Macau could face a defecit of MOP48 billion ($5.99 billion) in 2020, according to the University of Macau Chair Professor in Accounting and Finance Jean Chen. Her assessment matches one previously provided by Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Wai Nong last week.

This, of course, is due to decreases in revenue at casino concessionaires, who have already seen sharp declines in gross gaming revenues (GGR). To alleviate the economic impact of this downturn, it’s expected the government will have to step up and support struggling businesses.

In a statement provided by the economist, she explained:

“This kind of dramatic change due to unexpected emergency is not necessarily leading to a long-term drop in revenue. A temporary deficit is normal for any country suffering from some dramatic events […] A careful cost-benefit analysis is necessary rather than one single indicator.”