Macau has long been a gambling haven for Hong Kongers and Chinese alike, however the spate of new Casinos is attracting gamblers from all over the world. Our Macau Casino Guide takes you through Macaus biggest and boldest casinos. From the historical Lisboa to the brand new Wynn , our Macau Casino Guide has the best places to give lady luck a run for her money.
Since being handed back to China in 1999, Macau gambling has undergone a boom. The city is now the worlds number one gambling operation, surpassing Las Vegas in 2007. Macau currently has around 30 casinos, though this is expected to double by 2009.
1. Casino Lisboa
One of Macaus oldest casinos, and a veteran compared to its newer American cousins, the Lisboa was looking more than a little rundown of late, and in the face of increasing competition, treated itself to a facelift. Re-opened in early 2007, the Lisboa is a lot less foreboding and thankfully a lot brighter. The Lisboa is still markedly different from the Las Vegas style Casinos popping up the territory. Low on glitz and glammer, and instead packed with a warren of rooms hiding seasoned gamblers. Similar to European Casinos, the Lisboa is worth a visit for a glimpse of times gone by. Those looking for the Las Vegas experience should look elsewhere. 2-4 Avendia Lisboa.2. Wynn Macau
The Wynn has made a big splash on the Macau casino market since its opening 2006. The casino is markedly smaller than most of its rivals, almost half that of the Sands, although it is currently increasing its size, but it has proved small is beautiful. An award-winning design, both inside and out, has had the gambling worlds cream of the crop flocking to the Wynn to enjoy superior service Las vegas style and some of the highest stakes gambling in town. Minimum stakes are generally high but the Wynn is a cut above the average. Avendia da Amizade 3. Galaxy Rio Casino
Not necessarily the biggest or the best, but certainly one of the most enjoyable. The Galaxy Rio Casino is more refined than its brash Las Vegas cousins and its petite size helps it keep an intimate atmosphere. Set in downtown Macau, the casino attracts a seasoned crowd of loyal followers and is the better for it. A lack of gaming tables keeps most punters at the bigger casinos, but for a more elegant gaming experience you cant beat the Galaxy Rio. Opposiute Ho Yin Garden, Downton MacauA grand opening in August 2007, attended by Manchester United Football Club and a residency for Cirque du Soleil in 2008 announces the arrival of the Venetian Macau onto the Macau gambling scene. Set to be the biggest game in town, the Venetian is the first of a string of casinos set to open on the Cotai strip, which hopes to rival the Las Vegas strip by 2010. The full-monty Las Vegas experience and an absolutely gargantuan gaming hall will make the Venetian a must-visit for any xasino fan. One drawback is sure to be the out of town location, on the Cotai strip, although with hotels onsite and free shuttle buses back to the main island, location should not be too much of a problem.
Cotai StripMacaus first Las Vegas style casino, with live bands, free drinks, buffets and all the other trappings associated with the finest Las Vegas Casinos. The Sands is now officially the biggest Casino in the world, and it has set standards high, a massive main gaming floor, as well as a wide range of minimum bets on a variety of games, makes it a good bet for the everyman. The Sands also has a reputation for looking after its high rollers in superfluous style. On the down side main, the main gambling hall feels like an aircraft hangar and lacks character, while its location near the Hong Kong ferry pier sees it crammed at weekends.
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