivalent to approximately US$15,007) will be required to declare such amount to the customs authorities. The customs authorities may also request an individual exiting Macau to declare if such individual is carrying an amount in cash or negotiable instruments to the bearer equal to or higher to such amount. Individuals that fail to duly complete the required declaration may be subject to a fine (ranging from 1% to 5% of the amount that exceeds the amount determined by the order of the Chief Executive of Macau for declaration purposes, such fine being at least MOP1,000 (equivalent to approximately US$125) and not exceeding MOP500,000 (equivalent to approximately US$62,528)). In the event the relevant customs authorities find that the cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer carried by an individual while entering or exiting Macau may be associated with or result from any criminal activity, such incident shall be notified to the relevant criminal authorities and the relevant amounts shall be seized pending investigation. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks relating to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau — Studio City Casino’s operations could be adversely affected by foreign exchange restrictions on the Renminbi.”

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Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in External Trade Regulations

In addition to the general criminal laws regarding corrupt practices in the public and private sector that are in force in Macau, on January 1, 2015, Law no. 10/2014, criminalizing corruption acts in external trade and providing for a system for prevention and suppression of such criminal acts came into effect in Macau. Our internal policies, address this issue.

Asset Freezing Enforcement Regulations

On August 29, 2016, Law no. 6/2016 with respect to the framework for the enforcement of asset freezing orders, which comprised of United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions for the fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, was enacted. Under this law, the Chief Executive of Macau is the competent authority to enforce freezing orders and the Asset Freeze Coordination Commission must assist the Chief Executive in all technical aspects of such enforcement. Among other entities, concessionaires are subject to certain obligations and duties regarding the freezing of assets ordered by the United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions, including reporting and cooperation obligations.

Foreign Exchange Regulations

Concessionaires in Macau may be authorized to open foreign exchange counters at their casinos and gaming areas subject to compliance with the Foreign Exchange Agencies Constitution and Operation Law (Decree-Law no. 38/97/M), the Exchange Rate Regime (Decree-Law no. 39/97/M) and the specific requirements determined by the Monetary Authority of Macau. The transaction permitted to be performed in such counters is limited to buying and selling bank bills and coins in foreign currency, and to buying travelers checks.

Intellectual Property Rights Regulations

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are subject to local intellectual property regulations. Intellectual property protection in Macau is supervised by the Intellectual Property Department of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macau government.

The applicable regime in Macau with regard to intellectual property rights is defined by two main laws. The Industrial Property Code (Decree-Law no. 97/99/M, as amended pursuant to Law no. 11/2001), covers (i) inventions meeting the patentability requirements; (ii) semiconductor topography products; (iii) trademarks; (iv) designations of origin and geographical indications; and (v) awards. The Regime of Copyright and Related Rights (Decree-Law no. 43/99/M, as amended by Law no. 5/2012), protects intellectual works and creations in the literary, scientific and artistic fields, by copyright and related rights. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — The possible infringement of key intellectual property used in our business, the dissemination of proprietary information used in our business or the infringement or alleged infringement of intellectual property rights belonging to third parties could adversely affect our business.”

Personal Information Regulations

Processing of personal information by our subsidiaries in Macau is subject to compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (Law no. 8/2005), and, in the case of the Gaming Operator, any instructions issued by DICJ from time to time. The Personal Data Protection Bureau, or DSPDP, is the regulatory authority in Macau specially in charge of supervising and enforcing the Personal Data Protection Act. The DSPDP, which is an official public department operating under the authority of the Chief Executive of Macau was established under the Administrative Regulation no. 42/2023, and, with effect from February 1, 2024, replaced the Office for Personal Data Protection which was the previous regulatory authority for personal data protection matters, Breaches are subject to civil liability, administrative and criminal sanctions.

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The legal framework and the instructions issued by DICJ require that certain procedures must be adopted before collecting, processing and/or transferring personal information, including obtaining consent from the data subject and/or notifying or requesting authorization from the DSPDP and/or DICJ, as applicable, prior to processing personal information.

Cybersecurity Regulations

Law no. 13/2019, the Cybersecurity Law came into effect on December 21, 2019 and is intended to protect networks, systems and data of public and private operators of critical infra-structures, among which operators of games of chance in casino are included.

