Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
BRIGHT LIGHTS, SIN CITY
Gargantuan monuments in all forms of postmodern kitsch have taken over Macau's
seafront. The change began when casino mogul Stanley Ho's monopoly ended in
2002 and Las Vegas operators set up shop in competition. There are now close to 40
casinos in Macau, their total gaming revenue surpassing all of the world's major
gambling jurisdictions combined.
Table games are the staple at casinos here - mostly baccarat, then roulette and a
dice game called dai sai('big small'). You'll hardly hear any whooping and clunking -
slot machines make up only 5% of total casino winnings (versus Vegas' 60%). Drunks
are also hard to come by, as Chinese players believe that booze dulls their skill. Over
80% of gamblers and 95% of high rollers come from mainland China. The latter play
inside members-only rooms where the total amount wagered on any given day can ex-
ceed a country's GDP.
For recreational players, the only thing to watch out for is harassment by tip hust-
lers - scam artists who hang around tables acting like your new best friend. They may
steal your chips, nag you for a cut, or try to take you to a casino that'll tip them for
bringing clients.
Casinos are open 24 hours. To enter, you must be 18 years or older and properly
dressed.
