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Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, and it continues to grow. Although the title of gambling center has been used for numerous locations, it is now Macau that seems to be vying successfully for the title. Places like Las Vegas used to be at the height of the industry but since the recession, they suffered. Las Vegas experienced a huge loss of revenue due to the US financial crisis and the competition within the online casino industry. Though it used to be a gambling hub, the city is now just recovering from the problems of the recession. It will take time for the gambling industry in that city to turn around and start growing again.

When it comes to Macau though, things are looking good. The Venetian Macau just was honored by a house of cards being built to replicate it. Over 200,000 cards were used and it took 44 days for American architect Bryan Berg to create it. The city has reason to celebrate. Recently, reports showed that Macau had a 69.4% increase in revenue in 2009. In February of 2010, Macau casino operators generated over $1.68 billion dollars. The Chinese government has been cracking down on online gambling within China and that may be driving online gamblers to travel over to Macau to play their favorite casino games. Recently, the Chinese government cut down on the paperwork needed to enter Macau and made it a lot easier for mainland residents to visit and play at the most popular casinos within Asia. That means that the Chinese government is eager to continue bringing in more and more customers and more and more money to the country. It is interesting to see how much the small country of Macau has done so far in the world of gambling. It has been a few short years, but the country has learned quickly how to best promote the market of gambling and how to best use it to its advantage. People are flocking to the country and it is quickly taking over from formerly established locations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City as a hub for great gambling.

Gambling is growing exponentially. No matter what state you go into, legislators are some how working on legalizing and regulating gambling. The market is very competitive and companies all over are vying for their own market shares in the mix. There are millions of dollars to be had with gambling and finding a market share can be the biggest advatnage of any company. One country that has seen a huge growth in gambling companies is Macau. Macau is the only place in China where gambling is legal, and they continue to crush the competition. Las Vegas was once known as the gambling capital of the world, but it’s rapidly becoming the gambling capital of North America. Macau has seen a rapid growth in revenue over 2009 with the top Las Vegas casinos opening up in Asia. Las Vegas experienced a loss of revenue due to the US financial crisis and the competition within the online casino industry.

The figures that were published recently have shown that Macau had a 69.4% increase in revenue in 2009. In February of 2010, Macau casino operators generated over $1.68 billion dollars. The Chinese government has been cracking down on online gambling within China and that may be driving online gamblers to travel over to Macau to play their favorite casino games. Recently, the Chinese government cut down on the paperwork needed to enter Macau and made it a lot easier for mainland residents to visit and play at the most popular casinos within Asia. That means that the Chinese government is eager to continue bringing in more and more customers and more and more money to the country. It is interesting to see how much the small country of Macau has done so far in the world of gambling. It has been a few short years, but the country has learned quickly how to best promote the market of gambling and how to best use it to its advantage. People are flocking to the country and it is quickly taking over from formerly established locations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City as a hub for great gambling. The future seems to be even brighter as the country continues to flourish with its gambling industry.

Four of Nevada’s top casino companies — Las Vegas Sands Corp., Wynn Resorts Ltd., MGM Mirage and Harrah’s Entertainment — could be hurt by a move made Tuesday by Macau’s top leader. Land that was once set aside for casino development is being considered for other purposes due to the struggling casino industry. Several analysts and gaming company insiders wrote off the comments as political posturing. But others thought Chui, who replaced Edmund Ho as Macau’s top government official in December, was looking to slow casino development, telling Las Vegas-based gaming operators they need to submit plans for the sites, predominately on Macau’s Cotai Strip region, or lose the locations.

“The whole process will be made very transparent, but the land has to be taken back and some of it will be used for social housing,” Chui said. Each of the Las Vegas companies may feel the impact differently. “Other than those casino developments already approved, any further applications for casinos will be tightly controlled,” Pinge said in a research note. “We believe that the underlying message is no further casinos will be built on Macau in the foreseeable future.”

Gaming analyst David Bain said casino company shareholders are concerned “the new chief executive may be utilizing some specific language about needing to diversify or cap the growth in Macau.” Macau casinos, while up for the year, do not show the same size gains seen in past years. In 2009, Macau casinos collected $15.5 billion in gaming revenues, a 14 percent increase over 2008. However, 2008 had a 31 percent increase in gaming revenues following revenue growth of 47 percent in 2007 and 23 percent in 2006. Only one of the original four casinos is still scheduled to open in Macau this year, Wynn’s $650 million Encore project. Chui said Macau would allow new casinos as long as construction plans had been approved. “Apart from those we have agreed in principle in the past, in construction and those already approved, we will regulate (the building of new casinos) in the future,” Chui said . “We can’t think of a better place to build it, all things considered, namely the work force and government policy,” Wynn said. “We are constrained by the political process itself of getting the entitlements and the details done through planning and public works in Macau. We’re full tilt at that and our own planning process.”

