DOUBLING DOWN: Casino revenue in Macau climbed 13.5 percent last year to a record $38 billion in the world's biggest gambling market. Gambling revenue growth eased off in 2012 from the year before, when it rocketed 42 percent.

CHANCE ENCOUNTER: Analysts noted that a decline in Chinese high rollers, who account for two-thirds of Macau casino revenue, has been offset by growing numbers of middle-class Chinese.

THE CASINO NEXT DOOR: Chinese gamblers account for the bulk of visitors to Macau. It's an hour by ferry from Hong Kong and is the only place in China where casino gambling is legal.