MACAU: Two decades after Macau returned to Chinese rule, a shift that catalysed its emergence as the world’s biggest gambling hub, casinos are facing serious obstacles to their future growth.
Macau casinos are poised for the first decline in annual gaming revenue since 2016, and next year may not be much better as China’s economy slows and rising Asian hot spots such as Vietnam lure high rollers. Macau, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of its handover from Portugal this month, is facing its biggest challenges since a Chinese government crackdown on corruption five years ago.