This article is a much needed guide to the top casinos in Macau for 2022 after the lockdowns from the pandemic several years ago due to China’s zero-Covid policy. As one of the most iconic gambling cities in the world, the Portuguese government legalized gambling in Macau since the 1850s when it was a former Portuguese colony, making it known as the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas of Asia, or Monte Carlo of the East. In fact, Reuters reported that Macau’s gaming revenues pushed out Las Vegas as the top gambling destination 36 years after the opening of Macau’s first casino, Casino Lisboa in 1970.
Macau Casino Rankings 2022
In Macao, gambling tourism makes up for about 50% of the city’s economy with mostly Chinese visitors from mainland China and Hong Kong. Although gambling in China is illegal everywhere in the country, Macau’s Government falls under the Special Administrative Region of China with executive, legislative, and judicial powers devolved from the national government. This means Macau is one of the only places in China where it is legal to gamble in casinos. Here are the casino rankings in Macau for 2022:
1. The Venetian Macao
Currently home to the biggest casino in not only Macau but also the world, the Venetian Macao is a 3,000 suite mega resort that is inspired by the travels of Marco Polo and features famous architectural canals and icons of Venice. Opening under the management of the Las Vegas Sands in 2007, visitors to this property can also expect to enjoy other features such as Michelin-starred fine dining, more than 300 retail shops, outdoor swimming pool, and an 18-hole rooftop golf course. For family adventures, there are outdoor recreation facilities and a lush tropical oasis with wave pools, waterfalls, and gardens.
Providing a unique and upscale gaming experience, it has a total gaming area over 500,000 square feet where players have options of over 3,400 slot machines and 800 table games, 15,000 seat arena for sporting events, and an exclusive gaming area called the Paiza Club for high rollers or VIPs, making this 5-star casino resort easily one of the top gambling destinations in the world. The casino can be divided into four main areas: Golden Fish, Red Dragon, Imperial House, and Phoenix. Poker lovers will be delighted to know that there is a separate poker room with nine tables.
Games
o Table Games
Craps, Blackjack, Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, Roulette, Sic Bo, Three Card Poker, Money Wheel, Dragon Phoenix, Fan Tan, Sands Stud Poker, and more.
o Bets
Maximum and minimum bets vary depending on the games with cheapest games starting at a range of HK$ 100 to HK$ 500.
o Slot Games
Video slots, classic reel games, progressive jackpot games such as Crystal, Jug bao Pen, Duo Fu Duo Cai, 50 Dragons Legend, and Megabucks progressive jackpot.
Membership
o Minimum Age
Although there is no membership required to enter, individuals need to meet a minimum age of 21 years old to enter the casino with proof of ID.
o Optional Membership
Players can sign up for a free Sands Rewards membership card where loyalty points can be used for discounts and comps such as free rooms, meals, and concert tickets.
2. Galaxy Macau
Located on the Cotai Strip, Galaxy Macau Resort is owned by Galaxy Entertainment Group and has quickly become one of the newest hot spots in Macau. Reportedly costing about US$14 billion to build, this property opened its doors in 2011 and consists of two hotels: Galaxy hotel and Banyan Tree Macau. Besides the hotels that provide accommodation, it also features shopping malls, convention centers, heated pools, jacuzzis, and a massive casino.
The casino at Galaxy Macau is said to cover 420,000 square feet and features more than 800 gaming tables and 1,500 slot machines. Loved for its bright and cheery space, they also have a luxurious gaming space known as The Pavilion VIP featuring 50 premium tables and slots. Guests in this premium space can enjoy exclusive amenities and complimentary services.
Games
o Table Games
Ranging from Asian to Western games, players can expect Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, Sic Bo, Fan Tan, Asian poker, and Commission Free Baccarat. The Pavilion Poker room has Texas Hold’em games as well.
o Bets
Maximum and minimum bets vary depending on demand. Generally, bets range from HK$ 300 to HK$ 1.5M.
o Slot Games
Although mostly video slots, video poker is available as well. Slot games are available for every budget, including multimillion progressive jackpots. Slot tournaments are only available to members of the loyalty program.
Membership
o Promos
Although no membership is required, signing up means you get access to special promotions and benefits.
3. City of Dreams
Opened in 2009, Macau’s City of Dreams is located in Cotai. Owned and managed by Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, the US$ 2.4 billion property has five towers: two towers for Grand Hyatt Macau, Morpheus, The Countdown Hotel, and Nüwa. With a total of 2,270 rooms, Michelin-starred restaurants, bars, and high-end retail space, there are plenty of unique attractions on this property such as a modern art collection gallery, rooftop sky pool, event facilities, and many more.
