Lionel Leong
The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Lionel Leong, stated that it was difficult for the government to predict – at this stage – the city’s gaming revenue for the second half of 2016, given the uncertainty and volatility in international markets.
The secretary told reporters on Friday that the government has been paying close attention to the “L-shaped” growth of the international economy and the possible continuation of such a pattern in the near future.
However, the MSAR’s economic outlook for the second half of the year was positive. After years of expansion, the city’s efforts in promoting non-gaming offerings have proven effective in attracting a greater number of family visitors, Leong added.
Despite the increase in non-gaming offerings, the government is still evaluating applications from Macau resorts that will soon begin operations, for new-to-market live dealer gaming tables. Leong stressed that the principles applied when dealing with applications for new-to-market gaming tables have not changed.
Such tables must account for no more than 3 percent growth annually – which is measured on a compound basis – from the total number of those gaming products in the market. The cap policy will apply up to the beginning of 2023.
No Comments