On the planet, a few cities are known as gambling hotspots, with relaxed gaming regulations and world-class casinos. Right at the top of that list has historically been Las Vegas AKA Sin City, which served as the world’s top gambling destination for nearly a half-century. In the past decade, however, that coveted top spot has been contested by a small island city off the coast of China named Macau. Macau often referred to as the Las Vegas of Asia has grown today and is bigger, grander and more profitable than its American counterpart.
It has been estimated that Macau brings in over 3 times the gambling revenue as Vegas and is, at the very least, equivalent in status, as being the world’s top gambling cities. With that in mind, there are a few differences that are relevant when choosing which gaming getaway is right for you.
Gambling Culture
When it comes to the overall gambling culture, Macau and Vegas both appeal to different markets. While Vegas remains Sin City, where slots and a more entertainment-based culture takes precedence, Macau is the opposite and is built around serious gambling. If you are an avid electronic gaming buff, then your primary choice should be Las Vegas. With over 197,000 slot machines compared to only 8500+ in Macau, Vegas remains the destination with the most slot and gaming machines worldwide. On the other hand, if you’re looking for serious table-style gambling, Macau is the better choice. Depending on how seriously you plan to gamble, that should help you determine which one of these two cities is best suited for you.
Entertainment & Shopping
When it comes to non-gambling sectors that cater to vacationers, shopping and entertainment are near the top of the list. Entertainment in Vegas is still king, with plenty of concerts, festivals and attractions non-gamblers still have plenty to do in Las Vegas. In Macau, though many of the top artists have begun doing large gigs and concerts, they still remain less frequent. Macau is more upscale with their entertainment and you will find more cigar and wine bars than nightclubs.
When it comes to shopping, Macau is a 5-star luxury-brand destination. With top designers and brands all available, and many having flagship stores in Macau, it has become the go-to destination for luxury shopping for the wives and families of China’s wealthiest. Vegas is still more widely accessible in terms of shopping with a wide variety of goods that fit any price range, from budget, all the way up to luxury. If you are looking for a cheap and entertaining experience aside from gambling, then Vegas should be your choice. If you’re looking to tickle your luxury side and spoil yourself, then Macau should be the choice destination for you.
Amenities & Cultural Experience
In terms of food and hospitality, Vegas is very American and can seem much less attention- or detail-oriented. The staff in Macau brings some of that eastern hospitality that is still hard to find in the West, and truly go above and beyond to deliver a 5-star experience. In terms of culinary options, Macau again is a luxury foodie’s paradise, with many of the world’s top chefs now calling Macau home. Fast food is much easier to find in Vegas, and though the quality of the food is much better in Macau, it’s priced very reasonably in comparison to Vegas. If you are looking for a luxury culinary experience with all the fixings, then Macau is a better option. If you aren’t too picky about food or hospitality, then Vegas could very well be more your taste.
Cost Comparison
Aside from the obvious factor of airfare and transportation costs to Asia, it would surprise most to know that Macau, as a whole, is quite a bit cheaper than Vegas in terms of cost of living. In Vegas, the average cost of living per person per week is around $1,740 USD. Macau costs significantly less, at only $770 USD per week on average. This means that if you are planning a longer trip, the cheaper cost of living can heavily offset the higher travel costs to Asia. Considering the luxury service and that there’s no tax on gambling winnings, Macau is a clear winner in the cost comparison.
When it all boils down, if you are a luxury, high net avid gambler looking for serious gaming and a highly luxurious experience, then Macau is probably the best choice, Furthermore, if you plan to stay for a longer trip, the lower cost of living can be a driving factor in your decision. On the other hand is you looking for a more rounded getaway, with other forms of entertainment and more nightlife, then Vegas is still your Mecca.