The cybersecurity system is composed of a Cybersecurity Commission, a Cybersecurity Alert and Response Incident Centre (“CARIC”) and cybersecurity supervisory entities.

Among other duties, private infrastructure operators are required to appoint a suitable and experienced person to be responsible for handling its cybersecurity and to be permanently reachable by CARIC, create a cybersecurity department, implement adequate internal cybersecurity procedures, conduct evaluations of its networks’ security and risks, submit annual reports to their supervisory entity and inform CARIC and the respective supervisory entity of any cybersecurity incidents.

Additional regulations have been enacted to further determine and detail how the above-mentioned obligations are to be fulfilled.

Labor Quotas Regulations

All businesses in Macau must apply to the Labor Affairs Bureau for labor quotas to import non-resident unskilled workers from mainland China and other regions or countries. Non-resident skilled workers are also subject to the issuance of a work permit by the Macau government, which is given individually on a case-by-case basis. Businesses are free to employ Macau residents in any position, as by definition all Macau residents have the right to work in Macau. Melco Resorts has, through its subsidiaries, two main groups of labor quotas in Macau, one to import non-skilled workers from mainland China and the other to import non-skilled workers from all other countries. The Gaming Operator is not currently allowed to hire non-Macau resident dealers and supervisors under the Macau government’s policy.

Pursuant to Macau social security laws, Macau employers must register their employees under a mandatory social security fund and make social security contributions for each of its resident employees and pay a special duty for each of its non-resident employees on a quarterly basis. Employers must also buy insurance to cover employment accidents and occupational illnesses for all employees.

Minimum Salary Regulations

On April 27, 2020, Law no. 5/2020, with respect to minimum salary, was enacted. Such law came into effect on November 1, 2020. In accordance with such law, as amended pursuant to Law no. 19/2023, effective from January 1, 2024, the monthly minimum salary in Macau is MOP7,072 (equivalent to approximately US$884) per month (excluding overtime, night and shift allowances and regular bonus related payments). The minimum salary requirement applies to all workers in Macau, except domestic helpers and special needs workers.

Land Regulations

Land in Macau is legally divided into plots. In most cases, private interests in real property located in Macau are obtained through long-term leases from the Macau government.

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Our subsidiary has entered into a land concession contract for the land on which the Studio City property is located. The contract has a term of 25 years and is renewable for further consecutive periods of ten years and imposes, among other conditions, a development period, a land premium payment, a nominal annual government land use fee, which may be adjusted every five years, and a guarantee deposit upon acceptance of the land lease terms, which are subject to adjustments from time to time in line with the amounts paid as annual land use fees.

The land is initially granted on a provisional basis and registered as such with the Macau Real Property Registry and only upon completion of the development is the land concession converted into definitive status and so registered with the Macau Real Property Registry.

Restrictions on Distribution of Profits Regulations

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a minimum of 25% of the entity’s profit after tax to the legal reserve until the balance of the legal reserve reaches a level equivalent to 50% of the entity’s share capital in accordance with the provisions of the Macau Commercial Code. The legal reserve is not available for distribution to the shareholders of the subsidiaries. The appropriation of the legal reserve is recorded in the subsidiaries’ financial statements in the year in which it is approved by the shareholders of the relevant subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2024, the balance of the legal reserve amounted to US$6,000.

Macau Tax Code

The new Macau Tax Code, approved by Law no. 24/2024, will have the majority of its provisions take effect on January 1, 2026. This legislation aims to modernize and consolidate Macau’s tax regulations, covering various aspects such as legal relationships, administrative procedures, judicial proceedings, and enforcement related to tax matters. Two key changes include the introduction of transfer pricing rules and a shift from a worldwide tax basis to a territorial basis. However, this shift excludes dividends, interest, royalties, and gains from disposal of properties earned outside Macau by multinational entities that qualify as tax residents in Macau which still fall within the scope of the complementary tax. The new Macau Tax Code also includes mechanisms for double taxation relief and promotes the use of electronic tax platforms to streamline administrative processes.

FCPA

The FCPA prohibits us and our staff and agents from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any foreign official. The Code includes specific FCPA-related provisions. See “— Our Internal Control Policies.”

