Casino operator MGM Resorts International reported better than expected Q3 earnings while finally revealing its plans to hop on the real estate investment trust bandwagon.

MGM reported net income of $66.4m in the three months ending Sept. 30, compared to a $20.3m loss in the same period last year.

Of the three US casino operators doing business in Macau, MGM is by far the least reliant on its Asian operations. So while MGM China’s numbers were bad – revenue down 33% to $529m and earnings down 40% to $128m – its performance was overshadowed by good growth at MGM’s US operations.

Revenue at MGM’s wholly owned domestic properties rose 4% to $1.6b, while earnings were up 25% to $411m. Casino gaming revenue improved by 4% as a 2% rise in slots handle offset a 1% fall in table drop. Room revenue rose 8% as occupancy improved one point to 96% and average daily room rates rose $10 to $141.