With record revenue of US$2.5 billion in March, the Macau gaming industry smashed a record set just one month prior. According to data from the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, the results were nearly 50 percent above revenues posted in March 2010. In April, the revenues soared even higher, to $2.56 billion.

And at the end of the first quarter, revenues were almost US$7.5 billion, a 43 percent increase over the first quarter of 2010.

Sociedade de Jogos de Macau (SJM) continued to lead the pack in March with a market share of 34 percent. Sands China was second at 16 percent, followed closely by Melco Crown with about 14 percent and Wynn Macau at nearly 14 percent. Galaxy Entertainment escaped the basement for what will likely be the last time with a 12 percent market share, as its Galaxy Macau integrated resort opened in May. MGM Resorts brought up the rear, where it should remain for quite some time, at 11 percent.

The VIP rolling chip volume was up over 70 percent with the mass-market revenues up 38 percent.

 And another honor awaits Macau as it continues to ramp up its business. Annual revenues from the Macau gaming industry long ago surpassed the Las Vegas and later all of Nevada. But if the growth continues at this pace, the 33 Macau casinos should post revenues that would exceed the entire gaming revenues of all the commercial casinos in the United States. In 2010, the top 20 U.S. gambling markets produced revenues of $24.9 billion, followed closely by the Macau revenues of $23.4 billion. With the increases shown in the first quarter of this year, Macau revenues should easily outpace the U.S. revenues for 2011.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.