The Gaming Operator’s Concession

The Concession Regime

The Macau government conducted an international tender process for gaming concessions in Macau in 2022, and granted six gaming concessions to SJM, MGM Grand Paradise, Galaxy, Venetian Macau, S.A., Wynn Macau and Melco Resorts Macau, respectively. Subconcessions are prohibited. Though there are no restrictions on the number of casinos or gaming areas that may be operated under each concession, Macau government approval is required for the commencement of operations of any casino or gaming area. Prior to the tendering process in 2022, the subconcessionaires that entered into subconcession contracts with Wynn Macau, SJM and Galaxy were Melco Resorts Macau, MGM Grand Paradise and Venetian Macau, S.A., respectively. The Gaming Operator executed the Subconcession Contract with Wynn Macau on September 8, 2006, which was extended until December 31, 2022 pursuant to the execution of an Amendment Agreement to the Subconcession Contract dated June 23, 2022, with Wynn Macau continuing to develop and run hotel operations and casino projects independent of the Gaming Operator.

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Upon the completion of the tender process for new concessions, the Gaming Operator was granted with a new gaming concession by the Macau government for a period of 10 years, effective from January 1, 2023 until December 31, 2032, and entered into the respective Concession Contract on December 16, 2022.

A summary of the key terms of the Concession Contract is as follows.

All concessionaires must pay a special gaming tax of 35% of gross gaming revenues, defined as all gaming revenues derived from casino or gaming areas, plus an annual gaming premium of:

subject to a minimum annual payment of an amount required for the operation of 500 gaming tables and 1,000 electronic gaming machines.

A special premium may be due by the Gaming Operator in the event the average gross gaming revenue of the Gaming Operator’s gaming tables does not reach the annual minimum of MOP7,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$875,392) and the average gross gaming revenue of the gaming machines does not reach the annual minimum of MOP300,000 (equivalent to approximately US$37,517). The amount of the special premium is equivalent to the difference between the amount of the special gaming tax paid by the Gaming Operator and the amount that would be paid under the annual minimum set average gross gaming revenue for gaming tables and gaming machines.

The Concession Contract in Macau

The Concession Contract in Macau provides for the terms and conditions of the concession granted to the Gaming Operator with expiration on December 31, 2032. The Gaming Operator, pursuant to a legal restriction applicable to all concessionaires, does not have the right to grant a subconcession or transfer the operation to third parties.

On December 16, 2022, the Gaming Operator was granted the right to operate games of chance in casinos in Macau under a new gaming concession effective from January 1, 2023 until the expiration of the concession on December 31, 2032.

A summary of the key terms of the Concession Contract is as follows.

Gaming and Non-Gaming Investment Obligations. The Concession Contract requires the Gaming Operator to make a minimum investment in Macau of MOP11,823.7 million (equivalent to approximately US$1.48 billion) The investment plan includes gaming and non-gaming related projects in the expansion of foreign market patrons, conventions and exhibitions, entertainment shows, sports events, art and culture, health and well-being, thematic entertainment, gastronomy, community and maritime tourism and others. Of the total investment amount referred to above, MOP10,008.0 million (equivalent to approximately US$1.25 billion) will be applied to non-gaming related projects, with the balance applied to gaming related projects. The Gaming Operator has undertaken to carry out incremental additional non-gaming investment in the amount of approximately 20% of its initial non-gaming investment, or MOP2,003.0 million (equivalent to approximately US$250.5 million), in the event Macau’s annual gross gaming revenue reaches MOP180.0 billion (equivalent to approximately US$22.51 billion) (“Incremental Investment Trigger”), which occurred in 2023.

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If, after the completion of the execution of the investment plan under the Concession Contract, the total amount of expenses made by the concessionaire, directly or, with approval from the Macau government, indirectly, is lower than the global committed amount, the concessionaire undertakes to use the remaining amount on projects correlated to its activity to be designated by the concessionaire and accepted by the Macau government and/or on projects that are designated by the Macau government with significant public benefit to Macau.

