Macau

In 2002, a forty-year monopoly on gaming ended, igniting unparalleled growth in Macau's gambling sector, which dates all the way back to the mid-nineteenth century. An estimated 50% of Macau's entire annual revenues are generated from gambling and tourism combined.

In 2004, the Sands Macau earned the title as the world's biggest land-based casino ever built. In 2006, the Wynn Macau swung its doors open as well. In the same year, and for the first time ever in gaming history, Macau broke the record previously held by Las Vegas, taking in more bets than Sin City and landing Macau the Number One position on the list of Earth's highest earning gambling hot spots. Numerous Vegas-like casinos began popping up as well over the past couple of years, such as Pharaoh's Palace which incorporates ancient Egyptian motifs.

The Future Looks Lucrative
Scheduled to open by 2009 is an exciting array of new hotels and casinos. Opening in 2007 are the Venetian Macao, the MGM Grand Macau, Far East Consortium Complex, and the Ponte 16. The following year will see the opening of Oceanus, City of Dreams, Four Seasons, plus the Galaxy Cotai Megaresort. By 2009 the Mandarin Oriental and the Grand Hyatt will also be open for business. The first Phase of Macau's Cotai Strip is expected to open in 2007 and will feature some 19,000 hotel rooms spread out among seven resort hotels including the $1,800,000,000 Venetian Macao. The Virgin Group's Sir Richard Branson is also believed to be negotiating a property deal in Macau where he too is planning to construct a 3 billion-dollar gambling resort.

24-Hour Thrills
The casinos in Macau are all open 24 hours-a-day and vary in style from casual to very chic. Guests may not enter the casinos wearing shorts plus photographs are not allowed to be taken indoors. Admission is free, however some casinos may request that visitors present their passport. Eighteen years is the minimum gambling age.

A number of hotels like the Hotel Lisboa and Mandarin Oriental also feature casinos with games like Slots, Craps, Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat, plus lots of Chinese games such as Fan-Tan, Dai-Sui & Pacapio, to name only a few. For a true Chinese gambling experience, don't miss the ornately designed Macau Palace Floating Casino anchored in the Outer Harbour near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Horse & Dog Racing (but not against each other, of course)
Along with casino games, Macau also boasts the Macau Jockey Club racetrack located on Taipa Island. Horse races are held on most Saturdays & Sundays at 2 pm, and Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, September-August. The minimum bet is $10 ptcs (patacas) ($1.30).

Greyhound races are another major attraction in Macau. Races are held year-round every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 7:30 pm in the open-air Canidrome. Spectators must pay an entry fee of $10 ptcs ($1.30) which is applied towards their first bet.

Fine Dining
Macau boasts a vast selection of dining options ranging from informal cafes & light lunch diners, to very fine cuisine. Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, and of course authentic Chinese restaurants comprise just a portion of the alluring choices Macau has to offer. Several more restaurants are expected to open soon.

Exclusive Shopping & Entertainment
Because Macao enjoys the status as a free port zone, items may be purchased at duty-free prices. Jewellery shops are ubiquitous with gold items being highly popular purchases. Clothing is also in big demand. Macau's other popular bargains for shoppers include Chinese leather, antiques, plus a surprisingly large choice of Portuguese wines & ports.

In 2004 Macau's Fisherman's Wharf was unveiled in the Outer Harbour. Along with magnificent shopping, this enchanting theme park features port towns just like (well sort of) New Orleans, Amsterdam, and Lisbon, restaurants, bars, an amusement park, plus an amphitheatre. Opening in 2009 is Macau's Cotai Strip, a mega development comprising 20 resort hotels, casinos, shopping malls, spas, and entertainment amenities.