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Macao: Things to know about the Chinese capital of gambling

Macao is considered to be one of the most important gambling cities in the world. Every day, thousands of people flock to the city’s big casinos in the hope of winning big. If you’ve enjoyed playing casino games at Casino777, you might want to try one of the 35 stunning casinos in the Monte Carlo of the East. Of course, the Chinese Macao is much further away than the couch at home, where online casino games can be gambled around the clock. But there really is a lot to experience in Macao.

But how did the huge gambling boom in Macao come about in the first place? What consequences does it have for the city’s residents? This article gives an exciting insight into the world of gambling in the Chinese city.

How Macao became the gambling capital

Macao is home to many of the world’s most famous casinos. Every year millions of tourists come to Macao to challenge their luck in the casinos. It is considered a special administrative region of its own in the People’s Republic of China and is located on the South China coast, about 60 kilometers west of Hong Kong.

The city of Macao has a long history as a Portuguese colony and was only returned to China in 1999. Since then it has been a special administrative zone with its own government and currency. Macao is known for its stunning casinos and luxury hotels. The most famous casinos are the Venetian, the Wynn and the Galaxy. There visitors can play roulette, blackjack, baccarat, poker and other popular gambling games. In addition, more than 35 other glittering gambling halls open their doors almost around the clock in Macao.

Many tourists have only one goal in mind: gambling! But the city has much more to offer. It is a popular destination for shopping, delicious food and terrific nightlife. The sights also delight its visitors, including the Taipa Houses Museum, A-Ma Temple and the Ruins of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Today’s Macao in facts and figures

Gambling revenues have grown rapidly in recent years. Since 2012, Macao’s gambling industry profits amount to US$30 billion, about six times the gambling revenue in Las Vegas. The number of visitors to Macao also increased steadily until the outbreak of the Corona pandemic.

Unfortunately, Covid19 contributed to only about 6 million tourists visiting the city in 2020. A new negative record, in the previous year it was still about 21 million people who traveled to Macao. Most visitors actually come from China, closely followed by neighboring Taiwan.

By 2020, significantly increasing visitor numbers and revenues could be recorded, which led to Macao experiencing a real boom in recent years. It has developed into a true paradise for gamblers and offers everything the heart of fortune hunters desires: from luxurious casinos to exclusive shopping opportunities and excellent restaurants, tourists in Macao are offered everything.

How did the gambling boom in Macao come about?

Macao is the only city in the whole of China where gambling can be conducted legally. This makes it a popular destination for Chinese gamblers as well as tourists from all over the world. In recent years, the gambling market in Macao has grown rapidly and has become one of the most important local industries.

The history of gambling dates back to the 16th century, when the Portuguese founded Macao as a trading post. At that time, small bets were already placed on horse races and other sporting events. Then, in the 19th century, the first casinos were opened, which soon became an important part of the regional economy.

In the rest of China, gambling is strictly prohibited for the most part. A corresponding law was passed as early as 1949 and is still in force today. Only betting on horse races and soccer matches and the state lotteries in China are exempt from this. The income from the state lotteries finances numerous construction and social programs, which makes gambling interesting for the Chinese government. At that time, Macao was a Portuguese colony and gambling had already become a popular activity among the inhabitants.

After the law came into effect, many Chinese gamblers began traveling to Macao to try their luck. After Macao was returned to China in 1999, the government opened the city to foreign investment and encouraged the further establishment of gambling companies. This led to a boom in gambling in Macao and the emergence of a number of the world’s largest and most luxurious casinos. Today, Macao is considered the world’s largest gambling center, generating more revenue than Las Vegas.

What are the consequences of the gambling boom for Macao’s inhabitants?

The city of Macao used to be a European colony and was returned to China in 1999. Unlike Hong Kong, Macao has not changed that much since then and still retains many of the European influences. This is also one of the reasons why Macau has become known as the “Las Vegas of Asia”. The gambling industry in this region has been firmly established since the 1850s. At that time, the first casinos were opened and quickly the growing Chinese city attracted many tourists from all over the world.

In recent years, however, the number of gamblers in Macao has once again increased enormously. This is mainly due to the increasing number of tourists from China. The reason for the boom is that gambling is prohibited in the rest of the People’s Republic. Many people from China come to Macau to try their luck. In addition, this city offers many other attractions such as luxury hotels, shopping malls and entertainment venues. All this contributes to the fact that Macao has become a popular tourist destination.

Conclusion: Is Macau really the capital of gambling?

Gambling can be found in many places around the world. But there are some cities that are especially known for their wealth and famous casinos. Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and Macau are considered other famous capitals of gambling and each has its own special atmosphere. Macau, however, is the largest gambling capital in the world in terms of revenue, recording six times as much revenue as American Las Vegas, which is in the spotlight.

The city is known for its huge casinos and an incredibly diverse nightlife, which is still looking for its equal. In Macau, visitors can stay in luxurious hotels, party in exclusive clubs, enjoy delicious Chinese food and cuisine and try their luck in the world famous casinos. Anyone who is currently or will be looking for the ultimate gambling experience should definitely include Macau in their itinerary.

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