Nevada’s gross gaming revenue declined 4.5 percent in February, however baccarat volume for the first two months of the year rose 7.7 percent in a sign that Chinese visitation to the American gaming hub is starting to rise.
Although baccarat drop for February fell 16.8 percent, the monthly results have been largely attributed to the earlier timing of Chinese New Year this year which pulled some baccarat business into January relative to 2016.
January and February combined saw baccarat win up 12.1 percent year-on-year. Baccarat results tend to be directly linked with the number of Chinese VIPs visiting the Strip at any given time.
“Comps for baccarat remain easy, and it’s encouraging to see some positive momentum,” said Union Gaming analyst John DeCree, albeit with the warning that, “we would be cautious to call a recovery just yet.”
