Once known as Portuguese Macau, this former colony was originally a trading post, used by the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. Portugal paid rent to the Chinese government to be able to use the islands as their own, although China retained the sovereignty of the region.
This agreement continued for more than two hundred years, although there were occasional disputes. Trading routes with China were a source of contention, and these were occasionally disrupted depending on the prevailing politics of the time.
During the 18th century, at the peak of the opium trade, Macau was a major stop on the route to China, with a large number of foreign ships passing through as they travelled to and from the mainland. After the First Opium War, Macau’s role as a port became less important and instead the peninsula focussed on other exports such as tea, tobacco, firecrackers, and incense.
Then, in the 1850s, everything changed for the fortunes of Macau when the Portuguese government decided to legalise gambling. This had a significant impact on the fortunes of the island as Macau became known as the only place in China to allow gambling.
When the region was transferred from Portugal to China in 1999, there was an agreement to maintain the existing economic systems for fifty years after the transfer was completed. The government of Macau took this opportunity to remove some of the remaining restrictions on their casino industry, and the ‘Vegas of the East’ was born.
Modern Macau
While gambling had been legal in Macau for some decades, players were only able to gamble in state-run establishments. When these restrictions were relaxed, operators were keen to maximise the opportunity to demonstrate what they could offer to visiting gamers, and it wasn’t long before Macau was earning a reputation as a haven for those that wanted to escape the stricter regulations in China.
With a growing audience just over the border, Macau’s gambling industry made it a top destination for casino tourists. Although most of the visitors came from China, the appeal of a glamorous gaming location in the East was significant.
This led to some of the world’s largest and most opulent casinos being built in Macau, many of which have gained international recognition. Although there are only sixteen casinos in Macau, they include some of the world’s most prestigious.
Here are the top three picks for 2023.
The Venetian
As the second largest casino in the world, the Venetian in Macau is contained within a complex that includes a wealth of entertainment options. The casino floor itself is almost a million square meters in area and is home to all the casino games anyone could hope for.
From high-stakes poker tables to modern video slots, there are games to suit any player, and for those who want a break from the excitement of the casino, there’s no need to even leave the resort. Guests can choose from more than one hundred and fifty restaurants and there’s the Cotai Arena that has played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Cirque du Soleil.
Wynn Palace
Another entry in the top ten largest casinos, Wynn Palace is also known as a destination for casino fans and other travellers who want a truly luxurious experience. The gaming floor has everything you would expect from a casino, all housed in opulent surroundings studded with chandeliers and ornate flourishes that exude glamour and glitz.
The resort is ideal for anyone that appreciates the finer things in life and features a performance lake which showcases the designers’ artistic and engineering skills as the water ‘dances’ to dramatic music in an awe-inspiring show. Wynn Palace is also home to internationally renowned floral art, and guests can enjoy the huge sculptures created entirely from flowers, with designs such as hot air balloons, Ferris wheels, and carousels.
City of Dreams
Visitors to Macau do not have to choose between impressive casinos – they can visit them all, and the City of Dreams is definitely worth seeing. The gaming floors are almost as expansive as the Venetian and Wynn Palace – City of Dreams is also in the top ten largest casinos in the world – but the aesthetic is a little more modern, with geometric architecture offering guests a 21st-century casino experience.
Fine dining is an option here as well, and the world-famous Melco Resorts and Entertainment company made headlines back in 2022 when it was awarded seven coveted Michelin stars across its three properties of City of Dreams, Studio City and Altira Macau. There is also a generous, multi-dimensional space at City of Dreams, devoted to art, that hosts exhibitions from some of the world’s most renowned creators.
A trip to Macau is not only an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful parts of the world but also a chance to experience the thrill of casino gaming from a completely new perspective, making it an ideal destination for any adventurous traveller.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
