Relaxed travel restrictions boost Macau casinos

Two casino sources told Reuters in Hong Kong Monday that the mainland Chinese government had eased its restrictions on travel to Macau by residents of China's Guangdong province.

China may have quietly begun relaxing restrictions, leading to a strong showing for casinos so far this month and big hopes for October, according to Reuters.

Susquehanna gaming analyst Robert LaFleur told investors Monday Guangdong residents may be allowed one trip to Macau per month, rather than just two trips per year.

A new chief executive takes over the Special Administrative Region of Macau on Dec. 20, and expectations have been that the restrictions would be eased.

“We view it a positive development that the Chinese government is easing visa restrictions to allow a greater flow of visitors into Macau,” LaFleur told investors. “However, it remains unclear what the ultimate long-term stance the government will have on visas and if they would tighten again.”