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Five casinos to try your luck in in Macau
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The Macau, China, cityscape showing the resorts. (Shutterstock/File)
I
n Macau, it is said that if you see the Kun Iam statue smiling down at you, then luck may just be on your side that day. At least that's one of the first things our tour guide from the Macau Government Tourism Office, Cecilia Ng, told the group as we drove past the giant bronze statue upon arrival.
The statue, which is itself part of the Kun Iam Ecumenical Center, is worth a visit before you venture around the island to try your luck in one of the 41 gaming premises – casinos and slot parlours – spread across Macau.
And since these casinos are located inside grand hotel complexes, these places render a visit worth more than just a gamble.
The Venetian
The Venetian Macau houses the world's largest casino. Modeled after the city of Venice in Italy, the hotel complex also presents amusements beyond the gambling tables, with visitors made to feel like they are in Europe as they step within its doors. The extensive grounds of the shopping center are designed to create an ambiance similar to that of Venice, complete with gondolas available for a ride along its indoor canals and Italian architectural facades inside the building.
The Wynn
The Wynn is one of the most upscale hotel complexes in Macau, with its casino attracting some of the highest rollers in town. The casino includes traditional and contemporary games from slot machines, baccarat, blackjack, roulette to opulent poker rooms. Aside from gambling, visitors can also enjoy the Tree of Prosperity show located in the hotel atrium. An extravagant show of light and music accompany the main event: the emergence of the golden-leafed tree from the ground. The show, which runs every half hour, attracts many visitors, so make sure to come early to secure front-row viewing.
(Read also: Macau: A taste of both worlds in 10 must-visit places)
Grand Lisboa
The Grand Lisboa was one of the first casinos in Macau, where the original Casino Lisboa, along with the round hotel tower, were built in 1970 by casino tycoon Stanley Ho and his colleagues. After extensive expansions to the hotel complex, including the addition of a shiny towering edifice, it is now one of the most famous icons of Macau. Although it does not present much in the way of live entertainment, it is a place for gastronomic experiences with its 14 restaurants, four of which are Michelin-starred.
Studio City
Taking inspiration from the US film industry, this Hollywood-inspired hotel also hosts a casino inside its glamorous resort grounds. The casino hosts 200 table games and 1,500 gaming machines, with bets ranging from HK$0.05 (1 US cent) to HK$100,000. More than a place to gamble, the hotel is also a family-friendly hub with a wide variety of entertainments, including the Golden Reel, which is the world's highest figure-8 Ferris wheel, and the first 4D Batman flight simulation ride.
Rio Hotel and Casino
The Rio Hotel and Casino attracts many visitors and gamblers, both local and international crowds, including those from China, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand. The casino hosts lower-stake games and an edgier atmosphere, including shows of the exotic variety as shown on posters at the grounds' entrance. Its location a five-minute walk from the grand prix circuit also makes it a popular choice among race teams to pick the hotel for their stay during the season in November. (kes)
