(Dec 10): Two decades after Macau returned to Chinese rule, a shift that catalyzed its emergence as the world’s biggest gambling hub, casinos are facing serious obstacles to their future growth. Macau casinos are poised for the first decline in annual gaming revenue since 2016, and next year may not be much better as China’s economy slows and rising Asian hot spots such as Vietnam lure high rollers. One of the biggest blows was the absence of high rollers, or VIP gamblers. Not only will that help replace weaker VIP revenue, it will also keep the casinos aligned with Macau’s guidelines for providing more family-friendly attractions. Robert Goldstein, president of Las Vegas Sands, says China’s middle class can still power Macau growth in the years ahead.

Source: The Edge Markets December 10, 2019 01:52 UTC