Discover Macau, the dazzling gambling capital of Asia known for its historic center, luxury hotels, Macanese cuisine, and the iconic Cotai Strip casinos.
Macau: The Gambling Capital of Asia (Casinos, History and Tips)
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Quick guide: Macau is the gambling capital of Asia and the only part of China where casino gambling is legal. Its casinos took about US$31 billion in 2025, roughly three times as much as the Las Vegas Strip. Baccarat dominates the tables, the Cotai Strip is lined with mega-resorts, and the old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You must be 21 to enter a casino.
Macau at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Status | Special Administrative Region of China (returned from Portugal in 1999) |
| Casino gambling | Legal; the only place in China where it is |
| Casino operators | Six companies with 10-year concessions that began in 2023 |
| Gaming revenue | Close to MOP 250 billion (about US$31 billion) in 2025 |
| Most popular game | Baccarat (punto banco) |
| Minimum casino age | 21 |
Top-Rated Casinos
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A short history of gambling in Macau
- Mid-1800s: the Portuguese administration legalised gambling, and fan-tan houses were licensed.
- 1962 to 2002: Stanley Ho’s STDM held a monopoly on casino gaming and introduced Western games.
- 2002: the market opened to new operators, including Las Vegas companies.
- Mid-2000s: Macau overtook Las Vegas as the world’s biggest gambling market.
- 2020: COVID-19 travel rules cut gaming revenue by 79%.
- 2021 to 2023: China’s crackdown on junket operators, including the arrest of Suncity boss Alvin Chau, ended the VIP boom. New gaming laws took effect and six concessions were awarded from 2023.
The six casino operators
| Concessionaire | Best-known resorts |
|---|---|
| SJM Resorts | The successor to Stanley Ho’s original monopoly |
| Galaxy Casino | Galaxy Macau on Cotai |
| Venetian Macau (Sands China) | The Venetian Macao, The Londoner, The Parisian |
| Melco Resorts | City of Dreams, Studio City |
| Wynn Resorts (Macau) | Wynn Macau, Wynn Palace |
| MGM Grand Paradise | MGM Macau, MGM Cotai |
What people play in Macau
- Baccarat: by far the biggest game. Banker bets carry a house edge of about 1.06%.
- Sic bo: a fast Chinese dice game. Odds vary widely by bet.
- Fan-tan: a traditional game, now rare on casino floors.
- Blackjack, roulette and slots: available everywhere, though tables are dominated by baccarat.
Compare the odds of each game in our low house edge guide.
The junket crackdown
For decades, junket operators brought wealthy mainland Chinese players to Macau and lent them credit. That model collapsed after Suncity’s Alvin Chau was arrested in late 2021 and later jailed. Today the market relies far more on mass-market players than on VIP rooms.
Beyond the casinos
- Historic Centre of Macau: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Ruins of St Paul’s and Senado Square.
- Macau Tower: 338 metres tall, with a 233-metre bungee jump that holds a Guinness World Record as the highest commercial bungee jump.
- Macanese food: try Portuguese egg tarts and pork chop buns.
- Cotai Strip: resorts with shows, shopping and the canals of The Venetian Macao.
Comparing gambling cities
Compare it with the history of Las Vegas gambling, or plan a Vegas trip with our Las Vegas hotel guide.
Can’t get to Macau?
You can play baccarat, sic bo and live dealer tables online. Our top pick is 1win (9.9/10). Use promo code Ultragambler for the 500% welcome package. 18+, and check your local laws before you play.
Macau FAQs
Is gambling legal in Macau?
Yes. Macau is the only part of China where casino gambling is legal. You must be 21 to enter a casino.
Is Macau bigger than Las Vegas?
By gaming revenue, yes. Macau overtook Las Vegas in the mid-2000s and remains far larger.
What is the most popular game in Macau?
Baccarat, especially punto banco.
How many casino operators are there in Macau?
Six companies hold concessions: SJM, Galaxy, Sands China, Melco, Wynn and MGM.
What happened to Macau’s junkets?
China’s crackdown, including the 2021 arrest of Suncity’s Alvin Chau, shut down most junket operations.
Top Online Casinos
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