In the third quarter of 2009 with the opening of the 20th SJM venue, the number of casinos in Macau rose to 33. Gross gaming revenue at casinos was up significantly, reaching a record high of US$3.81 billion, after a small fall in the second quarter. The bulk of the increase was made at the VIP Baccarat tables although revenue rose for most forms of table games.

The Macau Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau (DICJ) reported that gross revenue was up 22.3% from the third quarter 2008. Between them the 33 casinos operate 4,610 gaming tables and 14,175 slot machines. The numbers have gone up since the second quarter and recently the government revealed it was reviewing the size and growth of the gaming industry in order to prevent unlimited expansion.

Restrictions on travel visas for visitors from mainland China were eased during the third quarter but again have been tightened since 1 October after gambling revenue soared to record highs. The government is seeking to ban entry to casinos for those under 21 – the present minimum age is 18. Betting amounts from pari-mutuels and lotteries also grew in the third quarter but are likely to remain below last year’s figures. However, the amount bet on greyhound racing already has exceeded the total 2008 figure.
(E-10.21.09)

© Copyright 2009 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage