Aug. 2, 2012 (China Knowledge) - Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, saw its gambling revenue reach MOP24.58 billion in July 2012, reflecting a YoY increase of only 1.5%, according to the city's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau.

The gambling revenue growth last month was lower than the 12% increase in June and was the lowest level since mid-2009 since China's economic slowdown restrained demand from high-rolling gamblers.
 
In the first seven months of 2012, Macau's gambling revenue grew 17% from a year earlier to MOP173.3 billion. The revenue increase was principally boosted by increased tourists from mainland China, but the growth has been slowing down, said analysts.

In 2011, the city's gambling revenue reached MOP267.87 billion or US$33.47 billion, up 42% from the previous year.