ASIA'S booming gambling resorts in Macau and beyond could surpass the United States in casino gaming revenue by 2012, according to the latest survey.
Macau's booming resorts, along with casinos being built in Singapore and being considered elsewhere, could drive the growth. Of the 23 industry executives, analysts and academics polled, more than 80 percent said Asia's dominance was very likely or likely.
"The results foretell a remarkable future for the Asian gaming market," said Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, which conducted the survey. "There is no doubt this is an exciting time in Asia for the gaming industry."
American casinos raked in US$34.1 billion in 2007, according to the association. Asia's take was estimated between US$15 billion and US$20 billion, it said.
The report was released ahead of a conference in Macau. Global Gaming Expo Asia runs until Thursday.
A majority of those surveyed expect Macau to remain Asia's market leader.