20190604

Moving target: U.S. casino operators, who take more than half of Macao's casino revenues, may be at risk of trade war backlash. (Photo by Manda Yeung)

Trade war changes the odds in Macao for US casino operators

Trump ally Adelson among Americans seeking fresh government licenses

MACAO -- China's decision in 2002 to open Macao's gambling business to outside competition has been good for Sheldon Adelson, a friend and staunch supporter of Donald Trump, the former casino owner who occupies the White House.

But the deepening trade conflict between Beijing and Washington is fueling speculation that China may reconsider whether Adelson and other high-profile U.S. casino operators should still be welcome in Macao. Casino operators in Asia's gambling capital will have to apply for new concessions from the government before 2022.

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