There are two undisputed gaming capitals of the world: the US’s Las Vegas and China’s Macau. Though Vegas has an association with extravagance, gaming, and thrills, it’s not actually the oldest or the most successful casino-heavy location in the world.
In Macau, gaming has been a huge attraction stretching back to the mid-1800s when the chain of islands was still a Portuguese colony. Throughout the 1900s, western games slowly became more popular—partly due to the rise of Vegas. Fan-tan was joined by poker and by 2007, the Macau Strip had overtaken the Vegas Strip in terms of revenue.
Despite the fact that top casinos have launched online, there’s still massive interest in traveling to Macau to game at a live casino. Even in 2020, almost three million visitors headed to the area for recreation, according to Statista. Part of the reason is the area’s elevated casino-resort offerings and over-the-top extravagance.
In fact, premier resort experiences are one of the only ways to compete with online gaming platforms. For example, today roulette is almost as popular as other virtual options like poker and blackjack, despite having an emphasis on a live experience. Most companies offer a range of variations on the popular title, which typically includes live and multiplayer options for roulette lovers.
With the addition of sign-up bonuses, there’s been an added emphasis on non-gaming experiences in areas like Macau in order to attract visitors. After all, if a brick-and-mortar casino might not be the only viable option, then peripheral amenities have to be top-shelf—and Macau has spared no expense in transforming itself into one of the world’s most OTT destinations.
5-Star Lodging
As the birthplace of the mega c, there are more than a handful of Vegas retreats with five stars. However, there’s an important difference: locations in Macau have sought greater distinction. Projects like the Ritz Carlton, the Venetian Macao, and Wynn Palace might replicate top locations on the Vegas Strip, but others are in a world all their own.
For example, the Morpheus Hotel was created by Zaha Hadid Architecture and is the largest building in the world constructed with an exoskeleton. The Morpheus is part of the City of Dreams construction, which includes the Nüwa Hotel, as well. The Mandarin Oriental, meanwhile, delivers a sleek glass design that modernizes even the latest projects on the Vegas Strip. Coupled with projects like Hotel Okura Macau and Banyan Tree, Macau delivers on a more innovative, cultural, and nuanced five-star experience.
Michelin Heaven
Once again, any Michelin follower will have plenty to chew on in Vegas—literally. However, Macau offers more well-rounded menus that explore more palettes and traditions than its American counterpart.
The Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace, for example, took home five Michelin nods for its multiple projects—and, once again, managed to do this during a highly uncertain 2020. Of the five restaurants to receive the Michelin nods, four were given two stars.
Beyond the Wynn’s success, the entire special economic region recently received a nod from UNESCO, which listed it as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The city’s Portuguese colonial influence has also helped distinguish its popular dishes from locations like Vegas, which lacks its own culinary traditions aside from the all-you-can-eat buffet.
Elegant Activities
When it comes to exciting activities, Macau can’t compete with Vegas; there are helicopter tours of the Grand Canyon, rollercoasters that dangle off skyscrapers, and some of the most expensive bottle services in the world. Still, what Macau lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality.
One of the primary differences is the availability of a quality spa. In Vegas, the emphasis is on crazy and unforgettable experiences. In Macau, there’s a more even emphasis on quality and luxury. Most of the five-star hotels listed above also include world-premier spas, including the Banyan Tree and the Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Once again, the Banyan Tree offers a unique cultural element. The brand originated in Thailand and includes beauty, health, and relaxation techniques from Southeast Asia.
