Mainlanders hold the key to rebound

Macao's over-reliance on big-spending mainlanders is a problem, which may make the city's recovery from the recent slump a long process as there are no signs current regulations on extravagant spending will be eased, experts warned.

"Such over-dependence, coupled with uncertainty over future, puts Macao on a bumpy ride," said Zeng Zhonglu, professor of the Gaming Teaching and Research Center at the Macao Polytechnic Institute.

In June, Macao saw a 5.7-percent rise in visitor arrivals from the Chinese mainland, following a 1.7-percent fall over the first quarter and a 4-percent slide for the whole 2015.