In the City of Dreams, there are three separate casinos with a total of about 420,000 square feet of gaming space featuring 1,514 gaming machines, 450 table games, and a variety of amenities. Here are summaries for each casino in this property:
City of Dreams Casino
Located on the first level with a gaming area of 159,000 square feet, it features more than 270 gaming tables with minimum bets starting at HK$ 50. For high rollers, there are even multimillion dollar bets placed in exclusive VIP rooms, making it the perfect gambling destination for any player.
o Table Games
Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Caribbean Stud Poker, Fortune 3 Card Poker, 3 Card Baccarat, Sic Bo, and Texas Hold’em Poker
o Gaming Machines
Wide variety of themes ranging from traditional Asian games to latest games such as Fa Fa Fa, Celestial Dragon, The Fortune Trio, Duo Fu Duo Cai, Celestial Phoenix, and more. Bets cost as little as HK$0.05 to HK$ 5,000.
The Countdown Hotel Gaming Area
This casino is located on the second level with 35,700 square feet of gaming space that features rock and roll memorabilia from the greatest musicians in the world. This area is different from the rest as it has a younger crowd, an atmosphere that is glamorous, and more exciting gaming and entertainment options.
o Games
This casino has 193 gaming machines including live dealer eBaccarat.
Signature Club
The Signature club can be accessed via the Grand Hyatt’s lobby. Providing 16,000 square meters of gaming space available only to highly rated players, those who choose to play here receive upscale service in any of the 3 private table salons or 2 gaming machine salons. Each salon has its own service attendants, exclusive dining area, and entertainment system.
o Table Games
Jade Palace and Sapphire Palace offer one baccarat table each. Topaz Palace has two tables.
o Gaming Machines
The gaming machines in this casino are offered by Ruby Palace and Diamond Palace.
Morpheus
Here, the gaming area features eight private gaming salons connected to six luxury villas, designed in mind for villa guests. On the second floor, the Li Ying Club is an in-house gaming club brand of Melco Resorts.
4. Wynn Palace
Another luxury casino resort owned by an American firm; Wynn Palace opened in 2006 with 1,014 rooms and suites where guests can choose between the deluxe room, grand deluxe room, one bedroom suite, or two bedroom suite. With construction estimated around USD 4 billion, the property has much to offer such as spas, salons, restaurants, retail shops, an art gallery, swimming pool, and other attractions such as the Performance Lake, Dragon of Fortune, Moon Jellyfish Aquarium and more.
Wynn Macau’s casino has the second largest casino floor area of 424,000 square feet in Macau offering more than 500 slot machines and over 350 gaming tables. Although it supposedly has one of the largest casino floors in the world, the reality is that most of their space considered as part of the gaming floor includes retail stores, bars, and restaurants.
Games
o Table Games
Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, no Commission Baccarat, Poker, Roulette, Sic Bo, Texas Hold’em, VIP Baccarat, VIP Roulette
o Gaming Machines
Video poker, slot games, progressive slots
o Other Gaming Options
Fortune 3 Card Poker, Sports Book. Junket rooms are also available for high end gamblers.
5. Grand Lisboa
Known as the tallest building on the rocky island with 52 stories in the sky, Grand Lisboa is owned by Sociedade de Turismo e Diversões de Macau. Although the original Hotel Lisboa and Casino opened in the 1970s as the first casino in Macau, the modern version welcomed its first guests in 2007 with its unique architectural design of a golden lotus that has since become an icon in Macau. On this property, there are 430 hotel rooms and suites, each with its own jacuzzi and Turkish steam bath. Guests can choose between the Superior, Corner, or Suite rooms and enjoy amenities such as the fitness center, swimming pool, Lisboa Spa, Le Salon, and many more.
The casino at Grand Lisboa is one of the largest in the world with a gaming area of 290,000 square feet featuring more than 200 gaming tables and 800 slot machines. They also host the largest ongoing poker tournament in Asia.
Games
o Table Games
Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Sic Bo, 3 Card Baccarat, Fortune Wheel, American Roulette, and more. They also have 78 live table game machines.
o Bets
Minimum bets start at HK$ 20 and maximum at HK$ 5M. Any higher, players will need to move on to the VIP areas.
o Electronic Games
Most are Asian style video slots and progressive jackpot slots with bets ranging from 5 cents to HK$ 6,000. Popular games include Jackpot Carnival, Cash Express, Golden Goals, and more.
Membership
o Rewards
Although no membership is required, there is an optional Grand Lisboa membership program that allows punters to earn rewards
o Premium Program
Grand Lisboa also has a premium player program that gives high rollers cash rewards and access to superior service, greater privacy, and tables with larger limits.
6. Sands Macao
Another casino resort owned and operated by Las Vegas Sands, Sands Macao opened in 2004 with 289 suites and offers three different types of suites: Deluxe suite, Executive suite, and Premium Suite. It has six dining options ranging from upscale to fast food, outdoor heated pool, bars, spa, salon, fitness center, and many more. They also have different shows available such as Baccarat babes, Baby Dolls, Colombian All Stars, and Salsa Sensation.
