There doesn't seem to be any end in sight to the growth of gambling in Macau. The possibilities seem almost too big to fathom. Are we headed for $10 billion per month or even $20 billion per month?
In February, gaming revenue jumped 47.7% to $2.5 billion, faster than the 33.2% growth in January. That may be a little slower than 2010, but that's still an incredible number for growth in gambling. To put last month and 2010 growth in perspective, there were only four months in 2010 when growth was lower than 47.7%. But I'll take 47.7% growth any day.
The great thing for casino operators now is that casino construction is slowing but gambling revenues are still rising rapidly. That means more profits in the pockets of investors and may give operators the ability to pay down debt.
Fighting harder for a bigger pie
It's also interesting to see an apparently intensified fight for gaming dollars in Macau. Wynn Resorts
If Wynn is right, that's a mixed signal for competitors. Melco Crown
Macau or Singapore? That is the question
The growth numbers in Macau bring up an interesting battle emerging to see who will grow faster: Macau or Singapore? Earlier this year, CLSA increased Macau revenue growth expectations to 30%, and some experts are expecting 25% growth in Singapore. Macau is off to a great start, but the comparisons get a lot tougher as the year goes on, so Singapore may have a chance in this fight. Which city's gambling revenue will grow faster in 2011?
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