Macau casinos could snap their 20-month losing streak in February

Macau casinos could snap their 20-month-long losing streak in February thanks to a convergence of calendar quirks.

Analysts are tentatively suggesting that February could see the first month in nearly two years in which Macau’s casino gaming revenue shows positive growth. This theory primarily hinges not on some dramatic turnaround in China’s economic outlook or government policies, but in fortunate timing.

For one thing, this year’s Lunar New Year festivities kick off on Feb. 7, whereas last year’s holiday didn’t begin until Feb. 19. Lunar New Year is traditionally preceded by a lull in gaming revenue, as mass market gamblers rein in their spending so they can blow their wad during the lucky holiday period.

That means most of this year’s lull took place in January, so February 2016 already has a leg up over last year. And 2016 is a leap year, meaning there’s one extra day in which to earn revenue this month (even if that day is a Monday).