After a sluggish July that saw revenue in the world’s largest gambling destination grow by just 1.5 percent, the smallest since 2009, Macau’s casinos rebounded strong in August, bringing in $3.3 billion.
The August numbers were the second highest ever recorded and represented a 5.5 percent increase. So far this year, Macau gaming revenue has grown by 15.2 percent overall when compared to 2011 figures.
Macau gaming authorities expect an even bigger number for September with the opening of the first phase of the $4.4 billion Sands Cotai Central. Additionally, August numbers suffered from the threat of a signal 8 typhoon, which affected ferry and airline service to the area.
The Chinese region brought in $33.5 billion in 2011, roughly five times that of Las Vegas.
The StarWorld Hotel’s Poker King Club recently hosted a HK$2 million ($257,854) buy-in poker tournament, which attracted 73 entrants. The winner was Stanley Choi, who earned $6,465,560, the 10th largest prize in poker history.
