Photo credit: Melinda Chan
Gambling in Macau has been a huge draw for Chinese tourists over the past two decades, given that it’s the only place in China where casinos are legal. However, you didn’t come to this special region to blow your cash on blackjack and roulette. That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at any of the beautiful Macau casinos!
If you’re comparing Macau to Las Vegas, the former wins in terms of gaming revenue. However, it still has a way to go before meeting the American city’s entertainment factor head-on. The good news is that Macau’s cash-rich establishments–making double of Vegas’ earnings–are more than happy to pump money into shows, pool parties and dining hubs on their premises.
Photo by Takahiro Hayashi
How many casinos are there in Macau as of 2019?
Let’s start with the basics. As of 2019, there are 45 casinos in Macau according to Rough Guides Hong Kong and Macau 2018–frenetic and packed places with everything from landmark replicas (Eiffel Tower at The Parisian Macao, anyone?) to indoor canals at The Venetian Macao.
What’s the dress code in Macau casinos?
Typically you will not be permitted into the casino if you are wearing shorts, sandals or slippers. Entry is conditional for those over 18 years old carrying a valid passport; you might be asked to hand over bags and cameras at the door. The updated Macau gambling age is 21 years old as of writing. There is no entry fee, and all casinos are open 24 hours a day.
Where should I go first?
Move over, Vegas Strip–there’s a new strip on the casino block. The reclaimed land connecting Coloane Island with Taipa known as Cotai (Co-Tai), is a two square mile piece of land taken from the sea to accommodate the arrival of a new breed of super casinos. Certainly, the modern entertainment district features bigger and more ostentatious establishments compared to their older counterparts on the Macau Peninsula, which is connected to Mainland China.
The most notable casinos here include The Venetian Macao, home to a full-scale reproduction of Venice’s St Mark’s Square in Italy, as well as the world’s largest casino resort. It boasts 850 gaming tables, 4,100 slot machines and a venue for concerts, which has hosted the likes of Britney Spears and musicals such as The Phantom of the Opera. Click here for the latest performance schedule.
How do I get to Cotai’s casino mega-complexes?
Jump on a free hotel shuttle bus! You can catch one at any of the following: hotel lobbies, the border gate to Zhuhai, Macau Ferry Terminal, Taipa Ferry Terminal, and Macau International Airport. (See: Getting Around in Macau)
What can I do at the Cotai casinos?
Check out our Events calendar for the latest information on free entry events and other activities in Macau during your visit! Filter according to entertainment, performance, nightlife and more.
Where is the 007 Macau casino?
Long before casinos became entertainment centers, people sought out Macau Palace not for its gambling appeal but for its appearance in the 1974 James Bond classic The Man With the Golden Gun. The floating casino was very much a product of the old Macau, easily recognizable to Bond fans. However, that ship has sailed and rumor has it that in 2007 it was hauled away to make room for Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, the biggest themed entertainment complex in Macau Peninsula.
Parties in Macau casinos
From Oktoberfest at MGM to Halloween parties at Galaxy Macau’s China Rouge club, Macau’s party scene–as are most glitzy things in Macau–is also concentrated in the casino circuit. Check out our Macau Weekend section for the latest happenings, as well as the “nightlife” and “party” filters on our events page.
Club Cubic in City of Dreams is a good place to start for anyone new to the city. For more ideas, check out our City Guide and filter according to your preference: club, show, live music, karaoke, bar & lounge.
Photo credit: Joachim Garraud, Club Cubic
Where should I eat?
As a city well known for its various gastronomic finds, there are just too many cuisines to choose from. Check out the “Dining” section of our City Guide to find either something familiar or something completely new to explore! We also post monthly updates on restaurant happenings in Macau, many (or most) of which can be found within the city’s casinos.
What can I do at the Macau Peninsula casinos?
Eight ideas for a week’s worth of exploration:
- Stroll through the marina at Macau Fisherman’s Wharf
- Swim at the 17th-floor outdoor pool of StarWorld Hotel
- Check out original artwork at MGM Art Space, a 6,000 sq. ft. gallery at MGM Macau (don’t miss the Salvador Dalí pieces!) as well as Stanley Ho’s private art collection at Hotel Lisboa
- Indulge in a spa treatment at Grand Lapa Macau
- Dine at Robuchon au Dôme, Grand Lisboa’s Michelin-starred restaurant
- Enjoy the view at Rocks Hotel sea-view rooftop lounge
- Sip on a cocktail at Heart Bar or Ascott’s Lobby Lounge, Ascott Macau
- Catch up with friends over a decadent afternoon tea at Sofitel Macau At Ponte 16
Photo credit: Emily Valentine. Gondolas at The Venetian Macao.
Shopping
Wynn Esplanade
Big winnings at the poker table? Designer boutiques at this 13-year old institution are open until 12 midnight every day of the week.
Wynn Macau Rua Cidade de Sintra, NAPE, www.wynnmacau.com
Shoppes at The Venetian Macao
From cosmetics and food to fashion and electronics, there are over 500 shops and restaurants here tgat could keep any shopaholic occupied for days on end.
Shoppes at The Venetian Macao Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança, s/n, Taipa, Macau, www.venetianmacao.com
Shoppes at Four Seasons
This mall touted itself as the city’s first luxury commercial center. Brands on offer include major names like Gucci and Chanel. Keep a lookout for promotions such as free limousine service if you spend a certain amount in one day.
Shoppes at Four Seasons Estrada Da Baía de N. Senhora Da Esperança, S/N, Taipa, Macau www.sandsretail.com
Photo credit: Rob Aldridge
Shows
From Swan Lake on Ice to the French Can-Can, you’ll need to head to Macau’s casinos to see the best shows in town. Check out our listing of Best Places for Entertainment in Macau for all the major show venues to see what’s on in Macau today.
First-timers usually head to City of Dreams to see The House of Dancing Water, a circus-style performance staged in a unique theatre that sometimes feels more like a fountain than an auditorium.
How’s that for a comprehensive guide to having fun in Macau’s casinos?! You’ve got to admit, not too bad for a patch of land just twice the size of LAX!
