Public revenue up by almost 50 percent

In the first four months of 2011, total public revenue has risen by 46.5 percent, in comparison with the same period last year, to a total of MOP33.15 billion (US$4.1 billion), according to the Financial Services Bureau. This increment was due to noticeable increases in the revenue from direct gaming taxes, up by 46.8 percent. Total public expenditure until April reached MOP10.40 billion, an increase of 115.6 percent, in comparison with the same period last year. A fiscal surplus of MOP22.75 billion was recorded in the first four months of 2011, up by 27.8 percent compared to the same period last year.