Ahead of the Bell: Macau could help casinos

14.01.2010, NEW YORK -- Casino operators may see stronger business in Macau, the Asian gambling center, and a possible rebound for Las Vegas this year, an analyst said Wednesday.

Potential gamblers have stayed away from casinos in droves during the recession, tucking dollars away in savings accounts rather than in slot machines.

When people do visit Vegas and other gambling meccas, they now tend to watch more closely their spending on food, drinks and entertainment.

Deutsche Bank ( DB - news - people ) North America's Chris Woronka said in a client note that he is still keen on Macau, and feel its "outsized growth is a multiyear story as infrastructure expands."

The enclave is the only place in China where gambling is legal and has been reporting strong monthly gaming revenue figures of late.

While Las Vegas was harder hit during the economic downturn, Woronka said the Strip figures could be attractive in 2010's first half due to easier comparisons and MGM Mirage ( MGM - news - people )'s $8.5 billion CityCenter complex, which started opening in phases late last year.

The analyst cautioned, however, that the second half of the year could be more challenging for Las Vegas.

Woronka recommends Wynn Resorts Ltd. ( WYNN - news - people ) and Las Vegas Sands Corp. ( LVS - news - people ) due to their presence in Macau, adding that a Las Vegas rebound would make them inexpensive investment options.

Über Glücksspiele in Macau - Gambling in Macao:

Macau (englisch Macao) liegt rund 50 Kilometer westlich von Hongkong und ist das Glücksspiel-Paradies in Asien.

Macau hat rund 40 Spielcasinos. Die grössten Casinos sind The Venetian Macao, MGM Macao, Wynn Macao, Galaxy StarWorld, City of Dreams, Sands Macao, Casino Lisboa.

Neben den riesigen und farbenfrohen Casinobuildings ist eines der Wahrzeichen der Macau Tower (Fernsehturm mit 338 Meter) mit atemberaubenden Ausblicken auf die Stadt.

Macau erstreckt sich über eine Fläche von 115.3 km2 und hat rund 620'000 Einwohner.

--- Ende Artikel / Pressemitteilung Ahead of the Bell: Macau could help casinos ---


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