Macau rolls winning dice

Source: Xinhua | 2017-06-02

REVENUES in the world’s biggest casino hub of Macau jumped 24 percent in May, beating expectations and posting a 10-month winning streak as wealthy gamblers returned to the city despite a corruption crackdown.

Gambling revenue in Macau rose to 22.7 billion patacas (US$2.83 billion), government data showed yesterday. Analysts were expecting growth of 15-20 percent.

The growth rate was the fastest since February 2014 and the second-highest monthly result this year. Macau has rebounded amid better-than-expected economic growth in China’s mainland.

Macau’s resurgence will worry rival casino hubs as they claw for business from wealthy Chinese players who contribute the bulk of operators’ profits.