Macau gambling revenues up again in March 2013

Gambling revenue in Macau, the world’s biggest gambling destination situated off the Chinese mainland, rose 25.4 percent to 31.34 billion patacas ($3.92 billion) in March, according to government data.

The increase in revenues topped the December high of 28.2 billion patacas, according to data from Macau’s Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, delivering results that exceeded analyst forecasts of 30.5 billion patacas.

The Reuters news agency reported on statistics released by the local regulator, adding that full-year gambling revenue hit $38 billion last year.

Land casino operators are expanding, adding more gambling facilities and hotel rooms to draw tourists from China’s mainland.

The Bloomberg news agency confirmed the numbers, adding that business from both mass-market and VIP, or high-stake gamblers, has been strong.