Having played an influential role in growing relations between China and the West Macau was once famous as an area abounding with counterfeiters, spies and drug runners. But Macau today is the legalized centre for casinos and gambling, so much so that it is called Las Vegas of east. The day is not far away that “Cotai Strip” of Macau will overshadow the Las Vegas Strip, the biggest casino destination.
The beginning of casinos in Macau
Earlier a Portuguese colony, Macau reverted back to the China in 1992, a country legalized for casino and gambling. Later in 2002, when China decided to open up this gaming industry to the operators outside Macau, this city took up the reins and thus ended the 40-years old monopoly of Stanley Ho, a popular name in casino business industry.
Macau casinos
Divided into two casino cities, Macau today holds a strong position in gambling and casinos industry. These two cities have around 26 legal casinos and other gambling facilities like pari-mutuel. Most of Macau casinos are located around the Cotai Strip, the strip of casinos. If you are interested in pari-mutuel, then you will have to search for horse and dog racing tracks.
Besides Chinese owned casinos, Macau has a few US owned casinos also. Opened by Steve Wynn in 2004, the Sands Macau (the largest in Macau) was the first US owned casino. By the end of 2009, Macau is expected to double up the number of the existing casinos.
With exciting nightlife accompanied with bars and the growing popularity of casinos, Macau is truly the Las Vegas of Asia. Only difference between them is, while Las Vegas is more family-oriented, Macau is meant for serious gamblers who come here to challenge their destiny. Casino Lisboa, Galaxy Rio Casino and the Sands Casino are some of the most popular gambling spots in Macau.
Try your luck at the gambling destination
Don’t you too wish to try your luck? If yes then come to Macau, which is turning out as a major tourist gambling destination. You are likely to enjoy your stay at Macau with hot and happening nightlife and the most inviting casinos. So book a good Macau hotel in advance to have the most comfortable stay in Macau. Reading some of Macau hotel reviews as submitted by travelers like you will obviously help you find the best hotel in Macau.