During the implementation of the investment plan under the Concession Contract, the Macau government may request the concessionaire to provide any document or to amend the implementation of projects contained in the investment plans to ensure compliance with current technical norms or rules and the required quality standard. However, the Macau government shall not impose any amendment that may result in an increase of the global investment amount.

The execution of the investment plan under the Concession Contract is subject to the supervision of the Macau government, with the concessionaire being required to submit to the Macau government’s approval on an annual basis the proposal for the execution of specific projects that it intends to execute in the subsequent year, which shall contain, at least, the content of such projects, the amount of the investment, and the deadline for execution. Furthermore, the concessionaire must submit to the Macau government on an annual basis a report on the execution, in the previous year, of the investment plan under the Concession Contract and of the approved proposal for the execution of the specific investment projects, which must contain, at least, an update on the execution of the specific investment projects, the invested amount, the deadline and the results of its execution. The concessionaire must also submit any other additional information as requested by the Macau government.

Payments. Concession premiums and taxes, computed in various ways depending upon the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the Macau government. The method for computing these fees and taxes may be changed from time to time by the Macau government. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly or annually and are based upon either a percentage of the gross revenues or the number and type of gaming devices operated. In addition to special gaming taxes of 35% of gross gaming revenues, the Gaming Operator is also required to contribute to the Macau government an annual amount equivalent to 2% of the gross gaming revenues to a public fund that has as purposes the promotion, development or study of cultural, social, economic, educational, scientific, academic and philanthropic actions. Furthermore, the Gaming Operator is also obligated to contribute to Macau an amount equivalent to 3% of the gross gaming revenues for urban development, tourism promotion and the social security of Macau. The Gaming Operator is required to collect and pay, through withholding, statutory taxes on commissions or other remunerations paid to gaming promoters.

Termination Rights. The Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate the Gaming Operator’s concession in the event of non-compliance by us with our basic obligations under the concession and applicable Macau laws. Upon termination, all of the Gaming Operator’s casino premises and gaming equipment, would revert or be transferred to the Macau government automatically without compensation to the Gaming Operator and the Gaming Operator would cease to generate any revenues from these operations. In many of these instances, the Concession Contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, the Gaming Operator may be dependent on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to give it an opportunity to remedy any such default. The Gaming Operator is not granted with explicit rights of veto, or of prior consultation. The Macau government may be able to unilaterally rescind the Concession Contract upon the following termination events:

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In addition, the Macau government may, from the eighth year of the concession, redeem the concession by notice to the Gaming Operator at least one year in advance. Pursuant to such redemption, the Macau government would assume all rights and obligations of the Gaming Operator resulting from business legally and validly conducted by the Gaming Operator before the date of the redemption notice and the Gaming Operator would have a right to obtain reasonable and fair compensation under applicable Macau law.

Ownership and Capitalization. Set out below are the key terms in relation to ownership and capitalization under the Concession Contract:

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Others. In addition, the Concession Contract contains various general covenants and obligations and other provisions, including special duties of cooperation, special duties of information, and execution of the Gaming Operator’s investment obligations.

Transfers of property and credit rights of the Gaming Operator exceeding MOP100,000,000 (equivalent to approximately US$12,505,599) and loan agreements or similar arrangements executed by the Gaming Operator as borrower or creditor equal to or exceeding that amount are each subject to approval by the Macau SAR government, except for those loan agreements related to credit granted for gaming purposes. The issue of debt securities by the Gaming Operator is also subject to approval by the Macau government and the concession prohibits the Gaming Operator from being listed on a stock exchange. The concession requires that prior notice be given to the Macau government of financial decisions relating to the internal movement of funds of the Gaming Operator exceeding 50% of its registered capital, financial decisions relating to salaries, remuneration or benefits of employees, among others, exceeding 10% of its registered capital and other financial decisions exceeding 10% of its registered capital.

The Concession Contract provides for the Gaming Operator’s right to use the casino premises and related land for the purpose of operating games of chance under the Concession Contract during the term of the Concession Contract. On the termination or expiry of the Concession Contract, the casino premises operated by the concessionaire and the gaming equipment would revert or be transferred to the Macau SAR without compensation.

Taxation

We are domiciled in the Cayman Islands and our primary business operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.

