Casino News

Macau's gaming sector "at the mercy" of China

2009-01-06 12:13:02

The success of the casino industry in Macau is heavily reliant upon the policies of the Chinese government, it has been claimed.

BBC News reports that there have been suggestions restrictions on travel to Macau from mainland China have had a detrimental effect on the former Portuguese colony's gaming sector over the last few months.

Gabriel Chan of Credit Suisse stated that because the majority of Macau's customers come from China, its "economic development and social stability are actually at the mercy of Chinese policies".

Some have blamed China for the recent downturn in fortunes of Macau, which is the world's most lucrative casino destination.

It has also reportedly been heavily affected by the credit crunch in line with several other gaming meccas, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

Baccarat, a casino game that is particularly popular among Chinese gamblers, generates the majority of all gaming revenue in Macau at more than 60 per cent.