Gambling in Macao (or Macao) became legal in 1850, under Portuguese rule, and has been known as the “Monte Carlo of the East” ever since. Both foreign and domestic corporations have invested heavily in Macau’s casinos, and tourists frequently visit them from Hong Kong and the PRC mainland. In fact, gambling and tourism are the main sources of income in Macau.

There are several casinos in Macau, they all operate under government rules and regulations, and most are open 24 hours a day. Games at Macau casinos include blackjack, roulette, boule, sic bo, Fan-Tan, keno and the very popular game of baccarat. The largest of Macau’s casinos is Casino Lisboa, a four-story complex originally built in the early 1970s by a Stanley Ho company. The Casino Lisboa in downtown Macau has expanded to a total of 927 rooms and another expansion is planned to face competition from the adjacent Wynn Macau, owned by Steve Wynn of Las Vegas.

By comparison, the Floating Palace, located on a barge about a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal, is the smallest casino in Macau. The second deck has six baccarat tables, two for blackjack and two for dai-siu and sic bo. Also, there is a small slots room and other areas that are probably used for private gambling. For a change of pace in a quieter environment, the Floating Palace has low table limits and is a good option to consider.

The Pharaoh’s Casino, inside the 5-star Landmark Hotel, is in a prime location in the center of the city. The Pharaoh’s, on the third floor, offers a luxurious gaming experience, with 383 slot machines and 19 table games including baccarat, roulette, nine poker tables and eight blackjack tables.

In addition, Macau’s casinos include the Fortuna at the Fortuna Hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of the business and commercial districts, and the Golden Dragon Casino. Located on floors 2 and 3 of the popular Golden Dragon Hotel, it has 72,600 square feet of lively, carnival-like atmosphere. The Golden Dragon’s décor is based on festivals from Europe, China, America and Latin America, including a Spanish fire display on the ceiling of the main gaming hall. Six of the VIP rooms feature the Trinidad carnival, the Venice mask festival, 19th century Paris, Mardi Gras, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival and the Chinese dragon dance. With 85 table games (15 for VIPs), 3 card poker, baccarat, sic bo and blackjack, and 137 slot machines, Golden Dragon Casino is full of fun and excitement.

For a while, Macau’s casinos, for the most part, didn’t have the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas or Atlantic City, but with the influx of foreign investors that’s changing, too.