Betting in Macau
Macau is situated on China’s southern coast. The peninsula was under Portuguese control until 1999, after which the region gained independence and reverted back to Chinese rule. Thereafter, Macau flourished becoming a popular tourist destination and an international hub for gambling.
Business magnate, Stanley Ho is noted for pioneering Macau’s gambling industry. In 2004, one of the country’s first major casino complexes was built. The Sands Macao offers more than one thousand games machines, over 400 gaming tables, nine restaurants, a bar and a hotel. Another example includes the Wynn Macau, built in 2006, which boasts a vast floor space facilitating over 900 games machines, at least 500 poker and games tables, two bars, nine restaurants plus a hotel.
In 2006, Macau’s gambling revenues surpassed that of Nevada’s Las Vegas Strip. In fact, Macau has become the world’s top casino market. In 2007, the world’s biggest luxury hotel and casino opened in Macau. The Venetian Macao is owned by an American company known as Las Vegas Sands. The complex comprises of convention and retail space, 3,000 guest rooms, numerous restaurants, 3400 slot machines and 800 gaming tables. Another large scale casino resort is the MGM Macau. The 35 story high building offers 600 guest suits, convention space, ballroom, spas, restaurants, bars, lounges, many gaming tables and slot machines.
One of Macau’s most famous hotel casinos is the Casino Grand Lisboa. The property is owned by Stanley Ho’s company known as STDM. The business magnate also owns many other gambling venues in Macau. . The Chinese government decided to halt the construction of casinos due to its gambling industry becoming saturated. Built in 2009, the City of Dreams Macau was one of the last major complexes to be created. Despite reduced construction activity, tourism levels remain strong.
Macau is home to 33 casinos. Other gambling activities available in the region are lotteries, sports betting and greyhound racing. Some venues are large scale, for example the StarWorld Hotel & Casino; whilst others are smaller in comparison, such as the Casino Diamond. Casino operator Galaxy Entertainment Group owns an entertainment resort known as Galaxy Macau. The Altira Macau is operated by a joint-venture between Hong Kong-based Melco International Development Ltd and an Australian business known as Crown Limited. The city of Macau also provides thoroughbred horse racing at the Macau Jockey Club. Dog racing enthusiasts can enjoy the greyhound track at the Yat Yuen Canidrome. The high speed ball game Jai Alai can be wagered on at the Casino Jai Alai. The property also offers slots, poker games and tables.
Despite Macau’s gambling infrastructure being at near full capacity, experts are confident that it will hold on to its “Gambling Capital of the World” title, and even expect to increase its casino revenues. The Philippines and Singapore are attempting to provide some competition but it is likely to take some time in overtaking Macau’s level.
