China’s next leaders might curb Macau’s fortunes

Hordes of Chinese high rollers flooding into Macau have turned the city into an Asian casino boomtown but they’re also posing a challenge for China’s next generation of leaders.

Macau’s casino industry has mushroomed over the past decade. But a looming leadership change in China is making some wonder whether blistering growth in the tiny enclave will remain a sure bet.

China holds a once-a-decade Communist Party Congress starting November 8 that will usher in new leaders.

They might already be uneasy about Chinese citizens spiriting wealth out of the mainland to Macau in violation of capital controls.

They could try to make their mark by introducing new policies aimed at curbing rampant corruption. Such a crackdown would likely stem the flow of money and tourists to Macau.