Macau: Past, Present and Future of Betting

                                                                                         

Macau in the Peoples Republic of China is turning into the Asian equivalent of Las Vegas. Since many of the biggest Las Vegas casino companies set foot in Macau, it has become a leading resort destination in the world offering top Las Vegas style casino hotels.

The history of gambling in Macau begins in the 19th century, when Macau was still a Portuguese colony. Since 1847, when the Portuguese government legalized gambling in the colony, Macau was famous as the Monte Carlo of the Orient. Back then, the most popular game in Macau was the Chinese game Fan Tan.

The boost of the Macau betting industry occurred after the Portuguese government contracted the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau with a casino monopoly franchise in the early 1960s. The STDM opened several casinos that offered all types of gaming including Western casino games as well as greyhound racing and horse racing.

In 1970, the Sociedade de Turismo e Diversoes de Macau, operated by Stanley Ho opened Casino Lisboa. The 3 story complex helped strengthen Macau's reputation as the Monte Carlo of the Orient by offering 24 hours of betting entertainment including a wide variety of Chinese and Western casino games, top performances, 15 restaurants, bars, swimming pool, and deluxe accommodations.

Up until the 2000s, Casino Lisboa had no competition. It was the biggest casino hotel in Macau and was the only spot in Asia where high rollers were able to enjoy a lavish lifestyle. The early 2000 marked the beginning of Western invasion to Macau. Sands Macau was the first casino operated by an American company to be opened in Macau.

Sands Macau was build by the Las Vegas Sands, the Las Vegas based company that owns and operates the Venetian in Las Vegas. The 3 billion dollar hotel has changed the face of Macau by offering Las Vegas style entertainment to the Asian game capital. The 165,000 square foot gambling area offers more than 900 slot machines and over 430 table games including Baccarat, Fan Tan, Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack, Sic Bo and Roulette in addition to an exclusive VIP area.

Following the success of Sands Macau, several top American game companies have begun developing casino resorts in Macau. The Cotai Strip in Macau, a 100,000 square meter reclamation located between two islands, is already known as the Las Vegas Strip of the Far East. Here you can read about some of the most notable Macau casinos currently in development.

Wynn Resorts, the tycoon from Las Vegas will be opening the Wynn Macau in the autumn of 2006. Wynn Macau promises to mark the next generation of wagering experience in Macau. The first phase of Wynn Macau will include 100,000 square feet of playing area including a 10,000 square feet VIP casino, while the second phase will feature an additional 136,000 square feet game area, a theatre, restaurants and retails shops. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2007.

MGM Grand, the first of Las Vegas casinos to offer all family entertainment, is currently collaborating with Stanley Hos daughter, Pansy Ho Chiu King, on the development of MGM Grand Macau. The 28 story resort will include a 222,000 square foot game area with about 1,000 slot machines and 300 table games. In addition, the property will feature a 1500 seat theater, nightclub, meeting and convention space, spa and nine restaurants. MGM Grand Macau opening is planned to 2007.

About the author:
Jack Reider is enthusiastic about land based and online casinos gambling, and he loves trying out new casinos in exotic locations. He has just returned from a tour of Macau, and he writes about it at http://www.gambling-portal.com

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