The MGM Mirage recently announced that it is in talks to possibly sell its ownership of the Borgata Hotel-casino in Atlantic City. The decision is being made to settle an investigation by New Jersey regulators into the suitability of its partner in Macau. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement found that Pansy Ho was “unsuitable” because of alleged organized crime ties made by her father, casino mogul, Stanley Ho. The New Jersey organization suggested that the MGM Mirage cut ties with Pansy Ho if it was to continue operating in the state of New Jersey. They could have insisted that the MGM Mirage sell its ownership in the Macau operation. Earlier in the investigation Nevada regulators approved the partnership with MGM Mirage’s affiliation with Pansy Ho.

Las Vegas-based MGM Mirage could argue the New Jersey recommendation by taking the issue to hearings before the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. Rather, it is in discussions to settle its exit from the market. Boyd Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas, MGM Mirage’s partner in Borgata, would be a likely buyer of its partner’s stake but has declined comment on the issue. MGM Mirage released a statement today “it is currently involved in constructive settlement discussions with the DGE (Division of Gaming Enforcement), which have centered on the company placing its 50 percent ownership interest in the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and related leased land in Atlantic City into a divestiture trust for which MGM Mirage would be the sole economic beneficiary. While no definitive settlement with the DGE has been reached, the company has asked its lenders to consent to the trust arrangement. Any settlement is subject to both DGE and Casino Control Commission approval.”

The problems are big ones for the Ho family who have long been accused of having some affiliation with crime and corruption in the gambling world. Stanley Ho was the first to be accused of improper activities and now his daughter is seeing the same issues. Though they have venehemently denied any illegal activities or affiliations, they continue to be a staple in the world of gambling and of crime in gaming.

A few years ago Macau would have been an unlikely location for gambling. It is a small island with rolling beaches and beautiful countrysides to enjoy. The gambling industry came into the market, however and quickly took over. Now, Macau is considered to be one of the biggest gambling centers in the world. The country has a wide variety of casinos and every type of game can be found. It has a billion-dollar gambling industry that is fueling the country into new heights of GDP wealth.

The Chinese mainland is critical to the gambling industry in Macau. Chinese President Hu Jintao has a lot of power within the state due to his country’s contribution to the growth of Macau. The dense population of China is a main contributor to the huge number of patrons Macau hosts every year. Because of this President Jintao is now putting in his own desires for how the small peninsula’s gambling industry needs to change in the future. He wants gambling reform and diversification. Part of jintao’s issue is that Macau has largely built its economy on gambling. He believes, however, that if the country does not diversify its industry will end up in the same position as Las vegas.

In the recession Las Vegas suffered greatly. Due to Macau’s focus on the market of gambling, Jintao believes it is setting itself up for a collapse if the gambling industry changes in any way. Las Vegas is one of the most depressed areas after the recession. It’s estimated that a whopping 60% of homes are in foreclosure or in default since the recession. Now, the once-florishing city has a lot of recovery to manage. Jintao is hoping that Macau takes its cues from Las Vegas and how difficult the recession was on its economy. He is hoping that laws in Macau change to protect it from the same economic dangers of building its market on one industry.  Only time will tell if the country is going to make changes, but due to the involvement of China in the Macau market, most likely officials will listen to Jintao and take his cautions seriously.

Macau has become a gambling Mecca in the world today. Though it’s a small island whose main industry is gambling, other chief economic activities are export-geared textiles and garment manufacturing, banking and other financial services. Much of the industry is based on the Chinese mainland for sustenance. Chinese President Hu Jintao send a message to Macau over the weekend that he wants gambling reform, and diversity. Jintao is afraid that too much of the peninsula’s economy is based on gambling and it could pose problems for the area in the future. He is citing Las Vegas and its decline due to reliance on gambling as its main industry as a detrimental move. The President would like to see other areas of focus come into the area and fund major portions of the government – not just gambling.

Using Las Vegas as a case study, Jintao is noting how Macau is quickly becoming reliant on the casino gambling industry to sustain itself. He noted how the economic meltdown crippled the industry of Las Vegas, and in turn, has put Nevada in a serious hole when it comes to their budget. Although signs are pointing to the Macau gambling industry not complying with Jintao’s ideas, he could hamper future gambling. Residents of mainland China need visas to visit Macau. So far in past years China has had the authority to place restrictions on the visas handed out to citizens and was able to limit the number of times residents visited the peninsula of Macau. Revenue dropped notably when the Chinese government decided to limit visa travel.

Fortunately the Chinese government eased their restrictions that brought Macau’s revenues down and they moved upward again. If Macau, however does not make the necessary changes, the government may make moves to impose the strict visa laws again. Among the issues that Jintao wants addressed is higher living standards and an improved education system. Jintao wants to ensure that the children of Macau do not grow up knowing only the gambling industry. Part of his focus is to bring about a well-rounded community of residents who are fully aware of all that the small island has to offer and not just gambling.

Gambling is big business. And no one knows that better these days than Macau. Macau is situated 37 miles southwest of Hong Kong and 90 miles from Guangzhou. It’s main industry revolves around tourism, specializing in gambling.  No one predicted that the small country would reach the gambling status it has garnered over the past few years. Technology has taken a sharp jump upwards, making it one of the gambling capitals of the world.

