When you think of the gambling capitals of the world, what springs to mind? Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the US, of course. Monte Carlo, home of European high-roller gambling. For the online gamer, Malta and Curacao spring to mind.
But where else? We’d say Macau, China’s own little hedonistic haven that operates under its own rules, hosts 33 brick-and-mortar casinos, and is the biggest gambling center in the world, overtaking Las Vegas in 2006, according to the New York Times.
In fact, more than 50% of Macau’s economic output is generated through gambling activities, a huge number by anyone’s understanding. This is serious business, due to restrictions on gambling in mainland China.
Thus it comes as a bit of a surprise to find out that the last casino license has been issued. Well, the last one until 2025 at the earliest. The center of the Macau gaming industry, the Cotai strip, modeled on the Vegas Strip, will see 7 new developments launching between 2015 and 2017, leaving a question mark over the ability of the small Special Administrative Region to staff the establishments.
Restrictions on non-resident dealers working in the casinos mean that the future effects of these casinos is still unknown. The authorities have decided to engage in that most bureaucratic of solutions, namely “sit and wait.” Whether this is a good or a bad thing, we’re yet to find out. There is the problem of space: Macau is effectively an island, meaning that land comes at a premium, and you can’t eat casino chips, unfortunately.
However, this is good news for the online casino industry, as it provides further room for growth on the internet. If you’re looking for an East Asian experience, but can’t afford the time off or the airfare to visit Macau, why not try out the new Lights slot from NetEnt, now available at SuperLenny. With up to 90,000 coins for you to grab, you may not find Oriental enlightenment, but you will find a bit of satisfaction from winning the jackpot on this great slot.
So even if Macau is beyond your reach, SuperLenny isn’t, with 150 and 150 free spins for new players.
Log on today, open your account, and try your luck!