Two of the Best Macau Casino Resorts to Visit in 2018
Las Vegas used to be regarded as the gambling capital of the world, but in just over a decade, the former Portuguese colony of Macau has firmly taken hold of that particular crown. Since returning to Chinese rule in 1999, it remains the only part of the country where gambling is officially legal, beyond state-run lotteries which aren’t legally considered as gambling elsewhere in China.
Of course, this exclusivity has proven hugely beneficial to Macau, where massive investment in building the biggest casinos in the world has made it a must-visit tourist location, attracting millions of visitors from throughout Asia and the globe every year.
In the midst of a location steeped in an East meets West fusion of ancient Chinese culture and European colonial history, the mega-casino resorts and hotels have risen to spectacularly dominate the skyline. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular to visit in 2018.
The Venetian
The Cotai Strip didn’t exist before a massive land reclamation project united the islands of Taipa and Coloane, paving the way for the construction of the most impressive casino-hotel resorts in the world. The biggest of them all in 2018 remains The Venetian Macau, which was completed in July 2007, boasting Asia’s largest single structure hotel building and the most expansive casino floor in the world, with 376,000 square feet of gaming space.
Here you will find 1,760 slots, along with 640 gaming tables offering an impressive array of popular games to choose from, including roulette, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, sic bo, and numerous poker variants. With the vast array of slots and games on offer in the casino, alongside the plethora of web-based casino games available, including Rainbow Rich slot, no gambler can claim to be short of things to do.
There’s plenty of other entertainment on offer too, including a vast choice of bars and restaurants, outdoor and indoor pools, gondoliers serenading visitors along a replica of the Grand Canal, and even a rooftop golf course. The Venetian Theatre will also host the St Petersburg Ballet in April 2018, as they perform Swan Lake, while Canadian songstress Celine Dion will bring her headline show to the 15,000-seat Cotai Arena in June 2018.
Image Source: Venetian Macao via Facebook
The Parisian
Connected to the neighbouring Venetian by an air-conditioned walkway, and as its name would suggest, The Parisian is a celebration of all things French, from the Palace of Versailles inspired reception, to a half-sized replica of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Guests staying in one of the 3,000 rooms and suites can also treat themselves to typically French cuisine at signature restaurants such as the Brasserie or Le Buffet, before they hit the casino floor.
Within the 135,000 square feet casino premises, there’s around 2,500 gaming machines with punters eagerly awaiting the sound of the jackpot claxon. The tables are also a little more focused on traditional Las Vegas themed games such as craps and Texas hold ‘em poker, although the fifty-fifty chance of winning at sic bo always remains a popular local favourite.
Amidst the opportunities to shop ‘til you drop at the many swanky boutiques, there’s also plenty to keep visitors entertained beyond the casino floor, with mime artists, buskers and street artists. The Parisian Theatre also hosts the always popular Cabaret Francaise dance extravaganza from March to June 2018, featuring high-kicking cancan dancers and songs from the legendary Edith Piaf, so don’t be surprised to hear a few renditions of “Non, je ne regrette rien” at shows.
Image Source: Parisian Macau via Facebook
Much more to Macau
While the casino resorts are perhaps the biggest attractions to Macau these days, with many more lavish places to stay at than the two mentioned above, it’s also well worth escaping the Cotai Strip and exploring the wealth of culture and cuisine on offer. Delve into the older areas of Macau and you’ll discover ancient temples that have stood for over 1,000 years, ornate churches introduced by Portuguese colonists and seafarers, or fortresses built to defend them. Wander around a little and your adventures will be richly rewarded.