While the online casino industry attracts more attention, many people, especially those who are fans of online casinos, are forgetting about the original players in the world of casino games - the land-based casinos! With the recent passing of the UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by President Bush, the headlines seem to be focusing on the online gambling industry more than any other aspect of this world sector. However, to step aside from the day-to-day news, one must look at the origins of this popular pastime and see that business for brick-and-mortar casinos is good.
Regarding Macau, the casino business seems to be doing quite well. According to Francis Tam, Macau's Secretary of State for the Economy and Finance, he feels confident that gross gaming revenues in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) could exceed 50 billion patacas (US 6.25 billion dollars). That is some major money. Although the online casino industry is not being discussed by this financial official, it surely exists in this country. Those who love online casino gaming most usually love land-based casinos.
In 2005, revenues from the gambling sector in Macau totaled a whopping 4.725 billion patacas, while gaming revenues totaled 45.8 billion patacas. Gross revenues exceeded those of Las Vegas with regards to the gaming sector in Macau at the end of the third quarter of 2006 by US 433 million dollars, making the SAR the world's biggest gaming and gambling center. One can only wonder what the revenue numbers would be among online casino companies in this part of the world. If it is inaccessible in this country, it will not be long before online casino gaming will become part of Macau's gambling landscape.
The opening of another casino in Macau took place on December 23rd, 2006, and is owned by the Group headed by Stanley Ho. Macau now has 24 casinos, making it a major center for gambling in the world community. Online casino and regular gamblers alike should definitely take a trip to experience the world of gambling in this country. Perhaps online casino companies will become a fixture of this business sector for Macau some day soon. |
