When it comes to the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas has always been the most obvious contender – but in recent years, it has been eclipsed in revenue by the special Chinese administrative region of Macau. In fact, it’s often dubbed the ‘Vegas of Asia’, but in reality, this is doing it a disservice – as while Sin City has been popular amongst seekers of excess and ostentation for many years, Macau offers an altogether more refined version of luxury.
The destination has been gaining popularity rapidly over recent years, with visitor numbers at an all-time high since the world reopened following on from the lengthy global Covid-19 pandemic. Many industry experts believe that the ongoing lockdowns that were imposed in many countries, between 2020 and 2022, were responsible for the boom in online casinos (follow for more information), which offered high-rollers and amateur gambling enthusiasts alike a way to get their fix while land-based establishments remained closed – with the UK thought to be one of the biggest spending nations at some of the most popular UK online casinos.
In turn, that boom in online casinos is thought to have sparked renewed interest in luxurious land-based establishments since the return to ‘normal’. With players looking for an authentic, high-end gambling experience that cannot be replicated online, destinations like Macau are well and truly back on the map and turning over eye-watering amounts in gambling revenue.
With many visitors coming from nearby countries such as China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Macau’s position as a destination for high-end gambling has been cemented, and casino-lovers from around the world want a slice of the action and the unforgettable gaming experience in an opulent setting that comes with it.
Macau’s lavish casino resorts are still just as grand and expansive as those you might find in Vegas, but if you’re looking for all-out luxury without the lairy crowds that can detract from the refined atmosphere you’re seeking, then it’s worth using the extra airmiles to get here.
One of the most stunning new additions to Macau’s thriving gambling scene and the perfect five-star resort in which to base yourself for a stay in Macau is the MGM Cotai, which has certainly won itself global attention since opening its doors in early 2018.
Its casino, which is spread over two enormous floors, boasts an impressive 500 gaming tables, featuring classic favourites like roulette, blackjack and poker alongside a host of more modern entertainment options – and with 1,400 slot machines and a range of luxurious amenities and entertainment options, it’s easy to see why the world’s wealthiest high-rollers are queuing up to check in.
Located on Macau’s Cotai Strip, a stretch of land that was reclaimed from the sea and is now home to some of Macau’s most prestigious resorts and casinos, the MGM Cotai is much more than just a casino – in fact, it’s a complete entertainment destination as well as an ultra-plush high-end hotel.
The resort features a 1,500-seat theatre, as well as a sprawling shopping mall that is home to more than 100 stores. Add to that the numerous restaurants and bars it offers up, which include two Michelin-starred restaurants, and it’s safe to say that it really does have it all.
But all those amenities would be nothing if the rooms and suites aren’t up to scratch, and when it comes to accommodation, the MGM Cotai doesn’t do things by halves.
With over 1,400 elegant rooms, there is plenty of choice, and each is beautifully furnished, offering high-end amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars and high-speed Wi-Fi, and promise incredible views down over the Cotai Strip and its surroundings. If you’re staying here, you can choose from a variety of room types, including deluxe, grand, and suites. If money is no object, then go right ahead and book yourself a suite, which offers additional space and luxury amenities such as a separate living area, kitchenette, and a private balconies with some of the best views of the city.
The hotel’s signature skylofts are the epitome of luxury, with high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive living spaces – and a stay in one also gives you access to a private butler and exclusive privileges including access to the hotel’s VIP lounge.
Whilst it’s fair to say that the Cotai MGM Grand is enjoying a surge of customers in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has also made several changes to its method of operation to ensure customers feel safe, including a variety of strict health and safety measures.
During the pandemic itself, it also adapted by offering virtual gambling experiences, so that players could access some of their favourite games online from the comfort of their own homes. This almost certainly provided the venue with an extra boost, piquing the interest of new high-rolling customers who had never visited before, as well as retaining the loyalty of those who had.
But despite its attractive VIP programme and array of promotions and bonuses for players to enjoy, the online offering pales in comparison to the real deal, because the MGM Cotai is nothing less than a shining example of the kind of high-end casino resorts that have made Macau what it is today.
That is, a leading destination for gambling enthusiasts from around the world, and one that every player should add to their bucket list – so if you’ve yet to visit, then there’s no time like the present to book those first-class flights.
Factbox
Address: 4HW9+78V, Av. da Nave Desportiva, Macao
Phone: +853 8806 8888
Website: mgm.mo/en/cotai
All imagery supplied by MGM
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
