The Macau Metro Monitor, May 27th, 2010
GAMING REVENUES HEAD FOR NEW RECORD HIGH macaubusiness.com
According to LUSA, casino gross gaming revenue in May is on track to hit between MOP17 or 18 billion. If LUSA is right, this would represent 100% YoY growth.
VISA CURBS OFF AS REVENUES SOAR IN MAY Intelligence Macau
A transit permit, which allows Chinese passport-holders, with RMB 200 and an itinerary, to pass through Macau on to a third destination, has been reinstated by the Zhuhai Customs and Immigration Authority after being suspended in mid 2008. This permit would allow the visitor to stay for a maximum of 7 days. The reinstatement of the transit permit is great news for junkets, allowing them to move people into Macau with more ease.
ENCORE IS THE WORD Intelligence Macau
Steve Wynn wants Encore to be an attractive destination for direct-VIP players. According to IM, compared with those of junkets, margins on direct -VIP players are almost double; win-hold % are also higher for direct-VIP players because of tougher credit decisions made by management and retaining customer loyalty. The Sky Casino also caters to high rolling slot players with machines in private, elaborately-designed rooms.
LOT 5&6 ON THE MOVE? Intelligence Macau
Activity is returning to Lots 5&6. IM knows suppliers who have signed contracts that include a requirement of 30% local labor in their workforce, not one-for-one, as had been expected. According to Macao Daily, the government's Labor Bureau will meet with Sands CEO Jacobs to discuss his plan and requirements for imported labor quotas.
CAPS COMING ON ELECTRONIC GAMES Intelligence Macau
For concessionaires that have been employing more electronic table games to supplement the capped table limits, loose regulatory times may soon come to end. According to IM, caps on electronic tables games are coming within the next three months.