GAMBLING revenue in the Chinese territory of Macao fell 28.4 percent in October from the same period a year earlier, marking the 17th consecutive month of decline, as wealthy clients continued to stay away from China’s only legal casino hub.

VIP gamblers, which account for half of revenue, have been staying away from Macao, deterred by a campaign by the Central Government against conspicuous spending by public officials, which in turn is part of a wider investigation into unauthorized outflows of money from the mainland.

Revenue fell to 20.06 billion patacas (US$2.51 billion) from 28.03 billion patacas a year prior, but was higher than the 17.13 billion patacas in September, showed Macao government data released yesterday.

The month of October included China’s National Day holiday, and the opening of Melco Crown Entertainment Ltd.’s US$3.2 billion Studio City resort.

(SD-Agencies)