There is growing speculation of a casino revival in Macau with the election of a new leader, Fernando Chui. It is expected that Chui will smooth relations with mainland China thereby paving the way for new policies on the gambling zone and lifting visa restrictions on mainland visitors.

The election result comes as no surprise given Chui was the only candidate. His endorsement was merely a formality by the 300 member selection committee loyal to Beijing. Chui is due to take office on 20 December 2009 for a five year term and replace Chief Executive Edmond Ho.

Macau is the only place in China where casinos are legal and they previously enjoyed explosive growth. Prior to 2009, Macau’s gambling revenue had been sharply rising with an impressive average of 27 per cent during each of the past four years.

However, Macau’s casinos began to suffer heavy losses last year as a result of travel restrictions placed on visitors from mainland China who are their main source of business. According to the government, the number of guests dropped 21.8 per cent in June 2009 compared to June 2008. Unsurprisingly, casino revenue slumped 12 per cent in the second quarter of 2009 from a year earlier. Loss of casino jobs drove Macau’s unemployment to a two year high.

Chui has promised to diversify Macau’s economy so that it is not so dominated by and dependent upon the revenue of the gambling industry and casinos. It is also anticipated that Chui will improve regulations within the gambling industry.

中文

澳门特别行政区行政长官崔世安的走马上任有望给澳门的赌场带来新景象。据悉，崔世安将降低中国大陆游客到访澳门的限制。
作为唯一的候选人，崔世安毫无悬念地当选特首。他将在200年12月20日接任何厚铧的职位，开始五年的任期。
澳门是中国唯一赌博业合法的地区，一直以来都有着快速的增长。2009年以前，澳门赌博业的收入在过去的四年平均每年增长达到27%。
然而，去年对大陆游客的旅游限制导致澳门的赌场遭受大挫，因为大陆游客是他们的主要生意源。根据政府报告，2009年6月的游客数量比2008年同期下降了21.8%。随之以来的是赌场的收入下跌，2009年的第二季度相比前一年同期下降12%。赌场不景气导致的澳门的失业率达到两年来的高峰。
崔世安承诺要把澳门经济向多元化方向发展，而不是只依靠赌场收入。预料崔世安会改善赌博业的规定。

New Macau Leader Sparks Speculation On Casinos

edited by Fanja