Casino News: Gambling Revenue Soars in Macau & Other Gaming News

by Bodog Casino | Jan 3 2010

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There's been talk about how Macau, China was becoming the Vegas of the East, but recent numbers prove it's doing better than expected.

The gaming revenue garnered in 2010 totaled $23.5 billion, up 57 percent from 2009 and trumping Vegas and any other casino Mecca in the world as the most lucrative gambling market. Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand should be moving their shows out there any day now.

Earnings have been driven by the growth of gamblers from China. Macau, a former Portuguese colony returned to China in 1999, is the only Chinese city where gambling is legal. Vegas hotspots have decided to open there in 2002, such as Wynn Macau, Venetian Macau, and the Sands Macau.

“The key driver was the higher average spent by an increasing number of mainland tourists,” said Aaron Fischer, a Hong Kong-based analyst for CLSA Ltd. “What surprised us was how strong the growth remained in the second part of December.”

Macau revenue overtook that of The Strip in 2007, and doesn't look like there will be any turning back.

Ocean Casino Opens in Syrian Capitol

The only way to game in Syria used to be by flying out to Lebanon or another country. That changed on Jan. 3, 2011. In the Syrian capital of Damascus, one of the oldest cities on the planet, the Ocean Casino was recently unveiled.

Though it has been considered a momentous occasion, there has been some controversy in opening a casino in such historical city.

Many of the patrons complained about the strict rules at the Ocean; mandatory suit and a tie, and passports must be shown upon entry. One man was denied entry after the venue was already filled to capacity, unable to get his money back after visiting the casino for days.

"This is not fair. Over the past three days since the casino was opened, I lost some $5,000, and now they are telling me I am not allowed in," said Mohammed, a doctor in his 40s.

If you're ever in Damascus The Ocean, which charges a $10 entrance fee, opens daily between 4 p.m. and 4 a.m., seven days a week.

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