Given this numbers, the Asian gambling market predictably represents a big portion of the global one. Still, there is enormous room for growth. Asia makes the largest gambling revenues worldwide, in comparison with other regions, due to the success of land-based operators. But when it comes to online betting, because of some countries’ strict regulations, the continent is surpassed by Europe, only providing 30% of the global income.

Curiously, the international predominance of the Asian betting markets is largely driven by one territory alone: Macau. With an area of only 33km2, this small country has become the gambling capital of the world.

The small colossus

Macau, an administrative region of the People's Republic of China, is one of the few Chinese territories where gambling is state-authorized.

With its dazzling, luxury casinos, Macau has been famously called the “Asian Las Vegas”. That name seems right at first glance; however, this Asian’s city reality is much more overwhelming.

Last year, Macau has generated over 5 times more in gaming revenue than the Las Vegas Strip. With 41 casinos reaching 38 billion dollars in revenue, Macau keeps the second place in the world’s GDP per capita ranking.

While a big percentage of that income has been generated by VIP gambling, this trend has shown signs of change. Infrastructure improvements were made recently on the Macau International Airport to boost passenger traffic capacity and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge was opened last October, cutting the journey from Hong Kong to about 30 minutes. As a result, the number of visitors, who will most likely provide significantly more revenues in the mass market, has reached more than 35 million in 2018 and it is rising again this year.

Following these changes, even with the uncertainties caused by the upcoming casino licenses renewals, industry reports predict that Macau’s gross gaming revenue could reach $50 billion dollars by 2022, maintaining the country’s global reign.

Most popular bets

All types of land-based gambling activities are allowed in Macau: from casinos to betting terminals, from table games to sports betting.

There is a great variety of games of fortune, but Baccarat is the undisputable star product of the island, both in the VIP and the regular tables. This classic game has historically kept its appeal because of the simplicity of its rules and its high odds.

Slots machines, poker and sports betting are also long time favourites. Nevertheless, with the massive changes in the audience and the constant gaming software innovations, the industry is looking for advanced ways of generating profits.

Visiting Macau with G2E Asia

Golden Race will be attending the international gambling event G2E Asia 2019, from the 21 to the 23 of May, which will be held at the Venetian Macao. There, we will be discussing the latest industry trends and displaying our complete suite of virtual games and betting solutions. Visit us at this major global gaming expo! We look forward to seeing you at stand D1825!