Hong Kong

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong and one of our subsidiaries incorporated in the British Virgin Islands are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on their taxable income earned in or derived from Hong Kong at a tax rate of 16.5%. Payments of dividends by our subsidiaries to us are not subject to withholding tax in Hong Kong.

Macau

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are subject to Macau complementary tax of up to 12% on profits earned in or derived from their activities conducted in Macau.

In January 2017, the Macau government granted an extension of the Macau complementary tax exemption for our subsidiary, Studio City Entertainment, through 2021, on profits generated from income received from the Gaming Operator, to the extent that such income results from gaming operations within Studio City Casino and has been subject to gaming tax. Studio City Entertainment applied for an extension of the Macau complementary tax exemption for 2022 under the previous gaming subconcession and for the period of ten years from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2032 under the Concession Contract. These applications are subject to the discretionary approval of the Macau government. The application of Studio City Entertainment for the 2023-2032 Macau Complementary Tax exemption was rejected in July 2024.

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Studio City Entertainment filed an objection with the Macau government, but such objection was denied in September 2024. Dividend distributions by Studio City Entertainment from income tax exempted profits and our non-gaming profits continue to be subject to Macau complementary tax. In September 2017, the Macau government granted Studio City Hotels the declaration of touristic utility purpose pursuant to which Studio City Hotels is entitled to a property tax holiday for a period of twelve years on the immovable property to which the touristic utility was granted, owned or operated by Studio City Hotels. Under such tax holiday, Studio City Hotels is allowed to double the maximum rates applicable to depreciation and reintegration for the purposes of assessment of the Macau complementary tax. In August 2021, the hotel license of Studio City Hotel was transferred from Studio City Hotels to Studio City Developments, the owner of the Studio City property. In July 2023, the Macau government granted the declaration of touristic utility purpose to Studio City Developments pursuant to which Studio City Developments is entitled to the property tax holiday and is allowed to double the maximum rates applicable to depreciation and reintegration for the purposes of assessment of the Macau complementary tax.

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C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

We are a Cayman Islands holding company for Studio City. Our operations are conducted by our subsidiaries. Investors may never directly hold equity interests in our operating subsidiaries.

The following diagram illustrates our organizational structure, including the place of formation, ownership interest and affiliation of our significant subsidiaries, as of March 15, 2025:

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Notes:

See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders” for more information regarding the beneficial ownership in our Company and “Exhibit 8.1 — List of Significant Subsidiaries.”

D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — E. Critical Accounting Estimates — Property and Equipment and Other Long-lived Assets” for information regarding our material tangible property, plant and equipment.

Not applicable.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in this annual report on Form 20-F. Certain statements in this “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” are forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” regarding these statements.

Overview

We are a holding company and, through our subsidiaries, operate the non-gaming businesses of Studio City. Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator, one of the subsidiaries of Melco Resorts and a holder of a gaming concession.

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Our future operating results are subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business.” For detailed information regarding our operations, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview.”

A. OPERATING RESULTS

Operations

Our principal operating activities are the provision of services pursuant to a casino contract and the hospitality business in Macau. The Company monitors the operations and evaluates earnings by reviewing the assets and operations of Studio City as one operating segment. Accordingly, we do not present separate segment information in these operating results. As of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, we operated in one geographical area, Macau, where we generated our revenue and where our long-lived assets were located.

Our operations in 2024 benefited from the continued recovery in inbound tourism in Macau during the year, and the ramp up of operations following the opening of Studio City Phase 2 starting in April 2023, which led to an increase in revenue from casino contract and higher non-gaming revenues. According to the DSEC, visitor arrivals to Macau increased by 23.8% on a year-over-year basis in 2024 as compared to 2023 while, according to the DICJ, gross gaming revenues in Macau rose by 23.9% on a year-over-year basis in 2024.

Summary of Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2024, our total operating revenues were US$639.1 million, an increase of 43.5% from US$445.5 million of total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited for the year ended December 31, 2024 was US$96.7 million, as compared to US$133.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The improvement was primarily attributable to the continued recovery in inbound tourism in Macau during 2024 and the ramp up of operations following the opening of Studio City Phase 2 starting in April 2023.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

We use the following KPIs to evaluate the operations of Studio City Casino, including table games and gaming machines:

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