The gross revenues of Macao's 26 casinos saw a year-on-year rise of 47.2 percent in the first half of the year, local media reported Thursday.

 

The Macao Post Daily quoted government sources as saying that however, the gaming receipts in June dropped 23 percent over May.

 

Some local analysts due the month-to-month receipts decrease to "the less flexible" granting of individual travel permits by the Chinese mainland authorities.

 

The mainland authorities recently tightened the travel authorization in an effort to fight illegal labor and the influx of illegal capital. Many vex that the tightening will affect Macao's gaming profit as well.

 

Some argue that June was "a traditionally weak month" for the gaming industry, as the casino's gross receipts month-to-month dropped 9.5 percent in June last year.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2007)