Macau casino operators MGM China Holdings Ltd. and Sands China are expecting growth in their business for the Chinese New Year (CNY) period.

Macau welcomes the Year of the Monkey this week and during the celebration, MGM CEO and executive director Grant Bowie told the reporters that the company’s performance during the CNY would remain stable year-on-year.

“Traditionally, the first two or three days are always quieter but business is looking very strong for the rest of the Chinese New Year period,” Bowie said, quoted by public broadcaster TDM.

Bowie has observed that the local mass market had rebounded and believes that the city’s gaming slump is recovering. He also revealed the company’s plan to study the prospect of salary hikes for employees during the MGM’s annual meeting in March.