The decline in growth of casinos in Macau continues

We have often discussed – for example in this article and in this piece – the impressive revenues generated by the casinos in Macau.
However, these results concern the experts, since the growth rate is falling sharply.
While during the month of December, last year, the revenues generated by the casinos were up by 19.6% compared to December 2011 – which represents a much better than expected result – during 2012 the decline in growth has been confirmed (the growth rate was only 13.5%).
By comparison, this was 58% between 2009 and 2010 and 42% between 2010 and 2011.
Thus, 2013 does not look really good, in particular if we take into account the introduction of a new law banning smoking in casinos.
Therefore, experts believe that the gambling industry in Macau will not grow more than 5-10% in 2013.