Five things we can look forward to:
1. More casinos
The world’s gambling capital will be adding more mega-casinos by 2017. Billions of dollars will be spent on construction, and thousands of hotel rooms, gaming tables, and slot machines will be added to those of Macau’s 35 established casinos. Galaxy group and Melco group will be the first to open the doors of their new casinos in 2015. Sands group is also planning to open late 2015 the Parisian a new complex that will offer 3,000 hotel rooms, with attractions including a 160m tall replica of the Eiffel Tower.
2. More gambling
In 2013, 29 million people came to Macau, and with these new casinos, that number is estimated to double. By 2018, gaming in Macau is projected to rake in nearly $80 billion USD. Last year, revenue reached nearly $46 billion USD, around seven times what Las Vegas made ($6.5 billion).
3. More entertainment
Macau is no longer a place just for gamblers; it’s a place for the whole family. The nearby island of Hengquin has been targeted to become the “Orlando of China”. Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, a $2 billion nautical-themed park, just had its Grand Opening in March of this year. This massive park has already broken five Guinness World Records, including World’s largest aquarium and World’s largest underwater viewing dome.
Fisherman’s Warf, Macau’s first theme park, has also been approved for a Redevelopment Project, which would add three more hotels, a cultural and entertainment facility, shopping and dining venues, as well as improving existing facilities.
Casinos are also bringing in more entertainment. Edward Tracy, head of Sands China, has been recruiting more shows, from boxing matches to Bollywood awards ceremonies. Family tourism will play a big part in overall revenues because it also brings in the everyday gamblers, the low rollers…
4. More low rollers
Although high rollers make up a good chunk of revenue, it also costs a lot to get them to Macau. For years, casinos have been offering complementary suites, champagne, and even, let’s just say “less savory” perks to lure the big-betting gamblers into their places. Even more costly, they paid $13 billion in commission last year to “junkets”, also known as VIP gaming promoters who are helping them to recruit and manage the High Rollers.
To entice the less competitive gamblers to Macau, casinos are adding more spas, fine dining, and entertainment options. It is also becoming easier to get to there. SpiceJet Airlines, out of India, is preparing to offer direct flights into Macau International Airport from Delhi. For those coming from mainland China, a series of bridges and tunnels will connect Macau, Hong Kong and Zhuhai offering an easy, affordable alternative to taking a direct flight or enduring the hour long ferry ride.
5. More competition
It seems everyone wants a piece of the figurative gaming pie that Macau has been enjoying. Several new projects in Asia are sprouting up, trying to take away some of the Macau clientele. Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, and Australia are all making headway to become a threat to Macau revenue. Singapore has already posted a huge success with two casinos nearly equaling Las Vegas’ earnings.
With these competing casinos emerging, Macau must step up and create more enticing attractions. It’s a win for the consumer, as Macau will continue to get bigger and better, adding more, More, MORE!
Read more about Macau expansion : Reuters, New York Times and The Economist
Read more about the High Rollers and the Junket system : Businessweek
Louis Hartwell
Graduated in Media Communication at the University of Lausanne, Louis Hartman is a co-founder of somuchpoker.com. He began his career in Cambodia as freelance journalist. In same time he was making his living by playing poker every night at that time. Intense learner, he read dozens of poker strategy books to improve his skills during many years. With a strong interest about poker "behind the scene" in Asia and his communication skills, Louis launched Somuchpoker in 2014.
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