The Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Francis Tam Pak Yuen, said today he was confident that gross monthly gaming revenue could stay around 7 billion patacas, a level that would enable the six operators to stay in the market.

Mr Tam was speaking to the press this morning, saying that he expected the fourth quarter or the first quarter of next year would mark the beginning of a downward trend in gaming revenue.

He said he is confident that the six gaming operators would be able to survive.

Considering the oncoming economic downturn, he urged the public to face reality, but there was no need to be too pessimistic.

He said the Government would introduce adequate measures to maintain its economic stability and help small- and medium-sized companies.