According to statistics published by the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ), Macau has each year since 2004, and the end of the gambling monopoly, increased its gross revenue from gaming activities. 2009 was no exception, with revenue up 9.6% at just over US$15 billion and 2010 looks like it is off to a good start. Apart from a small blip in 2009 second quarter results, Macau gross gaming revenue keeps on climbing.

In October 2009, Macau gambling revenue hit an all-time high of US$1.59 billion. It is now less than one month away from the Chinese New Year celebrations (starting on St Valentine’s Day), probably the busiest gambling time of the year, and visitors traditionally bet big – around three times the visitor spend in Las Vegas. However, Macau is still a gambling centre and has not made the anticipated advance towards becoming an entertainment centre on the lines of the Vegas model.

In the final quarter of 2009 gaming revenues grew 50% year-on-year and the casino companies have returned to double digit growth. 2010 will see competition intensify as Stanley Ho's Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM) last month opened its 260-table Oceanus Casino aimed at the mass market and in March Galaxy Entertainment is scheduled to open its 6th casino operation.

The Chinese government is said to be keeping a watchful eye on gambling revenue and could bring in new restrictive measures if it believes that too much mainland money is being bet at the gaming tables. Following a meeting between government officials and executives of the six gaming operators last October, a government statement said the operators recognised that curbs on gambling industry expansion are necessary. A proposed cap on gaming table numbers could affect future development but is broadly seen as being beneficial in the long term. (E-01.18.10)

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