Macau is known to the world as the gambling capital for obvious reasons. Gamblers compared the city with Las Vegas and concluded Macau to be the “Las Vegas of Asia.”
Macau attracts a mammoth crowd from the whole world simply because of its plethora of luxurious land-based casinos. From Hollywood celebrities to business typhoons, this city has become a centre of attraction for those who love to place high bets. Though it had a history of gambling, it never became a hub for gamblers until its transformation in the 1960s. Let’s know everything about how Macau became the dreamland for gambling enthusiasts.
Who Is Stanley Ho, and How Did He Build Macau?
The transformation of Macau into what it is today began in the 1920s. But, Stanley Ho and his syndicate made the most significant change in the 1960s as he obtained a charming gaming monopoly license. They overthrew the casino barons of that time and established the grand STDM. Therefore, we can say that Stanley Ho was the pioneer behind Macau being the world’s gambling capital.
How Did Macau Become the Gambling Capital of the World?
Gambling began unhurriedly during the Portuguese reign in Macau in the 1840s. Macau was far from being the world’s largest gambling hub. Poet Camillo Pessanha called the city a “moral and material rubbish heap.” The real change came in the 1960s when Stanley Ho decided to change the entire gambling scenario of the city.
A Few Bloody Years and China Stepping In
Portugal’s rule in Macau was handed over to China after Stanley’s heroics changed Macau’s destiny. During this phase, dangerous criminal groups sprung up with their terror activities all over the city. Macau is marked the first and the last European colony in Chinese territory.
China’s Control Turns a New Page in the Region
Though China was against gambling throughout, they had other plans for Macau. The country decided to open up new sources of collecting foreign revenue, and Macau seemed fit for it.
This led to the stepping stones of modern-day Macau. The city welcomes more than 39,000,000 visitors every year.
What Does the Macau Gambling Experience Involve?
Macau offers a dream-like experience to gamblers, especially the richest ones. The ordeal includes erupting fireballs from model volcanoes to spurts of incandescent colour in the air. The best thing is the thousands of different varieties of games and slots the city has to offer. The Chinese New Year is particularly the perfect time to visit Macau.
Macau: A Capital of the VIP Gambling World
Three-fourths of the city’s gaming revenues come from the high rolling and VIP players, who bet thousands of dollars in one go. Thousands of gamblers come to Macau to spend their best time in life as gamblers. For example, the Baccarat VIP lounges have players who bet $100,000 stakes per hand.
How Many Casinos Are There in Macau?
There are 42 casinos in Macau at the moment. The casinos are spread out at all corners of the city. 25 are in the Macau Peninsula, and the remaining 17 are on Taipan Island or the Cotai Strip. Venetian Macau is the biggest casino in the city.
The Underbelly of Corrupt Officials Misusing Public Funds
Macau had a dicey past of criminals and the underworld, which is far better in the present. However, there are still a few instances of power abuse. Even some officials were found directly involved with this kind of underworld activity. The Xi president took things seriously and passed laws to maintain the safety and integrity of the city.
Most Important Facts About Macau
Some interesting facts about Macau include:
- The Portuguese could not understand the place’s name, as the locals called it “A-Ma-Gau.” They named it Macao.
- Macau was marked as the first and the last European colony in Chinese territory.
- Macau is the wealthiest gambling region in the whole world.
- The local Chinese government pays the permanent and temporary residents of the city.
- The city’s cuisine is a fusion of Portuguese, Chinese, and local food traditions.
Final Words
Macau has a lot to offer as a city to its tourists, and its mind-boggling gambling culture is definitely one of them. The city has some of the world’s most luxurious casinos. Visiting Macau is an unforgetful experience for casino lovers.
F.A.Q.s
How many casinos does Macau have?
Macau is known as the Las Vegas of Asia for its craze for casinos. The city has 42 authorized land-based casinos operated by six companies.
When was the first casino built in Macau?
Casino Lisboa was Macau’s first ever casino, established in 1970. This casino is still one of the most famous ones for gamblers worldwide.
When did gambling become legal in Macau?
Gambling became officially legal in Macau in 2002.
Why is Macau the gambling capital of the world?
The craze for gambling in Macau is on a different level altogether. This small city has over 42 land-based casinos, proving the ultimate enthusiasm for gambling. This is why Macau is called the world’s gambling capital. It has a vibrant history when it comes to gambling.