As a direct result of the widespread spread of the coronavirus epidemic, the number of VIP gaming clubs in Macau is expected to continue its downward trend, according to a senior government official who has been quoted as calling this trend a "inevitable reality."

According to a report from Inside Asian Gaming, the former Portuguese enclave's Economic and Finance Secretary, Lei Wai Nong (pictured), made the statement after the city recorded a fall of nearly 66% year-on-year in aggregated December gross gaming revenues to around $979 million. This comes after the city recorded a decrease of almost 66% year-on-year in aggregated November gross gaming revenues to about $979 million. According to the source, this number marked the 15th consecutive month of comparable decreases, with VIP takings for the most recent fourth quarter having plunged by 80% when compared to the same time in 2019. In other words, the declines have continued for 15 consecutive months.

Deteriorating desire:

According to reports, Lei made his estimate in response to information provided by the regulator of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau, which stated that there are currently just 77 VIP clubs in Macau operating slightly more than 1,560 gaming tables. His prognostication supposedly came after the news broke that the gambling mecca in Asia had lost 10 of its licenced junket operators in the past year, leaving only 85 of these businesses active.

Verbal commitment:

In spite of these disheartening data, Lei is said to have stressed that his office is still devoted to sustaining and increasing the stability and service levels of the VIP gaming industry in Macau, even while coronavirus-related travel restrictions and social distancing rules continue to wreak havoc on the region. The highly lucrative business is moreover supposedly anticipated to suffer due to a recent surge in illnesses on the mainland and Beijing's request for its nationals to avoid needless travel in the lead up to the celebrations of the Chinese New Year which will take place the following month.

According to reports, Lei remarked

"Given the current state of affairs during the pandemic, it will be difficult to accommodate guests during the Lunar New Year celebrations." In order to win the approval and cooperation of the central government, the primary focus should be on putting an end to the epidemic and bringing it under control.

Sector significance:

Following his discussion on the significance of gaming to Macau, Lei is said to have concluded by announcing that local casino operators employed 9,940 individuals in middle and senior management jobs during the previous month, with around 89% of these employees having been born in Macau. According to the rumour, he also claimed that related "non-resident" personnel currently make up just 24% of the industry's entire workforce of 26,102 people.