An academic thinks the gaming slump may turn out to be good for Macau’s economy, spurring its diversification, Business Daily reports. The newspaper quotes University of Macau associate professor Desmond Lam as saying in an interview: “Given that we have been trying to diversify our economy since day one away from only gaming, this new trend may be a blessing for Macau.” Mr Lam acknowledges that new restrictions on the behaviour of mainlanders has curbed gaming revenue in general, and VIP gaming revenue in particular. “There are also reports that postulate that Chinese gamblers are travelling to other countries to gamble. I also think that regional and global competition for Chinese gamblers is heating up,” he said.
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