Macau’s casinos generated approximately $1.52 billion in gross recipts last month alone. That was a 60% increase from November of 2008.  No one can argue that the country is quickly growing.  A newspaper in Macau reported that last month’s gaming receipts overall was somewhat depressed from those in October. October brought in $1.59 billion to the country in gambling revenues. Between January and November this year, the casino gross receipts amounted to nearly $13.6 billion reaching almost the sum produced for the whole of last year. For 2010, analysts are predicting the country will bring in $15 to $15.5 billion in receipts.

Despite being small, Macau has many casinos to offer gamblers. Each one is more oppulent than the next. If you are a fan of Las Vegas, then Macau should have you in an uproar. Not only are the casinos plied with luxury and decadence, they are also offering hi-end gambling, retail shopping and spa treatments. Imagine being on the beaches of Macau and enjoying everything under the sun during the day and then the outstanding nightlife late.

While Las Vegas and Atlantic City are struggling through the aftermath of the recession, Macau is having no problems bringing in tourists. Part of the popularity is attributed to the country’s structure. IT is an offshore financial center and tax haven. There is a free port with no foreign exchange control policies to maneuver.  For this reason casinos love to move to Macau. Other countries have high tax rates, but Macau’s is reasonable for any casino to set up shop. Plus the high-tech infrastructure lends itself well to the needs of a gambling operator. Macau is set to continue its huge growth in the future and take the industry by storm throughout 2010.

Asia Properties Inc. just announced that they signed an “MOU”, memorandum of understanding, to purchase 50.13% of a Macau casino VIP clue. Sing Hou VIP Club in the Star War Hotel has been owned and sub-licensed by Galaxy Entertainment group since November of last year. It operates VIP baccarat gaming tables and has a huge plan for expansion coming the new year.  The expansion is a result of a huge push in gaming for baccarat that thrust the revenues up to $1.45 billion in August and accounted for 88% of the total Macau casino winnings totals.  In addition, casino overall revenues are up by 53% this year.

Asia Properties Inc. CEO Daniel McKinney, stated, “I am pleased to inform API shareholders that we are acquiring control of an established Macau VIP club casino at the top end and most profitable sector of the market. The Macau gaming market is already the largest in the world and API plans to become a significant player in the VIP sector through this acquisition. Unlike the Sands or Wynn, API is a pure Macau gaming play.” The purchase is for restricted shares only and shareholders will be kept up to date on the process prior to finalizing the deal.

The company Asia Properties Inc. began to develop resorts and real estate in the southeastern regions of Asia. The area was predicted to be a huge market in the industry of gambling and casinos by a number of analysts. Particularly Macau was the center of where gambling would focus itself and become a huge revenue for the continent. The the gaming, tourism and hospitality industry is estimated to contribute more than 50% of Macau’s GDP, and 70% of Macau government revenue. From 9.1 million visitors in 2000, visitors to Macau have grown in numbers to 18.7 million visitors in 2005 and 22 million visitors in 2006. Of the visitors, over 50% of them come from mainland China and another 30% from Hong Kong. Macau hosted 25 million visitors in 2007. Overall it was a great move for Asia Properties Inc. to move in on the ownership of a casino now. Macau is a gaming capital of the world and rivaling such notable places like Las Vegas and Atlantic City with ease.

Macau’s gambling industry is in trouble. No—it’s not financial due to the recession or any other easily predictable reason. Rather, it is because of water. To the dismay of big casino operators non-essential supplies may be cut off as early as this weekend as authorities struggle to keep non-toxic water flowing through facilities. They are trying to maintain the problem. Even the shortest drought without water would seriously devastate the industry because it supplies thousands of luxury bathtubs. 

Some are suggesting that Macau has about 10 days of fresh water left. This is devastating news for the casino industry that generates almost all of the locale’s GDP.  Bottled water in pallets may have to be shipped in unless a deal can be made with water companies in the Guangdong province. Guangdong already is under strain to keep Hong Kong’s water needs in check.

It was mostly a construction boom over the past four years that has made Macau one of the biggest draws in the world of gambling. It even managed to take the title of number one away from Las Vegas and it has become the world’s biggest gambling center. The water crisis could not come at a worse time for Macau though. Reservoirs across China in Zhuhai have been ripped apart and are showing the entire countries lack of adequate water management. Years of problems are now coming back to plague the country. For decades there were no regulations against illegal dumping, logging or mass urbanization. This devastated the water supply and there is a lack of ways to fix it.

Unlike Hong Kong, which struck a deal last year with Guandong province that would guarantee water supplies “even in a drought”, Macau has less visible contingency plans in place. Some legislators are confirming that there are no current contingency plans if disaster fully hits the area. Casinos are worried because of their 10-day long supply. They are already counting days and sending for emergency water aid. But how long will this tide them over? No one knows for sure. They have to address the issue and get a plan in order. As one of the central gambling hubs of the world, water is key to not only their economic, but their citizens’ survival.