HONG KONG -(Dow Jones)- Gambling revenue in Macau rose 33% in November from a year earlier, government statistics showed Thursday, as visitors from mainland China continued to drive growth. Macau, the only place in China where casino gambling is legal, has seen gambling revenue soar since the end of 2009 as players keep placing bets regardless of China's tightening measures and local government policies aimed at slowing growth to a more measured pace. Gambling revenue in the Chinese territory rose to MOP23.06 billion (US$2.88 billion) last month, up from MOP17.35 billion a year earlier, according to data from Macau's Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau. The haul was 14% lower from October's record MOP26.85 billion, which was boosted by China's golden week holidays. The Hong Kong-listed shares of Macau's casino operators were trading between 5.5% and 10.2% higher, with Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd. (0027.HK) leading the way rising to HK$15.82 at 0658GMT. The benchmark Hang Seng Index was up 5.4%. -By Kate O'Keeffe, Dow Jones Newswires; 852-2802-7002; kathryn.okeeffe@dowjones.com
