Macau is expected to continue growing despite weak global economy

Wynn and MGM benefit as Macau gambling revenue jumps

2012-09-07
Reading time 1:16 min
(Macau).- Gaming revenue in Macau climbed 5.5% to us$ 3.3 billion in August, the second highest monthly result ever for the global gambling mecca, a report said. Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and MGM Resorts, the largest Las Vegas casino companies, all have casinos in Macau and stand to benefit from the strong gain.

Sterne Agee said that amounts to a 6.3% rise in revenue compared to the previous month, beating the eight-year average of 5.8%. The brokerage said one reason for the revenue pop is that the August 2012 calendar contained an additional Friday vs. last year, and Fridays typically draw more gamblers than other days of the week.

Also, Typhoon Vicente in late July pushed some travel plans into August, driving revenue for that month higher.

However, Sterne Agee expects China's specially designated gambling region - the only legal casino gambling area in the country - to continue to grow despite the weak global economy. "We believe the (Chinese) government will continue to approve projects under its five-year plan, with local governments initiating multiyear investment projects to sustain and propel growth," Sterne Agee analyst David Bain said in the report.

The broker also noted that Sands, the biggest Vegas casino operator, lost share in Macau to rivals MGM, Wynn, Hong Kong-based Melco Crown Entertainment (MPEL) and others in August. Sands' share fell to 18.6% from 21.4% at the end of July.

Wynn's share rose to 12.4% from 11.3% and MGM's grew to 10.1% from 8.8%. Like Sands, Melco Crown also lost share, falling to 12.9% from 13.3%.

Sterne Agee noted that phase 2 of Sands new Cotai Central casino in Macau is slated to open Sept. 20, with 2,500 Sheraton hotel rooms and 1,300 slots. That could boost its share gain in months ahead. Sands and MGM shares edged up a few cents Wednesday. Wynn shares fell 1%. Melco Crown skidded 3%.

Leave your comment
Subscribe to our newsletter
Enter your email to receive the latest news
By entering your email address, you agree to Yogonet's Condiciones de uso and Privacy Policies. You understand Yogonet may use your address to send updates and marketing emails. Use the Unsubscribe link in those emails to opt out at any time.
Unsubscribe
EVENTS CALENDAR