Gross gaming revenue in Macau rose by 62 per cent in the first three months of the year, compared to the same period in 2007, reaching US$3.8bn.

The Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau said the revenue in the first quarter of 2008 is almost equal to the revenue obtained in the entire year of 2003.

The strong growth in the gaming sector’s gross revenue continues to be sustained by the intake from VIP baccarat, which contributed to nearly 70 per cent percent of total gross revenue.