Macau gambling revenue falls 17.4% in January

[HONG KONG] Gambling revenue in the world's biggest gambling hub fell 17.4 per cent year-on-year in January, marking the eighth consecutive monthly decline as wealthy high roller VIP gamblers were spooked by China's corruption crackdown.

January's revenue dropped to 23.7 billion patacas (S$4 billion), according to figures from the Macau gaming and inspection bureau. That compared to a 30.4 per cent plunge in December.

The southern Chinese territory of Macau, a special administrative region like neighbouring Hong Kong, is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.

REUTERS