A number of sites in the former Portuguese enclave showed increased construction activity over the past months, a sign that casino operators were bracing themselves for the potential activation or reactivation of gaming licenses.

In its latest report, international brokerage Union Gaming pointed out that the construction boom in Macau might be potentially related to a new gaming license.

One of the projects that Union Gaming highlighted was the construction of a rumored large Southeast Asian gaming operator, which is adjacent to the roundabout close to Wynn Macau and the Grand Lisboa. Industry sources said that Genting Hong Kong has indirect ownership over the property via its subsidiary Star Cruises.

The gaming advisory firm also noted the construction of what it believed to be an expansion of the Pousada Marina Infante hotel, which formerly housed an SJM Casino. Union Gaming stressed that SJM Casino’s license is now eligible for reactivation.