In the West, when someone thinks about flashy casinos and an exciting roulette table, their mind likely goes to Las Vegas. Images of the brightly lit Strip fill their mind, along with stills from movies like Rain Man and The Hangover.
However, farther East, the average person is more likely to think of Macau when casinos are brought up. The region is the most densely populated area in the world, with well over half a million residents in an area of less than thirteen square miles. And life in Macau focuses on the biggest, most lucrative, and luxurious casino-resorts in the world that line Cotai.
While Vegas and Macau don’t often directly compete, as they’re located on opposite sides of the world, online gaming worldwide has changed the industry. Today, casino bonuses are available from brands like Caesars, BetMGM and DraftKings. The availability of online deals has greatly shifted the atmosphere in Vegas, though Macau looks a bit more resilient to virtual casinos.
In fact, in terms of direct comparison, Macau’s gaming industry is the world’s most robust. Before we dive into the statistics, let’s cover a bit about each region’s history and focus.
Distant Origins, Different Focuses
Vegas and Macau, though each catering to casino-goers, each deliver a unique experience. Vegas got its start in the 1960s and 70s as a hideout for Los Angeles bigwigs looking to have a little fun; MGM remains a major presence from its early days as Metro Goldwyn Meyer, a film studio that still runs today and which contributed greatly to the area’s wealth.
Macau, on the other hand, got its start as a trading post allocated to the Portuguese from the Ming Dynasty back in 1557. Since then, it’s become a multicultural hub that retains the early architectural collaborations between locals and Portuguese traders. Back in this time period, Vegas remained the territory of Paiute tribes.
Today, these distinct origins can still be felt. Vegas remains an all-out entertainment stopover, of which casino gaming is only one facet. There are also big-name musical residencies, spectacles from groups like Cirque de Soleil, and plenty of sports action from the Big Four leagues.
Meanwhile, Macau has kept its focus on heritage and gaming. The Historic Centre of Macau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with countless museums highlighting the area’s history. In other words, it’s not just a gaming stopover, but also a cultural adventure.
Are the Tides Shifting?
There’s one huge caveat that makes Macau a heavy hitter in the gaming industry: it’s the only region in China that allows traditional casino gaming. While Vegas is North America’s gaming capital, there are countless other counties and localities that play home to big-name casinos, such as Atlantic City in New Jersey.
In 2021, 7.7 million visitors flocked to Macau, which included a 30% increase from 2020. However, back in 2019, Macau welcomed closer to 40 million. In 2021, Vegas saw over 32 million visitors back onto the Strip, though this number was closer to 42 million back in 2019. Clearly, in terms of tourists, each region handles a similar number of tourists in an average year.
However, Macau posted 43.7% growth between 2020 and 2021, raking in close to $30 billion last year. Meanwhile, Vegas posted just over $13 billion in 2021 for gaming revenue statewide, according to Nevada state sources. Keep in mind that Macau’s numbers include revenue from restaurants and hotels; the government tax revenue stood at only $4.22 billion in 2021.
Historically, Macau has been the global capital for gaming in terms of revenue. Back in 2014, for context, Macau raked in almost $30 billion in revenue, while Vegas posted just over $6 billion. Are the tides shifting—or are expanded Vegas entertainment opportunities, such as bundled casino-resort plans, muddying the revenue waters?
The World’s Largest Casino-Resort & Most Expensive Hotel
Though Macau has a much smaller area than Vegas, the region is home to some of the world’s biggest and most impressive casinos. Though Vegas also isn’t short on incredible designs from leading architects and gold-star luxury experiences, Macau’s skyline looks noticeably different.
The Venetian Macao, for example, is the largest casino-resort in the world. Its casino spans over 550,000 square feet, while its extravagant design and grounds blow its Vegas inspiration out of the water. Nearby sits the City of Dreams, a joint casino-resort-shopping center that was designed by the Zaha Hadid architectural firm.
The structure is supported by a mesh exoskeleton, which makes it one of Cotai’s most visually striking designs. Meanwhile, the 13 is the most expensive hotel ever built. Each villa includes a private elevator lobby, while guests are treated to complimentary transportation in a Rolls-Royce.
Jeju & Philippines Expanding Gaming Options
Clearly, Macau is Asia’s premier gaming destination, with no expense spared when it comes to creating an all-out entertainment experience. Though not quite as varied as the Strip in terms of showbiz, Macau has replaced flash with class—but is it enough to keep the region ahead of Vegas in terms of revenue in the coming years?
One huge change for Macau has been the growth of Jeju Island, a gaming destination located just offshore from South Korea. In the third quarter of 2021 alone, Jeju Dream Tower raked in $10 million in revenue, hinting that the region is becoming more popular for traveling gamers.
Meanwhile, the Philippines also has a strong gaming market that regularly attracts visitors from around the world. Last year, the country brought in $2.2 billion in revenue from casinos nationwide. In fact, the Philippine gaming industry has been the subject of top brands from both Macau and Vegas.
For example, the City of Dreams project mentioned above has since expanded into Manila. The location is now the country’s top-rated casino-resort. So far, Vegas brands have yet to touch down in the island nation, though it seems inevitable. For both of the world’s gaming capitals, expanding into new regions like the Philippines will be integral for expanding their brands. However, with Macau geographically and culturally nearer to the country, it looks like Vegas is one step behind.