Macau 'still growing quicker than Vegas'

2008-02-13 12:19:47

The Chinese gaming destination of Macau is continuing to outstrip its rivals in terms of growth, it has been reported.

Using the latest revenue statistics from Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, Reuters worked out that Las Vegas is falling even further behind the city, which became the world's largest gambling region two years ago.

The increase in takings was 47 per cent, helped no doubt by recent openings of huge gambling resorts the Venetian Macao and MGM Grand Macau.

Earnings rose by more than $3 billion during 2007 to $10.34 billion - well ahead of Las Vegas' $6.83 billion revenues.

There are now more than 30 casinos in Macau, which became the only part of China to be allowed to offer legalized gambling in 1999.

Stanley Ho, who last month purchased the world's most expensive truffle, held a monopoly there until 2002, when major casino operators from the US were allowed to move in.