Macau

Macau (also Macao), is one of a pair of Special Administrative Regions (SARs) of the People's Republic of China (PRC); the other region is Hong Kong. Of the 11 million annual visitors to Macau, nearly 90 percent come from mainland China and Hong Kong.

In 2002, a 40-year monopoly on gambling came to an end, sparking unprecedented growth in Macau's gambling industry, which dates all the way back to around 1850. Gambling and tourism combined are responsible for generating approximately fifty per cent of Macau's entire annual revenue.

In 2004, the Sands Macau became the world's largest land casino ever developed. In 2006, the Wynn Macau opened its doors as well, and in that same year, Macau's gambling sector broke Las Vegas' record for the first time in history, raking in more cash than Sin City and propelling Macau to the No.1 spot on the list of the world's highest earning gaming destinations. A number of Vegas-themed casinos also began opening up over the past few years, including Pharaoh's Palace, designed around ancient Egyptian motifs.

By 2009, an exciting range of new casinos and hotels are expected to swing their doors open, including the MGM Grand Macau (2007), The Venetian Macao (2007), Ponte 16 (2007), Far East Consortium Complex (2007), Oceanus (2008), City of Dreams (2008), Four Seasons (2008), Galaxy Cotai Megaresort (2008), Mandarin Oriental (2009), and the Grand Hyatt (2009). The first Phase of Macau's Cotai Strip is slated to open in 2007 and will feature around 19,000 guest rooms spread out over 7 resort hotels including the US$1.8 billion Venetian Macao. Sir Richard Branson of the Virgin Group has also been negotiating a land deal in Macau where he's planning to develop a US$3 billion gambling resort complex.

Casino Gambling
Ever since the gambling monopoly was broken in 2002, Macau has seen a tremendous rise in Las Vegas-type entertainment. Macau's dozen or so casinos are all open 24 hours a day and range in style from casual to elegant. The casinos do not permit photos to be taken from inside, nor can visitors enter wearing shorts. Entry is free, though some casinos require visitors to present a passport in order to enter. Minimum gambling age is 18.

Many of the hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental and Hotel Lisboa, also offer casinos with games including Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, plus numerous Chinese games like Fan-Tan, Dai-Sui, and Pacapio, just to name a few. For a real Chinese gambling experience, make sure to check out the elaborately designed Macau Palace Floating Casino, anchored in the Outer Harbour near the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Horse Racing
In addition to casino games , visitors to Macau can also enjoy betting at the racetracks. The Macau Jockey Club racetrack is located on Taipa Island and features horse races most Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm, as well as Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, September thru August. The minimum wager is $10 ptcs (patacas) ($1.30). Bus transportation is available from the Hotel Lisboa. Tickets for the bus and raceway are available in the hotel lobby. The air-conditioned grandstand charges an entry fee of $20 ptcs ($2.60), while public outdoor stands are free.

Going to the Dogs?
Greyhound races are another major attraction here. Races are held all year round on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 7:30 in the evening at the open-air Canidrome, Avenida General Castelo Branco, situated near the border entry to China. Visitors must pay an admission charge of $10 ptcs ($1.30) which is applied to their first wager. The minimum bet is $10 ($1.30). A number of bus lines run to and from the track including bus numbers 1, 1A, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 9A, 25, and 34.

Dining
Macau offers a wide (and getting wider) choice of dining options, from casual cafes and light lunches, to very haute cuisine. Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese -- and of course fabulous Chinese restaurants -- make up just some of the tantalizing choices available, with many more restaurants expected to open soon.

Shopping & Entertainment
When it comes to shopping in Macau, visitors are in for a real treat. Because Macao is designated as a free port, products are sold at duty-free prices. Gold is a popular commodity with jewellery shops located all over. Clothes are another big purchase item. Other Macau shopping bargains include Chinese antiques, leather, plus a vast selection of Portuguese ports and wines.

Fisherman's Wharf opened in 2004 in the Outer Harbour. Along with fabulous shopping, this theme park features various port towns such as Amsterdam, New Orleans, Lisbon, and Cape Town. The area boasts excellent shops, restaurants, bars/clubs, an amusement park, as well as an amphitheatre. Also, expected to open in stages by 2009 is the Cotai Strip, a gigantic development comprising twenty resorts, including a number of modern shopping malls, spas, casinos, and entertainment facilities.