Macau Casinos to Grow by Another 30 Percent in First Half of 2012

Union Gaming Research (UGR), a renowned land-based and online gambling research company, published the Macau gross gaming revenue forecast for the first half of 2012. According to predictions the enclave casino businesses, operating in full compliance with Chinese gambling laws, will grow by 30%.

UGR commented the forecast to China gambling news: “We continue to believe the VIP segment should remain strong through at least the early part of 2012, as our channel checks suggest VIP demand is growing, not shrinking (despite macro China fears) with junkets asking for additional tables at many/most properties.”

The research company sees most of the growth resulting from the new property at Sands Cotai Central, which could have the same effect that Galaxy Macau had in 2011. Once the new mega casino complex is open overall gross gaming revenue is expected to receive an unprecedented boost.

January 2012 is also expected to attribute to the upward trend driven by Chinese New Year. UGR stated: “We are expecting growth upwards of fifty percent in January based of gross gaming revenue in excess of MOP27 billion ($3.4billion).”

Overall 2012 annual growth for Macau is predicted at 20 percent for gross gaming revenue, which should reach MOP321bn ($40bn) per year and continue to be an example of immunity to Asian recession.

As for market share in Macau, SJM Holdings continues to enjoy the largest piece of the enclave casino pie with 27 percent, Galaxy Entertainment Group is breathing down its neck with 20 percent of the market. Sands China is third with sixteen percent and Melco Crown is fourth with 14 percent. Wynn Macau lost out moving to fifth position with almost 14 percent, MGM China is last with 9 percent.