The casino at Sands Macao originally had 165,000 square feet, but in 2006 was then expanded to 229,000 square feet. It has three spacious gaming areas offering a wide range of entertainment. Often praised for being “user friendly” and “easy to navigate” by many guests, it is host to more than 700 tables and 1,000 slot machines.
Games
o Table Games
Blackjack, Baccarat, 3 Card Baccarat, Commission Free Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Casino War, Sic Bo, Fan Tan, Roulette, 3 Card Poker, and Craps. Poker fans may be disappointed as there are no poker rooms available.
o Bets
Tables have a HK$ 300 minimum.
o Electronic Games
Ranging from Asian to American style video slots and progressive jackpot games, some of their most popular games are 50 Dragons Legends, Duo Fu Duo Cai, Ju Bao Pen, Crystal, and Megabucks.
Membership
o Loyalty Program
Although no membership is required, they have a great loyalty program where you earn points whenever playing, dining, shopping, or staying at Sands Macao. These points can be redeemed for free meals, gifts, rooms, discounts, and more.
o High Rollers Rewards Club
Sands Macao has a program called Sands Rewards Club for high rollers. Besides collecting points and redeeming rewards, it allows access to the Paiza Club, a special area for high rollers featuring about 20 gaming rooms.
7. MGM Cotai
Another luxury casino located on the Cotai Strip, MGM Cotai in Macau opened its doors in 2018 after numerous setbacks with 1,390 guestrooms and suites. Costing US$ 3.4 billion, this 35 story building features more than 300 contemporary Asian sculptures, paintings, and imperial carpets dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
There are also other attractions such as a high-end spa, pools, thermal experiences, upscale retail outlets, dining options, convention space, MGM theater, and many more. Their centerpiece known as The Spectacle is the world’s largest permanent LED video screens where digital art is displayed.
With about 100,000 square feet of gaming space, the casino at MGM Cotai features 187 gaming tables and more than 1,500 slot machines. Unlike other casinos, they are focused more on the mass market than high roller VIPs.
Games
o Table Games
Baccarat, Commission Free Baccarat, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Craps, Roulette, Sic Bo, Three Card Poker, and more.
o Slot Games
Besides video slots, there are also electronic versions of Commission Free Baccarat, Blackjack, Big Wheel, Roulette, Sic Bo, Craps, and live gaming Baccarat.
Membership
o VIP Program
Although no membership is required, they have a VIP program that offers cash back and comp allowance.
General Visitor Tips & Dress Code Guidelines for Macau Casinos
For players who want to visit to gain the Macau experience, keep in mind that the best casinos in Macau are mostly luxury casinos and have expectations of their guests. To start off, the minimum age to enter casinos are at least 21 years old and identification will be required prior to entry. Bets in Macau are placed in Hong Kong Dollars instead of Macau Pataca.
To enter the casino, the accepted dress code is business casual or formal. This means garments such as sweatshirts and hoodies are not allowed. Additionally, luggage, laptops, and cameras are not allowed in the casino. In casinos, guests that are visibly drunk are often asked by security guards to leave. If you want to take the shuttle bus without paying, a receipt from the casino hotel is required.
The Latest Gambling Scene in Macau: As of August 2022
Near mid July 2022, Macau was forced to shut all its casinos for the first time in more than two years as authorities struggled to contain the worst coronavirus outbreak. Shutdown for one week, all non-essential personnel were ordered to stay home while short trips for necessities were allowed.
Meanwhile, casinos in Macau were closed with only minimal staffing allowed, a drastic measure that has hit hard on investor confidence. Based on an analyst at JP Morgan, it was said that the recovery in gaming revenue is unlikely to happen until the third or fourth quarter of the year. This has caused a plunge in casino stocks across many Macau casino shares such as those of Sands China, Melco International, MGM China, Wynn Macau, SJM Holdings, and more.
Frustrations are mounting among the residents as mass testing has been conducted since mid-June and rapid antigen tests are required daily. Despite having more than 90% of Macau’s residents fully vaccinated, this is the first time the city has to grapple with the covid-19 outbreak due to the fast spreading Omicron variant.
By the end of July, reuters has reported that Macau’s government has announced that global casino operators can start submitting bids for new licenses to secure a spot in the world’s biggest gambling hub.
Conclusion
The top casinos in Macau for 2022 are mostly luxury casinos that offer some of the best gaming experience with a wide variety of table games and high quality gaming machines. If you are an avid punter looking for a great casino experience, Macau should definitely be on the list for your next destination, but keeping in mind the pandemic and possible travel restrictions that are in place.
