2016 gaming revenue forecast deemed ‘reasonable’

Lionel Leong, pictured yesterday

The government’s MOP200 billion forecast for casino gaming revenue in 2016 is considered reasonable based on the industry’s performance during the Lunar New Year period, according to the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong.
He reported that gaming revenue during the CNY period was similar to that recorded in the same period last year. He also added that the government would continually monitor external developments and evaluate any potential impact on Macau’s economy.
To pay closer attention to the latest developments impacting local small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the government will collect more data on tourist and local consumption patterns, as the secretary argued that the development of the city’s SMEs is essential to the prosperity of Macau. He also said that the entire community – including young people and local businesses, had confidence in Macau’s long-term prosperity.
Meanwhile, Mr Leong told reporters that gaming operators in Macau had well-defined development plans, adding that delays in the completion of some integrated resort projects currently under construction have been caused by a number of factors.
The secretary added that by launching international promotional campaigns to promote non-gaming elements and attract more international visitors, gaming operators were showing confidence in Macau’s tourism sector.